Ceramic Christmas trees offer the ideal no-mess holiday decoration. Popular in the 1960s and 1970s, these ornaments fell out of favor by 1980, when paint-at-home ceramic mold painting started to decrease in popularity and Japan and China began mass producing ready-made trees without needing hand painting.
Mid-Century Modern: the Rise of Ceramic Christmas Trees
Ceramic Christmas trees may have originated in Germany, but they soon gained immense popularity in America when soldiers stationed there brought them home as gifts for family and friends back home. Their widespread adoption coincided perfectly with post-World War II manufacturing growth as well as Mid-Century Modern design trends favoring sleek simplicity.
A Tradition from the 1960s and 1970s
Back in the 1960s and 1970s, many moms and grandmas took one-day classes at local ceramic shops to learn how to paint gifts, keepsakes, pots, and dinnerware themselves—and eventually even Ceramic Christmas trees.
Handcrafted vs Mass-Produced Ceramic Christmas Trees
Early ceramic Christmas trees were typically hand-painted and glazed by artisans, while when mass-produced in the ’80s, manufacturers relied more on pre-painted and molded clay models that weren’t given nearly as much care in finishing off – this meant modern mass-produced trees often tend to be lighter and less intricate than their handmade artisan counterparts.
Dogwood Ceramic
Original vintage Ceramic Christmas trees were hand-painted and handcrafted from colored clay, so when looking for one, be on the lookout for these qualities. An ideal vintage tree will also include information about its mold maker, such as Dogwood Ceramic Supply, Atlantic Molds, or Arnel’s, which still produce ceramic Christmas tree molds today.
Fashion during 80s
Even though ceramic Christmas trees went out of fashion during the ’80s, many still managed to hold on to them – and now they are making a comeback among today’s shoppers.
Styles and forms
Christmas ceramics come in all sorts of styles and forms – from the simple to the intricate. For something extra special, candle huggers—small ceramic pieces designed to embrace taper candles around their center—are great decorations that bring a bit of nostalgia into any home. Ceramic angels and Wise Men also make lovely ornaments.
Christmas decorating craze
Ceramic trees became widely popular during the 1950s as the Christmas decorating craze took hold across America. Shops were filled with all manner of Christmas decor – including ceramic trees – ideal for adding festive flare to a table or mantle without making too much mess.
Nostalgic ornaments
Ceramic Christmas trees remain popular decorations today. Many households own one, having purchased it either during the 1960s or ’70s or receiving as a present; many even sell these nostalgic ornaments each holiday season for significant profit.
Glaze painting processes
A paint-your-own Christmas tree is the ideal way to personalize holiday decorations, and shops that offer these projects are ideal for people who enjoy being creative. Some paint-your-own ceramics may be mass-produced, while others may be custom created by individual artists and offer more unique qualities. Ceramic Christmas trees feature clear glaze painting processes which won’t fade over time, as would happen with other types of paint-your-own ceramics.
Enjoyable craft activity
Ceramic Christmas trees can bring back fond childhood memories while providing an enjoyable craft activity for you and your children to do together or as a thoughtful present for someone special. When handled carefully, this new ornament will become something you treasure year-after-year!
Artisanal Origins to Vintage Treasures
Original ceramic trees were usually hand-painted and glazed by potters and artisans using molds purchased by potteries, They would paint, glaze and decorate them according to style and region. Their popularity peaked during the 1960s until mass-production took its place during the 1980s; today, vintage ceramic trees made with original molds can sell online for hundreds of dollars.
Wattage power sources
Modern ceramic light-up trees feature an LED base with four-hour timer to make set up simple and safe, running off of low wattage power sources. Perfect for tabletop display, mantels, shelves or bookcases alike.
Numerous paint-your-own kits
If you want to try your hand at creating your own ceramic Christmas tree, there are numerous paint-your-own kits available that let you personalize it yourself. Choose from classic colors such as green, white, and red, Just make sure that the clay quality is high, as low-grade clay could detract from its finished appearance; For an ideal result it should feel dense without crumbling easily when handled.
Scratched & chipped during
Bringing home an intact ceramic tree will add great pleasure to your holiday decor. To keep its best appearance, be sure to regularly dust it and store it safely so it doesn’t become scratched or chipped during storage. However, avoid keeping it exposed to extreme temperature changes, such changes could cause the glaze to crack or discolor over time.
Preventative measures
Real Christmas trees are beloved holiday traditions, yet they can become breeding grounds for numerous pests – particularly aphids, mites, adelgids and bark beetles. If your tree is infected with these pesky creatures, it is crucial that preventative measures be taken immediately so they do not spread to other parts of your home.
America’s decorating craze, 1950s
Ceramic Christmas trees first gained popularity during America’s decorating craze of the 1950s, when stores became filled with an assortment of decorations from Japan and China. Unfortunately, as mass production led to cheaper ready-made ceramics coming in from these countries and mass-production became cheaper too; as a result, many original molds for unique decorations have gone out of business, and less and less ceramic shops provide paint-your-own projects today.
Antiques appraiser Melanie Sherman
One piece might be worth some cash. According to Today, ceramic Christmas trees have seen an unexpected surge in value, some selling for $200 or more. Antiques appraiser Melanie Sherman says ceramic trees offer both nostalgia and practical value: They sit on tables illuminated by colorful bulbs while providing aesthetic relief.
Vintage 1970s Ceramic Christmas tree
Ceramic tree craze began in the 1940s but really caught on during the 1970s when Atlantic Molds released their version. Part of what made these trees popular was that Americans finally understood decking the halls for Christmas in style, Many used pre-made ceramic trees before customizing their decorations, such as adding stars or gifts.
Dates, Lights, and Value
When purchasing vintage Christmas trees, look out for their embossed dates on the bottom, which indicates when their original mold was created. A dealer can then help determine whether your piece qualifies as an antique. Also, keep an eye out for how each tree is lit, Older models typically used several tiny bulbs per plastic tree that would need replacing periodically, while newer models use a single standard light bulb at their bases.
Ceramic Christmas tree With Lights
Bring festive cheer into your home with this classic ceramic Christmas tree featuring lights. Boasting multicolor bulbs and a yellow star at its base, it creates a festive glow when turned on. Crafted of heavyweight ceramic in bright green hue with high gloss glaze surface to reflect LED interior lighting, it comes equipped with 5-foot plug-in light chord and extra bulbs should they become necessary in future replacement of existing bulbs.
Periodic wiping with damp cloth
Designed to stand the test of time, this ceramic Christmas tree is sure to become a family heirloom and beloved piece of holiday decor. Easy care requires only periodic wiping with damp cloth or duster and feather dusting when necessary, plus its light bulbs are permanently secured so they’re safe from accidental drops or rough handling.
Illumination compared
This tree makes the ideal addition to any holiday decor or gift. Plus, its LED lights offer cool, safe illumination compared to conventional bulbs.
Ceramic shops & mold companies
Bullet credits the ceramic Christmas trees craze as first emerging during the 1970s and ’80s (the peak years for American ceramics), spurred on by DIY projects, increased consumerism, and retreat into traditional gender roles after World War II. By the ’90s, however, most ceramic shops and mold companies had gone out of business as this trend moved into an awkward phase between trendy and vintage.
Handmade Ceramic Christmas tree
Handmade ceramic Christmas trees are classic decorations that add a decorative accent to any table or mantle, while also serving as meaningful keepsakes of holiday traditions passed down through generations. Although ceramic trees, once popular in the ’60s and ’70s, may no longer be in fashion, more modern varieties have made a comeback.
Timeless Beauty and Easy Maintenance
These ceramic Christmas trees will bring joy to both yourself and others this holiday season. While some might require minor maintenance, such as replacement bulbs, their charm cannot be denied. West Elm has made this small ceramic tree an award-winning best seller with its striking combination of simplicity and intrigue. Crafted of ivory cone shape with cut-outs throughout to allow light through when placed inside with tea light candle inside it.
Hand-Painted Ceramic Christmas tree with Retro Charm
If you love cacti and want to add a whimsical, festive touch to your decor, this hand-painted tree might just be what you need. Boasting multicolored lights and an eye-catching clear star, its retro design still makes a statement in any room. This mini tree boasts hand-painted gumdrop ornaments. A top-rated item, it makes an excellent addition to any collection and can make the perfect present for young kids moving away from home.
Cracker Barrel Christmas Ceramic Christmas tree White
Bring back some nostalgic holiday decor with this light-up ceramic Christmas tree featuring vintage design and silvery finish from Cracker Barrel Exclusives, guaranteed to become one of your favorites in years to come.
Nostalgic Style
Our nostalgic-styled tree will become the star of your holiday decorations and be enjoyed for generations by family members of all ages. Place it anywhere from your mantelpiece, table or shelf as a centerpiece to other surfaces in the house; each ceramic tree boasts high gloss finishes to make its decorations shine; vintage-style bulbs light up colorful plastic bulb lights; and an LED star topper is battery-operated and has a four-hour timer built-in!
Plastic multicolor bulbs
Each lighted tree includes extra bulbs and a 5′ plug-in light chord for added convenience. Plastic multicolor bulbs come packaged separately and are ready to be placed onto the tree by DIY or by using clear-drying craft glue for quick fixes. This festive project will bring joy, relaxation and celebration for everyone in your family.
Atlantic Mold’s estimates
Dogwood Ceramic Supply states that although the date embossed on your ceramic tree may seem to indicate its age, it’s actually more accurate to read as the copyright date of its mold design than its production date. According to Atlantic Mold’s estimates, thousands of such tree molds were sold across America over many years, so your particular piece could have been handcrafted between 1958 and today by local ceramic artists.
Ceramic Christmas tree to Paint
Ceramic Christmas tree painting can be an enjoyable and creative activity that you can share with family, friends or even on your own. Not only is the result beautiful home decor but it also makes an unforgettable present! Whether painting this piece with others or giving as a present, its value will last a lifetime.
A festive, eye-catching Centerpiece
This tree features a dark green base, multi-color lights, and an attractive yellow star tree topper. Perfectly sized for any tabletop, it makes an eye-catching centerpiece in either dining rooms or kitchens alike. Included with a light kit, this piece can easily be painted or glazed upon purchase.
Transforming Your Ceramic Christmas tree with Metallic and Pearl Finishes
If you want your tree to take on a more modern appearance, try painting with metallic emerald green acrylic paint – it makes an impressive statement piece! Additionally, pearl white and gold paints add festive touches. Finally, for an additional festive touch, add frost or snow on its tips by brushing on white or gold paints. To complete this project, you will need acrylic paints and brushes. Our Glass Green glaze is recommended as it covers up to three coats without needing clear dipping; however, this piece could require several ounces depending on its thickness of application.