How To Make A Christmas Tree Out Of Cardboard

Designer Courtney Witherspoon created this cardboard tree to serve as a holiday guest book. Leave pens and note cards out on display, and guests can add their own touch to your tree. You can even pin or tape Christmas cards to it or let the kids draw on their own ornaments—the options are endless! Plus, there are no messy pine needles to clean up and it’s one tree saved!

Here’s What You’ll Need

• 2 large pieces of cardboard of the same size (can be purchased from craft store or recycled)
• Ruler
• Exacto blade

Cardboard Christmas tree template

Click the image to view a bigger version of this template

Cardboard Christmas tree instructions

1. Get the template, above.
2. Cut the two cardboard pieces with the same basic tree shape, ensuring the bottom remains flat.
3. Using a ruler and exacto knife, cut a thin strip down the centre of one of the cardboard 'trees', from the middle of the tree to the bottom.
4. On the other 'tree', cut the same strip out from the top of the tree to middle.
5. Stand the two pieces up, and slide the two cardboard sheets together, along the strips you just cut out, until their bottom edges both sit flat to the floor. You should now have a 3-dimensional tree that can stand on its own.
6. Add your personal touches using washi tape, glitter glue, ornaments and tinsel. You can continue to slide the two pieces apart if you prefer to lay it flat to decorate.

Tip: Leave out some fun craft supplies for kids and holiday guests to continue adding to your 'holiday guestbook.'

How To Make A Kraft Paper Christmas Tree

Short on space, time or money? Create a faux tree by drawing a silhouette on a piece of kraft paper. Trim it with twinkly lights and shimmery balls, and bring out the eggnog. 

(Photo: Sian Richards)

Find more great DIY crafts for the holidays, including  How To Make A DIY Paper Wreath From Old Holiday Cards and How To Make An Accordion Folded Paper Wreath.

Originally published in 2013; updated in 2024.