The Osterbaum / German Easter Tree- Make Your OWN Easter Tree

During the Easter Season, it is quite common to see an Osterbaum or Osterstrauss. But what is an Osterbaum? Osterbaum in German means Easter Tree. Some people decorate tiny trees, but  These pretty little “trees” are generally made from cut twigs and short branches of pussy willow or forsythia plants. The branches go into a vase and are decorated with eggs that have been blown out and painted or small wooden ornaments. (When they are in a vase, they are also called Osterstrauss  or Easter Bouquet). Easter Trees can be a family project, and ornaments can be added every year.

Easter Sunday is on March 31, 2024

What is an Osterbaum

Every year during the Easter Season my mother would place a few budding branches in a vase and hang colorful painted eggs from them. This was an Osterbaum, an Easter Tree  Over the season, the buds would sometimes even bloom. So pretty! While these Easter Trees are quite common in Germany, I’m delighted to see them catching on here in the US.

In Germany, people also decorate live trees or bushes in their yard with colored eggs tied on with ribbon. Unlike Christmas trees, these trees are living, and don’t require a special stand or lights. Because it can still be grey and cold in the spring, these colored eggs add a festive atmosphere to neighborhoods and towns. The eggs can be plastic, wooden or real painted eggs that have been hollowed out.

The most famous of these Osterbaum trees is in Saarberg. For years Volker Kraft in Saalfeld, Germany has been adding more and more eggs that his family decorated to a tree in his yard. The final count was 10,000 eggs!

The Easter tree are can also be found inside the home. Usually they are made from branches cut from pussy willows or other flowering bushes. The cut branches are usually brought in the house and put in a vase to be decorated hollowed out real eggs, with hand painted wooden eggs, ribbon and little wreaths or nests. They make a lovely centerpiece for the Easter Table, or a beautiful decoration for your sideboard.

You can easily create your own Osterbaum (Easter Tree).

Of course, you can buy Easter Egg Trees that are ready made, but many people prefer to make their own. This is a nice idea for any home where the kids may be too old to hunt eggs, but too young to want to give up Easter fun altogether.

 

Make you Own Osterbaum

Supplies:

-Branches with buds or tiny flowers (Pussy Willows or Forsythia is nice)

-Hollowed out Eggs (the video below explains how to empty them out)

-Ribbon or String to tie the eggs to the tree

-Paint, markers, sequins or decoration for the eggs

Paint or decorate the Eggs however you like… then send the ribbon through the holes, and tie it to your branches. There are a million videos or tutorials for decorating eggs… choose your favorite method.

OR use an actual mini Tree like these below.
<

 

 

&

How to Blow Eggs for Your Osterbaum

Easter Tree Video

Make Your Own Osterbaum Ornaments

You can blow out eggs… or find artificial eggs ready for decorating online. Just paint or glue on beads and ribbon, to make your own special Osterbaum Ornaments.!

Merry Art Dyeable Decorating Easter Eggs, 24-Pack

 

Find German Easter Ornaments Here-

You can decorate your Easter Tree with real eggs that you’ve made, or you can order some beautiful ornaments that were made in Germany. Wood, glass, felt, beaded, new or vintage… you can find just the right ornaments to compliment your style! Including some awesome new ornaments from the Käthe Wohlfahrt Store!

Osterei Lamm besticktKäthe Wohlfahrt StoreOsterei gelb mit Herz-LochmusterKäthe Wohlfahrt Store

 

Easter egg lily of the valleyKäthe Wohlfahrt StoreEaster egg meadow greenKäthe Wohlfahrt StoreEaster egg ladybugKäthe Wohlfahrt StoreEaster egg two bunnies sitting in the grassKäthe Wohlfahrt StoreEaster egg blue with flowersKäthe Wohlfahrt StoreYellow/green Easter egg with chick and flowersKäthe Wohlfahrt Store

 

SmoothNovelty 24 Pcs Felt Easter Eggs Decor Colorful Felt Eggs Mini Pastel Easter Eggs Bulk Easter Decor Ornaments for Tree Hanging Egg Hunt Basket Stuffers Spring Party Decoration Art Craft, 6 Styles12pcs Vintage Style Paper Mache Foam Egg Hanging Ornaments Easter DecorationSmall hand Painted Wooden Colorful Ukrainian Easter Eggs 4-4,5 cm х 5 pcs, Very Well Handmade Petrykivka painting Folk Art Pysanky handmade Set of Hanging Mini Eggs

 

Glass Easter Ornaments

These highly collectible, delicate and beautiful glass Easter Ornaments add shine to your Osterbaum.

White SheepKäthe Wohlfahrt StoreGockel mit ClipKäthe Wohlfahrt Store

 

Kurt Adler Glass Decorative Egg Ornament, 45mm, Set of 9BestPysanky Mother and Baby Rabbit Blown Glass Christmas Ornament

 

Kurt Adler Glass Decorative Egg Ornament, 45mm, Set of 9

 

&

&

Egg Decorating Tutorials

 

Styrofoam Bead Eggs

Decoupage Eggs

Glitter Eggs

Ribbon and Sequin Eggs