Mannequin Madness has been promoting this unique alternative to the traditional Christmas tree since 2014 when we released our first digital tutorial to demonstrate how to make them. Previously we were designing dress form Christmas trees just for our corporate clients.
So, needless to say, we are experts at this crafting project. And as with all crafting projects, starting with the best materials always leads to the best outcomes. This post is to give you four tips on selecting the best canvas – the dress form – for your desired style.
Tip #1: THE STAND
The most important feature in selecting your dress form is the type of stand it is on.
The stand needs to be strong enough to withstand the weight of the garland and decorations. The last thing you want is to have all your creative work diminished if the finished result is a wobbly or lopsided tree. Or worse, if it topples over.
Regardless of what your dress form looks like (or if it is a new or used dressform), make sure it is on a sturdy stand. And also be sure that the height of the stand is adjustable to give you maximum flexibility in designing.
We recommend a metal or aluminum stand like the ones above with a flat base. It doesn’t matter if the base is round or square. Another option is a stand with wheels, because the weight of the wheels will stabilize the form.
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We don’t recommend a stand like this one below unless you plan on putting a minimal amount of garland and decoration on the form like the photo below on the right.
Dress form stands can be purchased here and if you use the discount code MMBlog you will receive 10% off at checkout.
Tip #2: THE COLOR
The color of the dress form will be the background for the decor on the bodice. So consider your theme and color palette of your decorations before purchasing your dress form.
For example, the off-white color of this form compliments the fabric and theme of this Kwanza themed holiday tree.
And this black form is a lovely contrast to the turquoise colors on this tree. That silver necklace really pops against the black.
Most of the new dress forms on the market that are cloth covered are either white, cream or black. Sometimes you can find vintage forms in different colors like this one.
Or you can use fabric or spray paint to get the exact dress form color you want like this one:
Wire dress forms are usually only available in black, white or copper, but can easily be spray painted to color of your choice.. Brand new wire dress forms have been much harder to find post-pandemic, but there are some for sale here from our affiliates on Amazon.
Tip #3: STYLE & SIZE
Dress forms come in different styles (wasp waist, sewing form, french form )and sizes (from size 2 to and up). Buying a used dress form is often a good value because the price is discounted and even if the form has blemishes, stains or ripped fabric, most likely it will be concealed with your decorations.
We have curated a selection of the most popular styles of dress forms used for the holiday trees here. Get a 10% discount when you use the code MMblog at check out.
Notice how the shape and size of the dress form can change the look of these angel themed holiday trees.:
Tip #4: CLOTH OR FIBERGLASS
With the exception of wire dress forms (which are made of metal), the vast majority of dress form holiday trees are on a fabric covered dress form. Some people prefer to use a mannequin because it is made of fiberglass.
One benefit of a fiberglass torso/mannequin is its ability to withstand harsh elements if you want to display it outside and live in place where it is rains or snows during the winter. Wire dress forms can also be displayed outdoors.
Our personal preference is a fabric dress form because many times we are either wrapping deco mesh on the bodice or putting a corset/camisole on it.
We can get the material or garment to fit exactly like we want when we can pin into a bodice that is made out of fabric versus fiberglass.
After you have purchased your dress form and are ready to start making it, we have more expert advise for you. We have created digital tutorials with step-by-step instructions on the four most popular styles of dress form holiday trees here.
So — whether it’s for Christmas or for any other theme, simple or elaborate, one time or recurring — enjoy creating your Dress Form Holiday Tree! We want your dress form to be an investment that can be used throughout the years for various occasions and purposes.
For example this Christmas themed tree below could easily become a Valentine’s Day tree if you the swap the poinsettia’s for hearts.
For more inspiration about Dress Form Holiday trees, follow our Facebook group or check out our Pinterest board.
Visit our website to shop for mannequins and dress forms, rent display pieces, or recycle your old mannequins.
