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There was a time when taking a ceramics class was quite in vogue among young housewives. I remember in the 70′s when my mother took ceramics and brought home corn-shaped casserole dishes and frog pencil holders. |
| Tabletop ceramic Christmas trees were likely only made by those ladies with exceptional skill. You can find vintage ceramic Christmas trees that date from the 1940s to the 1990s. Some are admittedly hideous, others are very attractive and even magical. |  |
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Ceramic Christmas trees are decorated and painted by hand, and are often glazed. They typically will feature glass jewels. These glass jewels will glow when the tree is turned on, as they often are hollow with a light bulb inside. |
| I found mine at yard sales for less than $10. You can definitely find them on ebay. |  |
The rarer and more collectible trees, which often date from the 1940s, are always attractively colored and glazed, and usually individually numbered. These can cost from $150 upwards.
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I’ve often thought of getting new bulbs for mine. Maybe all in the same color, like pink. You can still buy replacement bulbs for these Christmas trees online and on ebay. You do need to make sure you get the right size though, as there are variations. You can even get jeweled lights shaped like little birds. |
If you’re feeling nostalgic, keep your eyes open for a vintage ceramic Christmas tree of your own!
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I have my mom’s. It is white with plastic red birds. I treasure it. She made it, I think while they lived in Miami.
Kristie, I have to chuckle every time you blog. I have a ceramic tree. I have the little elves. I have several pieces from “Home Interiors” from the 70′s. The thing is, I didn’t find all these “vintage” pieces at yard sales. I’m old enough that I was the original owner! You make me feel better about some of my “old stuff.”
Michelle L.,
Kinda reminds me of that old Barbara Mandrell song: “I was country when country wasn’t cool.” You’re just ahead of your time!
I remember my grandmother had a ceramic tree that she had made like those.
So funny! Ours is green and is surrounded by white Christmas geese with red ribbons on their necks. After your article I just might have to make another trip back into the attic.
I have one that I bought at a garage sale. It’s green with white tips on the ends to signify snow?
Anyhow I’ve been looking everywhere for crystal pegs to go into the little holes because I really want it to twinkle when I light it up.
I’m going to paint the tree gold and leave the white tips and then paint the base gold as well. I think with crystal lights it will look very grand.
I took a look and the one I have isn’t a collector piece at all which is why I feel comfortable painting it.
Anyhow what do you all think? Paint it or leave it?
PS: thanks for the info on ceramic trees because I thought it was the oddest thing lol
Connie,
You can find tons of crystal pegs on ebay – just make sure you get the right size. They apparently make them in a few sizes. I think that if painting it will make you love it and use it, then go for it!
My grandma always put her out for Christmas. I have her tree now and it is one piece that reminds me of her. I would love to find some replacement pegs.
Shannon – I have found replacement pegs on Ebay, you might want to check there.
I am looking for a green ceramic tree n good condition. My wife has been wanting one but can’t find one she likes. About 20″- 24″.
Brett, are you still looking for one? I am helping clean out an eldery aunt’s home and today we found a large one (maybe 2 feet) w/a pretty base like the one on the 1st green tree pictured above, but with red/white/green pattern – (they told me the base is cracked, I didn’t see it up close but overall the tree looked very good to me – I didn’t plug it in b/c the electricity in the home is already turned off, but I can def check that out)…I don’t know where you’re located, we’re in MO. We could ship it if you pay shipping & would want to do that. Let me know, and if you’re interested I can quote you a price if it’s still available when you reply. Thanks! Whitney
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