Tissue Paper Christmas Tree: How To Make a Holiday Kids Craft out of Cardboard

Gina
Dec 11, 2024
2 min read

In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make this fun and festive Christmas tree craft.

Looking for a simple, budget-friendly holiday craft that adds charm to your home? Save those cardboard boxes!!

This Tissue Paper Tree is a delight!! It is a project that’s perfect for kids, classrooms, or cozy afternoons with family.

With just a few supplies and a little creativity, you’ll have a handmade decoration that spreads holiday cheer.

Want to know the best part? It is 10/10 for strengthening fine motor skills. As kids pick and roll and squish the tissue paper, they are strengthening their finger and hands and getting them ready for the big task of writing!

Materials:

Green tissue paper (cut into small squares)
Variety of tissue paper (for ornaments or accents)
Cardboard (cut into a tree shape)
Glue stick or white school glue
Pencil or marker
Ribbon for hanging

If you don't want to use cardboard, you can use a paper plate!

If you want to add extra fine motor work, keep the tissue paper large and have them tear the pieces off first, then squish them and push them into the glue.

This is a TON of fine motor work. If their little hands get tired, they can just glue the pieces down without rolling them into a ball.

Step 1: Create Your Tree Base

Cut a large triangle out of cardboard.

Step 2: Prep the Tissue Paper

Cut tissue paper into 2-inch squares.
Roll each square into a loose ball or crumple it gently for texture.

Step 3: Glue It Down

Apply glue to a small section of the cardboard tree.
Press the rolled tissue paper pieces onto the glue.
Continue until the entire tree is covered in green tissue paper.

Step 4: Add Accents

Roll tissue paper into smaller balls and glue them on as “ornaments.”
Optional: Add glitter, sequins, or small bows for extra sparkle.

Step 5: Finish & Hang

Tie a ribbon at the top and hang your tree (will need to punch a small hole to loop it through or glue it to the back) on a door, wall, or tree.

Variations:

Use different shades of green for a more natural look.
Try metallic tissue paper for a glam version.
Make mini trees for gift tags or ornaments.

Why it will quickly become a favorite...

This craft is tactile, colorful, and easy to customize. It’s a great way to involve little hands in holiday decorating and makes a sweet keepsake or gift.

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to recycle cardboard and leftover tissue paper!