how to make paper christmas trees

Christmas trees are so fun and versatile to decorate with. I love to get creative and use different elements and textures to create the trees, and today I’m using PAPER to make some adorable Christmas trees! This project is super simple and very inexpensive, and the design possibilities are endless!

For this project, you only need FIVE supplies!

• Scrapbook paper
• Styrofoam cones – this pack of 6 was at Hobby Lobby on sale for $1.25
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Pencil or small dowel rod

Hobby Lobby has tons of Christmas craft items on the shelves, and it is already on sale for 50% off! I found this pack of six styrofoam trees and paid only $1.25. What a bargain! 

The scrapbook paper I used was from my own Re-Fabbed Winter Wonderland collection. Now is the perfect time to stock up on these colors for all your Christmas crafts. You can find this collection, along with my whimsy wonderland collection, here. This scrapbook paper is a very strong and durable weight, and it’s perfect for crafting!

For the first step, I cut a few strips of scrapbook paper about one inch in width. (I think I ended up needing about two and a half strips at 12″ long.) My styrofoam cones are only about 4 inches tall, so this width was appropriate for the size of the tree. If you have a taller cone, you can definitely increase the width of your strips. 

Next, I cut thin strips to create a fringe look. The thinner you cut the strips, the more movement your paper will have, and it will lay easier against the cone. If you accidentally cut through the strip, no worries! You can easily piece together your fringe on the cone.

Once my fringe was cut on all three strips of paper, I rolled the fringe around a pencil to create a curled eyelash look. 

Then, starting at the bottom, I glued the strips around the perimeter of the cone. Once I reached the starting point, I cut the excess paper fringe and set it aside. 

For the next layer, I went up about one inch above the base layer and glue another strip. I continued this process until I reached the top.

For the top piece, I rolled a small piece of leftover paper fringe and added a dab of hot glue to secure it. Then, I glue it to the top of the tree to finish it off!

These trees were so fun to make! I love the curled layers! Since these trees are so lightweight, they could easily be added into a wreath or set on top of candlesticks or other pedestal foundations. 

How cute would the trees be as a table centerpiece? Where would YOU use paper trees? I would love to hear your ideas and see what you create!

pin for later!!

Last Updated on October 24, 2023