Create this simple Christmas tree craft with toddlers and big kids too! These Christmas trees really shine and also make sweet Christmas craft cards.
Updated November 2023
We first made these sparkling Christmas trees when my son was a toddler. Each year, we have new renditions that we give as teacher gifts or cards for family and friends.
I especially love how each year our trees look totally different, in true process art fashion.
The best part about this Christmas tree craft is it uses mostly recycled materials. One year, we even reused dried paint blobs which (unintentionally) made awesome little ornaments for the trees. We’ve also added glitter stars which really made these trees sparkle!
How to Make a Christmas Tree Craft
MATERIALS
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Paint (you can use whatever you have)
- Tempera paint sticks (for a low mess version)
- Sponge dabbers
- Loose parts: sequins, gold beads, pom poms, bottle caps, squeeze pouch lids, pony beads
- Glitter glue
- Glitter or eco-friendly Bioglitter
Time needed: 2 hours
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut cardboard into tree shapes
You may wish to do this first step ahead of time, depending on your child’s age.
- Paint your trees
Next, use a brush to paint your cardboard trees. We also like using sponge dot brushes which make great painted ornaments.
Set aside and let dry for a couple hours. - Add loose parts
Then glue on whatever loose parts you have at your home. Recycled pouch lids, pom poms, beads and sequins to name just a few!
- Wrap garland
If you’d like, you might add pipe cleaners or ribbon as a Christmas tree garland.
- Make glitter stars
Finally, add glitter to your tree or star for the top of the tree. Glitter glue, confetti, or loose glitter will make these trees really sparkle!
Pro tip: Be sure to glitter in a tray, over the trash can, or most preferably: outside!
If you’d like to add a star to your tree, cut that out of cereal box cardboard. It’s thin enough, but sturdy to hold its shape. Add glue & glitter, set aside and let dry. When dry, glue your stars on the cardboard trees.
I hope your kids enjoy this sweet Christmas tradition! I like to keep a few trees from each year and enjoy seeing them again each holiday season.
More Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids
- 20 Homemade Christmas Ornaments
- How to Do Star Sponge Painting for Kids
- How to Make Glitter Stars for Kids
- How To Make A Christmas Coffee Filter Garland
- How to Do Styrofoam Printing for Holiday Cards
- 11 Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids
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