How to Make a Cardboard Christmas Tree

From the crafter who brought you the cardboard fireplace, meet the recycled cardboard Christmas tree.

Gold Star on Top a White Christmas Tree and Multicolor Ornaments

Decorate and Enjoy

Once the paint is dry, put the branches back in place and then trim your tree with a tree skirt, tinsel, and lightweight ornaments.

Shipping boxes piling up from another round of online shopping? Reuse them to create this 3D cardboard Christmas tree that you can actually decorate and give your home eco-friendly, festive flair.

Cardboard Christmas Tree
Loading Video...

Materials + Tools

  • scissors
  • craft knife
  • cutting mat
  • paint and paintbrush or spray paint

Print + Prepare Pattern

Print the Cardboard Tree pattern onto card stock (Image 1). Cut away the two smaller "V" shapes from the first page and set them aside. Follow the guide arrows on the pattern pages to tape the tree together and cut it out (Image 2 +3).

Trace + Cut

Trace the tree pattern onto a large piece of cardboard (Image 1). Cut it out with a craft knife (Image 2 +3) and set aside the leftover cardboard. Use scissors to get smoother, rounded edges on each of the branches (Image 4). Repeat this to make six Christmas tree halves (Image 5). Tip: To make the taped pattern fit on one piece of cardboard, you'll need at least a 48" x 16" piece of cardboard. If you don't have a piece that large, you can carefully tape multiple pieces of cardboard together.

Cut Branches

If you haven't already, cut out the "V" shapes from the first page of the pattern (Image 1). Trace them onto the leftover cardboard and cut them out (Image 2). Cut out as many branches as you would like — we used about 35 on our tree (Image 3).

Tape Together Tree Halves

Working vertically, tape two of the tree halves together on one side (Image 1). Then fold one tree half on top of the other and tape the other edge (Image 2). The two tree halves should open and close like a book. Be sure to trim any excess tape. Repeat this process with the rest of the tree halves (Image 3). Tip: You can use any tape for this, but I'm using an industrial strength packing tape made specifically for cardboard.

Insert Branches

Decide where you want each branch to go, then mark the inside and bottom of the "V" with a pencil (Image 1). Then, using a ruler as a guide, cut along the points to create a slit for the branch to slide into (Image 2). Carefully insert the branch to ensure it fits, then adjust the slit if necessary (Image 3). Repeat for all the branches (Image 4). Remove the branches and set aside.

Tape Tree Together

Now assemble the three tree pieces: bring together two taped tree seams, then tape those together (Image 1). You'll have three seams total to tape together.

Cut and Attach Base

Now grab the base template from the last page of the pattern (Image 1). Trace it onto cardboard and cut it out. Measure and cut a 1" x 2" rectangle centered on the bottom of the tree (Image 2). Attach the tree to the base so each tree segment is equally spaced (Image 3).

Paint

Paint your tree any color you like. Be sure to paint the extra branches as well. Let the paint dry overnight. Tip: I used a pale green acrylic paint and a paintbrush, but I'd recommend spray painting as this took forever to paint.

Decorate + Enjoy

Once the paint is dry, put the branches back in place and then trim your tree with a tree skirt, tinsel and lightweight ornaments.

How to Make a Cardboard Holiday Fireplace

Save those TV boxes from Black Friday and turn them into a charming fireplace for Christmas.

More Christmas Crafts from Karen

DIY Paper Christmas Tree Forest Advent Calendar

Count down the days until Christmas with this festive, budget-friendly Advent calendar centerpiece.

5 Removable Christmas Sweater Designs

Get festive without ruining your favorite sweater.

Embroidery Hoop Christmas Card Display

Make a cute holiday cardholder with this simple embroidery hoop hack.

Next Up

How to Make a Cardboard Holiday Fireplace

Save those TV boxes from Black Friday and turn them into a charming fireplace for Christmas.

How to Make a Giant Christmas Stocking

Switch things up this holiday season by replacing the traditional wreath on your front door with an oversized stocking. This DIY giant Christmas stocking is the perfect addition to your seasonal decor and can be made with just a few basic craft supplies.

How to Make a Chenille-Stem Tabletop Christmas Tree

Create custom holiday decor with this chenille-stem pine tutorial from Stephen Brown at Glitterville Studios.

How to Make a DIY Hot Air Balloon Ornament for Christmas

Take your holiday decoration game to the next level with this unique, classy and carefully crafted DIY hot air balloon ornament for Christmas.

12 Tabletop Christmas Trees to Decorate Your Small Space

Celebrate the season by shopping our favorite tabletop Christmas trees for every style and budget.

15 Beautiful Christmas Tree Skirts Under $100

Dress your tree to impress with these festive and budget-friendly tree skirt finds.

Turn Christmas Scraps Into DIY Greeting Cards for Any Occasion

Don’t just throw your leftover Christmas scraps in the waste bin after the holidays. Get crafty and turn them into DIY greeting cards that you can give to family and friends all year long.

20 Christmas Decorations You Can Buy on Amazon for Less Than $25

Guilt-free holiday decor shopping? We're adding everything to our cart.

Make a Winter Woodland Mushroom Cloche Decoration

Use clay to create adorable mushrooms to welcome in winter this holiday season. Turn them into gift toppers, ornaments or add to your traditional holiday decor with this unique winter woodland mushroom cloche.

How to Make Personalized Clay Gift Tags

Take your gift over the top this year by adding a handmade gift tag that can even double as an additional present. Personalize stamped clay gift tags and add essential oils to bring in the scents of the season.

More from:

HGTV Handmade

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.