A paper roll Christmas tree is a fun and eco-friendly way to get creative this holiday season! Made from recycled cardboard tubes, paint, and a touch of glitter, these homemade decorations are the perfect mix of simple, cute, and festive.
This Christmas craft is a great way for kids to get creative, and it’s an easy way to turn recyclables into holiday decor. Use them to decorate your mantel, create a mini forest centerpiece, or line them up on a windowsill for a charming DIY touch!
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How to Make a Paper Roll Christmas Tree
Materials:
- Toilet paper roll
- Acrylic paint (green)
- Acrylic paint markers (gold)
- Foam star sticker(s) (gold)
Equipment:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Create the Christmas tree shape
- Start by flattening a toilet paper roll.
- Begin drawing a Christmas tree shape on the roll. Draw straight lines at the bottom connecting to the stem. This will create a ring that allows the tree to stand.
- Continue drawing tiered branches for the tree, leading to a point at the top.
- Cut out the Christmas tree. Make sure the ring and at least two sets of branches are connected at the sides to give the tree stability.
- Push the sides of the tree in so it’s a 3D shape again.
Step 3: Decorate the tree
- Paint the outside of the tree with green acrylic paint. Allow to dry.
- Use a gold paint marker to add details to the tree. You can draw pine needles like we did here, or add a garland or ornaments.
- Attach a gold glitter star foam sticker to the top of the tree.
- Your paper roll Christmas tree is complete!
- Now have fun making Christmas trees in various shades of green, and use paper towel rolls to create decorations of different heights!
Helpful Tips:
- Keep the branches sturdy: When cutting the tree shape, make sure to keep at least two branch sections joined. This helps stabilize the paper roll and keeps your Christmas tree standing tall.
- Add colour to the trunk: You can also paint the bottom section brown to create a more realistic looking tree trunk.
What type of paper rolls are best for this Christmas tree craft?
You can use regular toilet paper rolls for this project, or purchase cardboard craft rolls if you prefer. Paper towel rolls work great if you want to make taller trees. And wrapping paper rolls are another sturdy option for creating trees of different heights.
How can I decorate my toilet paper roll tree?
We love adding a glittery foam star on top, but you can also cut one from glitter cardstock or make a small yarn pom pom for a cute handmade topper.
For the tree decorations, try adding mini ornaments using rhinestones, pom poms, or buttons. They’ll give each tree its own festive personality!
What type of markers should I use on my paper roll Christmas tree?
Acrylic paint markers and oil-based paint pens both show up beautifully on painted cardboard. You can also use a metallic Sharpie or even a gel pen to add sparkly garlands and branch details to your trees.
These paper roll Christmas trees are a wonderful reminder that simple materials can create something truly special. With just a cardboard tube, some paint, and a little imagination, you can craft a decoration that’s festive, fun, and full of handmade charm. Whether you make one tree or a whole forest, this easy Christmas craft will add a creative, eco-friendly touch to your holiday season!
Here’s even more Christmas craft ideas:
Now available
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
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