DIY Decorative Paper Christmas Trees

Christmas crafts are a big part of our annual traditions, and one of our very favorite crafts are these decorative paper Christmas trees that can be as simple or as fancy as you like. They’re quick to make and look adorable on a mantle or any small surface you like.

These paper Christmas trees can be made in various sizes and from various materials, depending on your preference. And they’re easy enough for even young kids to make!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 7 pieces of heavyweight scrapbooking paper ( 2 green designs, 2 red designs, 3 plain white) 
• red and green buttons about 40 total (less if you spread them out further apart) and one large green button. 
• 1 – 2 sheets of red tissue paper 
• glue gun and glue sticks
• scissors
• red, green and yellow (or gold) washi tape designs 

How to Make: 

Use scissors and glue to wrap and secure your scrapbook paper into cones of various heights and widths. If you have trouble, try cutting circles of different sizes with a cut up to the middle and then bringing the cut edges together until a cone forms. 

Button Trees

Take your first of three white trees and using the glue gun, stagger dots of glue and the red and white buttons around the tree from the bottom to the very top.

At the top add the large green button. Once finished, gently pull excess strings from the glue gun away for a clean look. 

Tissue Paper Trees

You will need another one of the white trees, two sheets of red tissue paper, scissors and the glue gun. Tear strips of tissue paper all the same width (approximately 2 inches wide shown).

Use the glue gun to apply a strip of glue 2 inches from the base. Crinkle a strip of tissue so that it gets a ruffle effect and press it to the strip of glue. Repeat all the way up the tree trimming the excess length as you go. 

 Washi Tape Trees

You will need your last white tree and your washi tape. The washi tape will not lay evenly on the tree if you attach it going around the tree. It works best to apply it in long strips lengthwise as shown. Apply on after the other from top to bottom and trim excess as needed. 

You have completed your trees and are ready to display them anywhere for a gorgeous holiday decoration! From mantels to window sills these tress are sure to add holiday cheer! 

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DIY Decorative Paper Christmas Trees

Yield: As many as you like

Active Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $5

Christmas crafts are a big part of our annual traditions, and one of our very favorite crafts are these decorative paper Christmas trees that can be as simple or as fancy as you like. They're quick to make and look adorable on a mantle or any small surface you like.

Print

Materials

• 7 pieces of heavyweight scrapbooking paper ( 2 green designs, 2 red designs, 3 plain white)
• red and green buttons about 40 total (less if you spread them out further apart) and one large green button
• 1 – 2 sheets of red tissue paper
• red, green and yellow (or gold) washi tape designs

Tools

• glue gun and glue sticks
• scissors

Instructions

Use scissors and glue to wrap and secure your scrapbook paper into cones of various heights and widths. If you have trouble, try cutting circles of different sizes with a cut up to the middle and then bringing the cut edges together until a cone forms. 

Button Trees

1. Take your first of three white trees and using the glue gun, stagger dots of glue and the red and white buttons around the tree from the bottom to the very top.
2. At the top add the large green button. Once finished, gently pull excess strings from the glue gun away for a clean look. 

Tissue Paper Trees

1. You will need another one of the white trees, two sheets of red tissue paper, scissors and the glue gun. Tear strips of tissue paper all the same width (approximately 2 inches wide shown).
2. Use the glue gun to apply a strip of glue 2 inches from the base. Crinkle a strip of tissue so that it gets a ruffle effect and press it to the strip of glue. Repeat all the way up the tree trimming the excess length as you go. 

Washi Tape Trees

1. You will need your last white tree and your washi tape. The washi tape will not lay evenly on the tree if you attach it going around the tree. It works best to apply it in long strips lengthwise as shown. Apply on after the other from top to bottom and trim excess as needed. 

Notes

There are so many ways you can make these trees, and they are so fun to decorate. They are a great craft for toddlers - just use glue sticks rather than hot glue.

Did you make this project?

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Katie Reed

Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.