Decorating a room with a paper Christmas tree can be a beautiful and inexpensive way to create a festive holiday atmosphere in your home or office. Paper Christmas trees are not only beautiful, they are also easy to make and make decorating any room fun! This article provides instructions on how to make 2 different types of paper Christmas tree decorations. Both methods are excellent group projects for children and adults alike. Use your imagination, and have fun!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Make a 3D Paper Christmas Tree
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
You can keep your Christmas tree as simple or elaborate as you like by decorating it with paint, glitter, stickers, paper clippings, or whatever you want. This is an excellent project to do together with a group. Buy cardboard and various decorative materials, and let everyone's imagination!
- Green cardboard (or any other color you want).
- Scissors.
- Whiteboard marker.
- Transparent insulation.
- Decoration for your tree; decorations that are often used are glitter, stickers, ribbons, colored paper, confetti, etc.
- Glue to glue the decor.
- Glue gun and glue stick to glue the top decorations (optional).
Step 2. Cut out two similar tree shapes on the cardboard
Start by stacking two pieces of cardboard and folding them in half. Then use a marker to draw a half-tree shape on the stack of paper. Then, cut along the lines of the two sheets of paper. Now you have two identical tree shapes.
You can make a large tree using two large pieces of cardboard, or you can cut one piece of cardboard in half
Step 3. Cut out the parts in the tree shape to combine them
First, find and mark the vertical center line of each tree by folding it in half vertically (folding the pointed end of the tree), then lightly crease or mark the center line.
Step 4. Merge the two shapes and form a tree
Tuck in the halves of the two tree shapes so that the center fits together. Then use a few small pieces of transparent insulation on the top and bottom of the tree to hold it in place. Finally, unfold the tree so it can stand on its own.
Step 5. Have fun decorating your tree
This step has no limits so do it as creatively as possible. You can use glitter paint or glue to add sparkle, or even “live” your tree. Cut the ornament out of colored paper using scissors or a hole punch, and attach it to the tree. Make a strand of metallic thread or ribbon, and don't forget to attach a star or little angel to the top.
- You can use the same 3D method to create 3D stars or angels for the treetops.
- Glue is best used for attaching objects to tree tops.
Method 2 of 2: Making a Cone Shaped Paper Christmas Tree
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
This tree starts from a plain paper cone which can be decorated simply and elegantly, or as elaborately as you like. This tree can be made in a variety of sizes, and you can use whatever decorative paper you have, or decorate plain paper before you start.
- Decorative paper. Use green cardboard for a traditional tree look, or use patterned paper or wrapping paper to make a tree that looks beautiful and modern. Avoid using very light paper types.
- A plate, bowl, or other large round object that can be used to make circular molds.
- Paper glue, or glue gun and glue stick.
- Scissors.
- Decoration for your tree.
Step 2. Cut out the cone shape
Start by tracing a plate, bowl, or other round object. Then fold the circle into quarters, by folding it in half, then folding it back in half. Now unfold and cut the paper into quarters according to the fold line. Each paper will produce four cones.
- Use different plate/mold sizes to produce different cone heights.
- You can make larger circle prints by using strings that are half the size of the circle you want. Tie a pencil to one end of the string, and secure the other end quickly using tape, safety pins, or other holders. Then pull the string tension, and swing the pencil to draw a perfect circle.
Step 3. Form a cone
Take one of your quarter strips of paper that is pointed at the top, and roll it to form a cone. Then use the adhesive of your choice to secure the folds.
- Be sure to hold onto the cone until the glue dries.
- You can also use insulation, or even staples to do this step, but the cones won't look very neat.
Step 4. Decorate the cones
Decorate the surface of the paper using markers, paint, glitter glue, or rubber stamps. Then use paper glue to glue various ornaments and decorations to the tree.
- This cone-shaped paper Christmas tree would look even more beautiful with the addition of textured or 3D components, so try using buttons, sequins, beads, or gems to decorate your tree.
- You can also make stars for the treetops by using a metallic cleaning pipe, or by making rolls of shiny ribbon. Glue is best used for attaching objects to tree tops.
Step 5. Lay a paper Christmas tree around your house, and get ready for the compliments to come
Arrange rows of trees along the length of the mantle, or use tree chains of various sizes to make beautiful and festive decorations.
