Creating a paper festive tree from a book is a fun and festive DIY project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your own:
- Select a Book: Choose a book that you no longer need or find one at a charity shop. We are a B Corp and we find activities, like this, a great way to up-cycle items we no longer need and turn it into something else this festive season. The height of the book will determine the size of your paper tree. We would recommend aiming for around 140 pages, if your book is around 300 pages, just tear it in half.
2. Remove the Front and Back Cover: If your book is paperback, you can simply remove the cover by ripping it off. However, if you’re using a hardback cover we would suggest using a craft knife to take the pages out from the cover.
3. Fold in Half Diagonally: Take the right-hand corner of the paper and fold it diagonally to line up with the spine, creating a triangle. Make sure the edges align, and then crease the fold.
4. Fold in Half Again: Now that you have your first triangle, you then want to fold that triangle in half again. You’ll now have a thicker triangle, where the bottom of it is overhanging the bottom edge.
5. Fold the Bottom Inward: Fold the triangle to align with the bottom of the book to form a straight edge. This will form the base of the tree, so it’s important to make sure this is uniform.
6. Repeat For More Layers: Repeat this process to form a fuller tree. Your tree’s fullness will also depend on the thickness of the paper. You will need to use fewer pages of a book if your paper is thicker. The tree will now start to naturally form a cone-shape.
7. Keep Folding Until You’re Happy: Once you’re content with your tree’s fullness/shape, you’re almost there!
8. Open and Display: Gently open the layers of your folded tree, and adjust them to create a pleasing shape. You’re now done! Once satisfied, place your paper festive tree on a surface for display.
9. Get Creative: Feel free to get creative by adding decorations or a small star at the top of your folded paper tree (maybe utilise the front and back cover for this). Why not create a forest of trees made from books of all shapes and sizes!
10. Tag Us: We would love to see if you’ve had a go at making a festive tree! Make sure to tag us on Instagram and LinkedIn with your creations @stressmattershq. Enjoy your handmade origami festive tree!
Wishing you a season filled with joy, creativity, and a touch of handmade magic. Happy crafting and happy holidays! 🎄✨
