Skip to Content

How To Make DIY Paper Christmas Trees

Check out this tutorial on How to Make DIY Paper Christmas Trees that 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 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.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

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.


  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.
How to fold the paper for the DIY Paper Christmas Trees

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

DIY Christmas Trees with Paper

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

Folding the DIY Christmas Trees with Paper.

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

Show how to fold the paper for the DIY Paper Christmas Trees.

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.

Cut the paper tree to create a whimsical shaped 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.


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.

Finished Paper Christmas Tree

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.

Red Bakers Twine with paper Christmas Tree

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.

sting the diy paper Christmas trees together for a creative garland

Hang your garland and enjoy.

DIY Christmas Trees made with paper to create a fun garland for the porch.

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

DIY Paper Christmas Trees made into a garland for farmhouse style Christmas Decor.

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

Free-standing DIY Christmas Tree made with Paper by folding.

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

Pin it to remember it
DIY Paper Christmas Tree Garland - Fun craft for kids and adults to make cute paper Christmas Trees

Mary from Life at Bella Terra

Tuesday 6th of December 2022

Rachel, I love this. I’ve never folded paper and made trees. As a kid, we used to take the phone book and make trees, but these are certainly more beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Rachel

Friday 9th of December 2022

Mary, Thanks for your sweet comments.

va in nc

Sunday 4th of December 2022

I love the paper trees...going to try and make them to place around. Thank you for instructions. I cant wait to see the porch!

Rachel

Monday 5th of December 2022

Oh Thanks so much sweetie.

Week In Rewind With Midwest Life And Style - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Saturday 3rd of December 2022

[…] DIY Paper Christmas Tree Garland […]

Rachel

Saturday 3rd of December 2022

Thanks for sharing.

Jen

Thursday 1st of December 2022

Such a fun idea, Rachel. They turned out so cute. And I love how you turned them into a garland. I'm going to share a photo and link to your project in my Saturday round-up post. I know my readers will love it too!🥰

Rachel

Saturday 3rd of December 2022

Jen, I really appreciate this. Thanks for sharing.

Renae

Monday 28th of November 2022

These are so cute. You are so creative. Hugs to you.

Rachel

Monday 28th of November 2022

Renae, I really appreciate this.