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.

- Open the square and fold across the opposite corner. You should have a good X shaped crease in the paper.
- 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.
- When folded in half, peaks of the X shaped crease should now be facing outward.
- 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.



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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Rachel what a great idea! Love the garland!
Stacy,
Thanks so much. Merry Christmas.
These are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!
Diana,
I’m so glad you like them.
Sooooo cute! These will be high on the list for next year! The little Grands loved making paper bag snowflakes, next year we’ll be making little trees!
Marci,
I’m so glad you like this. Sorry it’s so late. Time ran out on me this year.
I love all of your many ideas. I retired this past year and now it is on to the fun things to start making! Have a wonderful holiday and year ahead!
Ann,
Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m so glad you liked this.
Oh my goodness Rachel, these are so much fun to make! My 10 year old granddaughter is here for a few days and we are going to make enough for a garland. Thanks for sharing! Jan in MA
Janice,
You are so sweet. I’m so glad you liked this.
Merry Christmas Rachael! Best Christmas craft this Christmas! Love anything using paper! Can see this done in many papers, Sunday comics for the kids, old wall paper, old sheet music, old maps . SOOO Fun! Thank You for all your hard work this year on your blog. Feels like a visit when we watch your videos. Happy New Year!
Barb,
I appreciate this sweet encouragement so so much. I hope you are blessed with the best Christmas ever.
Hello!
What an absolutely simple and creative project! It is so pretty strung with that red and white twine. I just love it! Thanks for sharing!
Oh I’m so glad you like it. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks so much for sharing.
These are so cute. You are so creative. Hugs to you.
Renae,
I really appreciate this.
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!🥰
Jen,
I really appreciate this. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
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!
Oh Thanks so much sweetie.
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.
Mary,
Thanks for your sweet comments.
Thanks for these clear instructions. I found it helpful to use a letter opener with the small folds!
Kathy,
Thanks for this great tip. So glad you like them.
Easy and beautiful! Thank you!
Kathy,
Thank you.