How To Make DIY Paper Christmas Trees

Looking for a fun craft to involve the whole family, check out this tutorial on How to Make DIY Paper Christmas Trees. These adorable trees can be used alone, on a garland, or as a tree ornament. A cheap DIY Christmas tree made with regular white paper.

As I folded my trees, I was reminded of the folded Fortune Telling game we made as kids. Do you remember those? You may also find these trees, which are called Origami or Chatterbox.

The thing I remember most is how excited I was when I finally learned to fold them correctly. You may feel the same about these trees.

That is why I have included a video tutorial and the written blog. You may find it helpful to refer to both.

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What is Origami Art?

Origami art is derived from a combination of the Japanese words “ori” which means folding and “kami” for paper. Therefore, origami art is the folding of paper. The unique thing about origami paper folding is that it’s formed into sculptures without cutting, gluing, or taping the paper.

There are many sculptures you can fold with this technique such as swans, however, we are focusing today on making fun Christmas trees.

What Is The Purpose Of Origami?

Today most origami art is used for decorations. It’s also a good lesson in geometry and a fun project to involve kids of all ages.

DIY Christmas Tree with Paper

The only supplies you need are 20-24 lb. copy paper and baker’s twine or jute twine.

I used white paper. However, this green copy paper or red would look great as well.

DIY Paper Christmas Trees Tutorial

Begin by folding your 8 1/2 x 11 paper into a 8 1/2 inch square.

Cut off the excess paper.

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1. Open the square and fold across the opposite corner. You should have a good X shaped crease in the paper.
2. Then open the square and fold the paper in half, making a rectangle. Open and repeat on opposite side creating cross shaped crease. Then turn the paper over and fold the last two creases in the opposite direction.
3. When folded in half, peaks of the X shaped crease should now be facing outward.
4. Now fold once more allowing the peaks to move outward and the other creases to move inward.

You will now have 4 peaks which you want to allow to come forward as shown below.

Fold the peak creating a pocket and press with your fingers for a good crease. Refer to the image below.

When all 4 peaks have been pressed open, your square will now have 4 pockets as you can see below.

Using scissors, cut away the excess above the pockets. When you turn this over, you will have a tree shape with a center crease.

Finally, make sure you have an even amount of folded pieces on each side of the center fold.

Cut The Tree

You are now ready to cut your tree.

First, make four cuts on either side of the tree.

Be sure to cut horizontally, approx. 1/3 – 1/2 inch from the edge of each tree. If possible, the cut areas should be even on both sides of the tree.

Fold Christmas Tree Corners

Begin to fold each cut area downward, leaving a point at the beginning of the next cut.

Make sure you press the folded crease well. Repeat this folding process until all the tree points have been created.

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Finally, fluff your tree.

These trees stand alone or you can use them to create a garland or add them to your tree as an ornament.

See Video Tutorial

Make a Garland with Paper Christmas Trees

I made a garland with my white paper Christmas Trees by stringing them together with red and white baker’s twine.

Just use a large-eyed sewing needle and thread with the twine to do this. Cut the twine the approx. Ten inches longer than you want your finished garland.

Run the needle through the top of each tree and tie a knot. Space the trees evenly along the twine.

Add a single piece of twine if you’d rather use your paper Christmas trees as single ornaments on your tree.

Hang your garland and enjoy.

The garland can be used on your tree, in a window or door. Anywhere you want to add some holiday charm.

I had one tree left over, and it sits perfectly on a red candle holder.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.

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