Boy, it’s hard to find an affordable vintage toy truck nowadays. Maybe it’s always been difficult, but it’s especially hard these days when everyone wants some red truck decor in their Christmas decorations. So, when I finally found one I could afford, I accepted that it was broken/incomplete and knew I could fix it up into the Christmas truck decor of my dreams.
You see, the vintage red truck that I found was missing its back half. I don’t know if it was a dump truck or what, but it was affordable and begging for a little help.
And let’s face it, that’s what I live for!
I had a plan in mind for him, and it involved a craft supply staple that I rarely use: Popsicle sticks!
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Building the Side Rails for Christmas Truck Decor
I immediately imagined an old-timey pickup truck with truck side rails- you know what I’m talking about? Adding that element would really be perfect for Christmas truck decor.
I decided to build my own version of it using popsicle sticks (large ones and small ones) and my hot glue gun. I so rarely use popsicle sticks in my projects, but they really seemed ideal for this.
First, I “aged” the Popsicle sticks using a wood stain in my favorite vintage-y color.
Next, I used my special craft scissors to cut the round ends off the sticks, and glued together two side rails- mirror images of each other.
I was, admittedly, lucky that the Popsicle sticks were close to the perfect length I needed for my Christmas truck decor.
After that, I closed up the back with two more tongue-depressor sized Popsicle sticks.
Now I had the perfect bed crate for my Christmas truck decor!
It sat perfectly in the Christmas truck, but the best part is that the truck isn’t altered at all! I didn’t glue down the wooden side rails or anything like that.
Now that it had a crate in the back, I could continue transforming it into a red Christmas truck!
Red Truck with Christmas Trees
Next, I went through my collection of bottlebrush Christmas trees (all vintage, of course) and added a few to the back of my Christmas truck.
But something was missing. My Christmas truck decor needed one more thing!
Lastly, I made a little sign using a couple of the smaller Popsicle sticks. And I stamped on a greeting with alphabet stamps with a play off my blog’s name.
NOW it was done, and I had the most darling red truck with Christmas trees ever.
Christmas Truck Decor
If there’s a cuter vintage red truck with Christmas trees out there, I’d love to see it. I’m just completely smitten with mine- would it be weird to leave it out year-round?
And since my vintage aqua truck didn’t want to be left out of the holiday fun, he decided to head into the peppermint forest and haul some lumber.
Recently, we added yet another “vintage” toy truck to our Christmas collection. But this one is a Lego set!
I thought about filling it with Lego trees, but decided to just use the bottlebrush trees I already had on hand. So fun and festive, right?
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for Christmas truck decor and vintage Christmas decorations, then you’ll love these Christmas snow globes in vintage mason jars!
And did you know that my book, “Crafting with Flannel”, has an entire chapter dedicated to Christmas crafts? It’s available to purchase online from Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Absolutely adorable! I love it. I never even wanted a toy truck till now!
They are just PERFECT for Christmas decorating!!
Brilliant!!! I love, love, love it! You did a bang-up job – congrats!
Thank you!!
Wow That is great. I still have my eyes open for a truck, even though I bought a new truck at Hobby Lobby to use this year.
I love what you did with that truck!
Thanks, Karen!
That really is adorable! I liked it before…and then you made it even better! Happy holidays!
Thank you so much- and the same to you and yours! 🙂
This sooo cute…I love how you modified the antique toy struck, without permanently changing it…simply amazing…Pinning now….Thank you so much for joining us at Party in Your PJs.
Thanks so much, Kim!
I love vintage trucks!! This is so cute.
Thank you, Jillian!
What a lovely idea!!
Have a great day!
Steffi
I saw this over on the From Dream to Reality link party. It is so cute, probably better than the truck originally looked! You did such a great job, I am sure it looks wonderful in your home for Christmas!
Thank you for the sweetest comment, Chloe! I’m quite fond of the little guy, that’s for sure. He’s our newest Christmas star! 🙂
This turned out so cute! I love Christmas decor with vintage toys. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Anna- they really do add something special, don’t they??
This is so cute!!! I love your little sign on it too. 🙂
Tee-hee, cute, right? AND I got the stamps straight on my first try- Christmas Miracle!!! 😉
I love, love, love this! I totally agree about how hard it is to find the affordable trucks now, but this one was an incredible find. When looking at it, I never would have guessed that you added the wood section onto the back. Totally incredible decoration!
Thank you so much, Jamie- I have to admit, I’m over the moon with how he turned out…and on the first try, no less!! He’s my new favorite Christmas decor piece. 🙂
Okay, I absolutely LOVE this! I want to make one! I’m totally keeping my eyes open for a truck like that! 🙂
Oh so cute! I have been having no luck finding an affordable truck to do something like this. I am thinking of buying a new vintage looking diecast truck to use in decorating.
All right, this is absolutely adorable. I don’t blame you for being in love with it – it turned out great!
Just the cutest Christmas decoration, you did a great job of bringing it to life! Now my hunt for a vintage truck begins. 🙂
So cute! The trees in the back really takes it to the next level. Thanks so much for sharing at the Make it Monday pasry 🙂
This is so cute! I love how you re-purposed it into a Christmas decoration. Thank you for sharing at Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in this week’s issue.
I am in love with your truck!! Now I am going to be on a hunt all year for me a cutie like this. Great job!
Cutest toy truck in blogland
So clever and it turned out quite beautiful! Love it!
We are so glad you shared with us at #homematters. We are Pinning all posts now! Please be sure to come back this Friday for our new party look!
THIS IS AWESOME! I love it! PINNED! Thank you so much for linking up with Found & Foraged! The girls and I really hope to see you again this Saturday 8PM CT (ya, we’re back to normal now). See ya in a few days!
I absolutely love this… the trees the bed crate… so great. Thank you for linking up to On Display Thursday.
It is absolutely adorable! I love how you put the wood boards up on the back of the truck. Thanks for sharing at my Creative Ways Link Party!
Blessings,
Nici
Love, love your little Christmas tree delivery truck! I too have been on the “hunt” for the perfect old pickup truck. They are very rare nowadays.
Happy Holidays!
I always say old trucks never die, they come back to carry bottle brush trees. Thanks for sharing your truck with Make It Monday.
Congratulations, Sarah! Your Vintage Christmas Tree Delivery Truck post was chosen as a Featured Post over at the Home Matters Linky Party #17! Thanks for sharing your amazing project. #HomeMatters
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Sarah, your truck is soo cute, and such a clever way to make it your own truck with trees. Also, congrats on the feature on Vintage Charm with your plaid wreath – where I found you. I loved that too. I subscribed so I won’t miss future posts – love your style.
Rita C at Panoply
Thank you so much, Rita!! I’m so glad you found me. That truck was actually a project from last year, can you believe it?! I just never linked it up at this party before. 😀
Adorable !
You sure fixed it up to look just perfect , love how it looks.
I also didn’t want to spend big bucks on a toy truck
I have the Target truck and happy with it as I did a post on my red truck also.
You are very smart to make the little side rails, just adorable
It made me smile to see it
Thanks, Janice!!
Your old truck wins the prize for vintage cuteness!!
Awwww, thank you, Vickie!
I love your truck!
Thank you so much!
Fantastic:-) It’s just beautiful:-)
Thank you so much, Anita!
Sarah, this is soo cute! I love it and it’s so clever that you added the part with the trees! I’ve only started seeing these kind of trucks this season and I must say I’m gonna look out for one as well….
Thank you so much, Katrin!
What a neat idea! 🙂
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
This is so cute! I love all the vintage trucks with the Christmas trees that I keep seeing. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday, hope to see you again in the new year!
Thank you!!
Super Cute!! My husband would love this!! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday! See you again tomorrow! Pinned!
Love you reconstructed vintage truck. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm.
Absolutely vintage, my husband would love it too!!
Thanks for sharing with us at #TwoUsesTuesday, shared at StumbleUpon
Hugs,
Pili
Thanks, Pili!!
Stumbled upon your blog, and to this vintage truck. LOVE!
I was lucky enough to find a truck via a local buy/sell/trade site about a year ago. I paid $10, but I’ve wanted one forever. I’ve been wanting to make rails for the back, but hadn’t gotten down to business on how to do it. Thanks for the great idea. 🙂
I hope you had a wonderful holiday.
I’m so very glad, Carole! I see you also found my Parcheesi clock…so happy you found me! 🙂
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; you are one clever chickie!!!
Thank you so much, Cathy!!
Your version of the Vintage Christmas Truck is my absolute favorite, hands down. How adorable is THIS, right down to the cute namesake sign!
Thank you so very much, my friend!
Terrific restoration and great vision to see that it was possible! Love your other truck too – with its peppermint forest load 🙂
Thank you, Lori!
What a great fix! The little truck looks great! Hopefully one day I will find me one.