Quick & Easy Handmade Paper Christmas Trees
Have you ever tried making your own paper? It takes a little practice, but it’s so rewarding and a great way to recycle. Plus, you can use your creations to make so many gorgeous things at little to no cost. These handmade paper Christmas trees are a good example.
Aren’t they lovely? If you’re not keen to make your own paper, you can find beautiful sheets at most craft shops. The size of the finished tree will depend on how big your sheets of paper are. For the large handmade paper Christmas tree, I used 3 A4 sheets I made many moons ago.
This little one only took one sheet.
Right, before I show you how to make these paper Christmas trees, why not follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram so you never miss a post? And don’t forget to subscribe.
What you need
- Handmade paper
- Large cardboard box
- Ruler
- Craft knife or scissors
- Fairy lights
- Water and paintbrush
- Masking tape and glue
- Twig (optional)
How to make handmade paper Christmas trees
These little Christmas trees are super easy to make. Start by drawing a basic Christmas tree shape on scrap paper and cut it out. We’ll use the shape as a guide in a few moments.
Cut your cardboard box into strips that are roughly 3 cm wide. If you want a fatter tree, make the strips wider.
Starting at the bottom of the tree and using the paper cut-out as a guide, bend and shape the cardboard strips around the tree shape. Using a ruler to make the bends gave me crisp, clean lines.
Continue bending and shaping the tree form using the cut-out as a guide.
To make things easier, you can use a pen to mark where the folds should be.
If your cardboard strip isn’t long enough, you can join two pieces together at the bend with masking tape.
You should end up with something like this. Don’t worry if the shape looks a little wonky. We’ll fix that in the next step.
Adding the handmade paper
Put glue around one edge of the cardboard tree shape and glue it down onto the handmade paper.
Make a small hole at the bottom of the Christmas tree and thread fairy lights through the hole.
Use masking tape to attach the fairy lights inside the tree shape.
Once the lights are in place, put glue around the other edge and glue down the second sheet of handmade paper.
Dip a paintbrush in water and outline the handmade paper Christmas tree. Gently rip the paper to create a tattered effect. Save the scraps to make this adorable little paper house with a thatch roof.
To finish off, glue handmade paper strips on the sides to hide the cardboard.
To give the trees more height, you can always add a sturdy twig and wood slice. Just glue them to the bottom of the Christmas tree.
Or pop a tiny angel on top.
Quick and easy.
The little trees look great grouped together ….
…. or on their own.
What do you think? Have you used handmade paper and cardboard to create festive decor?
Don’t forget to pin the handmade paper Christmas trees tutorial for later.
Sharing is caring
Want a few more easy Christmas decor ideas?
- Make this unusual light-filled ring that also uses cardboard as a base;
- Another festive repurposed cardboard idea. This star overflowing with baubles is something completely different.
- One of our most popular posts, these wine-glass Christmas trees look amazing day and night;
- For those who want to add a little whimsy, then this bejeweled and feathered Christmas tree is just for just for you;
Oh, and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: Clicking on the links below means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry, it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you 😉
And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then maybe these beauties will appeal.
And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
These trees are super cute! Years ago I made some homemade paper. It was fun! I’ve even made paper beads.
I’ve been meaning to share a tutorial to make handmade paper for so long and keep on forgetting. It’s such a fun process. A bit messy, but the results are worth it
Your paper trees are gorgeous! I pinned this post on my Christmas ideas board.
Happy Fall,
Kippi
Thanks for that, Kippi. I appreciate it
This project is magical Michelle! I’ve always wanted to try papermaking and I think this is really going to give me a push to finally try it out :). Your paper is so lovely.
I think you’re going to love making your own paper, Sara. It takes some trial and error to figure out which types of paper work well together, but it’s so worth it and fun to boot.
Oh these are lovely…dainty, sweet and very festive. I agree, I think I would keep them up all winter long.
I suspect they’ll be sticking around for quite a while here too 😉
Love these, the handmade paper is cozy and nostalgic.
I love the texture of the homemade paper. It always adds something interesting
I love working with paper and this is inspiring!
Glad you like them, Janet. There’s so many things you can do with paper
A beautiful craft idea Michelle. It looks so ethereal, perfect for the Angels, and fairies!
What a beautiful way to describe them, Mary. Thank you
Oh my gosh! These are adorable, and would fit in perfectly with my cozy little cottage! I would leave them up all winter long 🙂
Me too 😉