This Paper Christmas Tree DIY is an easy and festive craft perfect for adding a handmade touch to your holiday décor. Made from simple cupcake paper liners, this budget-friendly project is fun for all ages and ideal for creating charming Christmas tree decorations.
Whether displayed on a mantel, as part of a holiday centerpiece, or as a whimsical addition to your table, these DIY Christmas decorations bring a personalized, creative flair to your home. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your holiday season even more magical with this quick and creative folded paper Christmas tree.
Coming up with this project was a bit of a challenge. While the process of making the paper tree is incredibly simple, the brainstorming phase took some effort.
Initially, I had another craft planned and photographed, but sharing didn’t feel right. It turned out to be too complicated, and I always wanted my crafts to be enjoyable and approachable for everyone. That’s why I’m so excited about this cupcake liner Christmas tree—it’s straightforward, fun to make, and completely customizable.
The beauty of this project lies in its flexibility. My first tree was made with plain white cupcake liners and turned out beautifully. Later, I ordered green liners and created an ombré version that added a festive pop of color. Both versions look fantastic, and the possibilities are endless, with different colors and patterns. I can’t wait to get more photos of the green version to share, but I’m thrilled with how this project turned out for now. It’s such a joy to create something simple yet so festive!
Now that the paper trees are finished, I absolutely love how they turned out—it makes the long creative journey totally worth it!
And if you’re as into tabletop trees as I am, you’re in for a treat! My blogging friends have designed some stunning creations, so check out their projects below for even more inspiration!
Why You’ll Love This DIY Paper Tree
The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity—you only need four materials to bring it to life. From there, it’s all about folding the paper liners and gluing them onto the cone shape.
It’s Budget-Friendly
This project uses inexpensive materials like cupcake liners and a Styrofoam cone, making it an affordable way to create stunning holiday décor.
Simple to Make
With just a few steps and basic supplies, this craft is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and easy holiday project.
Fully Customizable
You can use any color or pattern of cupcake liners to match your holiday theme, making each tree uniquely yours.
Kid-Friendly Craft
This project is easy enough for kids to join in, making it a fun family activity during the holiday season.
Versatile Décor
These trees are the perfect size for tabletops, mantels, or centerpieces, adding a festive touch to any space in your home.
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How to Make a 3D Christmas Tree
d
Tree Supplies
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Cupcake Liners (white, green) I used roughly about 77 cupcake liners for my tree)
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Styrofoam Cone (I used a 6-inch size cone )
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Wooden Block (optional stand)
Step-by-Step Paper Christmas Tree
Step 1 – Fold Cupcake Liners
Start by folding each cupcake liner in half, and then fold it three more times until you create a small triangle shape. Repeat this process until you have a pile of folded liners ready.
Step 2 – Secure the Folds
Before attaching the folded cupcake liners to the Styrofoam cone, place a small dot of glue between each fold near the center to keep the paper securely in place. Allow the glue to cool and set before moving on to the next step.
Step 3 – Attach the First Row
Using a hot glue gun, attach the secured folded cupcake liners to the base of the Styrofoam cone. Place them side by side to form the first row, ensuring the edges align neatly around the bottom of the cone.
Step 4 – Build the Second Row
Attach the second row of folded liners just above the first row. Overlap the second row slightly so that about half of the first row is still visible. Make sure to stagger the placement, positioning each folded liner between two liners from the row below.
Step 5 – Continue Adding Rows
Keep adding rows in the same manner, overlapping slightly and staggering the placement for a layered effect. Work your way up the cone, row by row, until you reach the top. Depending on the size of your cone, this process usually takes about six to eight rows.
Step 6 – Finish the Top
To complete the tree, carefully glue a final folded liner or a small embellishment, such as a star or pom-pom, at the very top of the cone.
You can glue the bottom of the tree to a wooden block or a thread spool. But a stand isn’t required, and you can place it right on your tabletop.
Step 7 – Customize Your Christmas Tree Made of Paper
Once your tree is fully assembled, fluff and adjust the liners if needed. For a festive touch, add extra decorations like glitter, mini ornaments, or ribbon.
Each year, I love creating my version of tabletop Christmas trees—it’s become a bit of a holiday tradition. These little trees are such a fun way to add a handmade touch to seasonal décor, and they’re incredibly versatile. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different materials, colors, and styles to match various themes or moods for the season.
Here are a few of my favorites from past holidays!
- DIY Tabletop Christmas Tree
- Vintage Tinsel Tree DIY
- How to Make a Fleece Cone Christmas Tree
- Feather Tree DIY: An Easy Project
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Making paper Christmas trees is a fun and simple way to add holiday magic to your home. You can create a unique and homemade decoration with just a bit of paper folding and a few basic supplies. It’s so easy to customize, too—whether you stick with classic white, go for a bold green, or try something different, the possibilities are endless.
This project is a great way to add a personal, handmade touch to your holiday décor. These paper Christmas trees are perfect for mantels, tabletops, or even as part of a centerpiece. I hope you feel inspired to get creative and enjoy making them as much as I did!
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
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