Crepe paper Christmas tree
Notes
Create your own 3D tree of
layered green crepe paper.
Overlapping the leaves around
and up the cone creates a
realistic, tree-like form.
Investigate how a cone shape
is formed using a semicircle of
card.
Preparation
Materials
This project requires reasonably
fine motor skills to stretch each
leaf.
• 1 large sheet of green heavy
paper or card (or a readymade conical party hat)
• green crepe paper
• scissors
• sequins/decorations
• PVA glue
• pencil
• elastic
• hole punch
• paintbrush
• paper or silver paper to make
a star
Younger children may find it
easier to simply attach the
leaves without stretching. A
store-bought party hat may be
substituted for the cone. (See
Steps 16–18.)
To finish this project in one
session, supply pre-cut leaves.
(See Step 4.)
Crepe paper is a handy and
inexpensive art resource. It is
light and pliable but heavy
enough to resist tearing.
Some crepe papers are not
waterproof. Water-based glues
like PVA can make the colour
run.
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Crepe paper Christmas tree
cont.
Draw a large semicircle onto the green card.
Use a pencil tied to a string to draw the
circle. Cut out the semicircle.
Curl the semicircle into a cone shape. The
middle of the flat edge will become the top
point of the cone. Staple or tape.
Cut several pieces of a flat bottomed leaf
from the crepe paper.
If you have sharp scissors, cut the shape
from several layers of crepe.
Stretch the leaves by placing your thumbs
on the flat edge and gently rolling them
inwards.
This will warp the crepe paper and make the
pointed end kink upwards.
Brush a line of PVA around the cone, near
the base.
Glue the flat edge of the leaf shapes around
the cone.
Slightly overlap each shape as you glue
them on.
Brush another line of PVA around the cone
approximately 15 mm above the last.
Glue another line of crepe leaves around the
cone. Try to position the leaves so they cover
the gaps on the layer below.
Continue gluing leaves around and up the
cone. Use smaller sized leaves as you near
the top.
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Crepe paper Christmas tree
Dot some PVA onto the back of the
decorations (sequins/confetti/coloured
paper etc.) then stick the decorations onto
the tips of the leaves.
Make a paper star and glue it to the top of
the tree.
cont.
To turn your tree into a hat, punch 2 holes
into the base and tie on an elastic chin
strap. Alternatively, use a ready-made conical
party hat to glue the leaves onto.
Simple version
Instead of making a cardboard cone, use a
store-bought party hat.
Attach the leaves (without stretching)
around the hat.
Use stick-on stars or circles for decorations.
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