Make a festive paper strip Christmas tree craft with colorful cardstock, craft sticks, and a little sparkle! This easy Christmas craft for kids uses simple supplies to create a colorful tree decoration that’s perfect for the classroom or home.
Kids can mix and match paper colors, patterns, and sequins to make each tree unique. It’s a fun, budget-friendly project for older kids and a great addition to your holiday Christmas activities.
Easy Paper Strip Christmas Tree Craft
This Christmas tree craft is a simple way to turn leftover cardstock and craft sticks into a festive decoration. Arrange the paper strips on a painted craft stick, trim them into a tree shape, and decorate with sequins.
Great for: Elementary-aged kids, classroom art activities, holiday craft time, and homemade Christmas decorations.
Supplies
- Green cardstock in assorted shades and patterns
- Yellow cardstock for the star
- Jumbo craft sticks
- Brown acrylic paint
- Sequins
- Scissors
- Glue
💡 Tip: Use patterned scrapbook paper or leftover paper scraps for even more colorful Christmas trees.
How to Make a Paper Strip Christmas Tree
Step 1: Paint the Craft Stick
Paint a jumbo craft stick brown to create the trunk of your Christmas tree. Let it dry completely before adding the paper strips.
Step 2: Cut the Paper Strips
Cut five strips of green cardstock using different shades and patterns. Make the strips long enough to extend past both sides of the craft stick.
Step 3: Glue the Strips in Place
Starting near the top of the craft stick, glue the paper strips horizontally across the stick, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 4: Trim into a Christmas Tree Shape
Use scissors to trim the ends of the strips into a triangle shape. The strips should gradually get wider toward the bottom to create the familiar Christmas tree shape.
Step 5: Add Sparkly Decorations
Glue sequins onto the paper strips to look like colorful Christmas ornaments. Use as many or as few as you like!
Step 6: Add the Star
Draw and cut a simple star from yellow cardstock. Glue it to the top of your Christmas tree to finish your craft.
More Ways to Decorate Your Paper Christmas Trees
Try a few simple variations to make your Christmas tree crafts unique!
- Try different papers: Use glitter cardstock, patterned scrapbook paper, or leftover wrapping paper.
- Change the decorations: Add stickers, tiny pom-poms, or paper circles instead of sequins.
- Make a colorful forest: Create several trees in different sizes and colors for a holiday display.
- Turn them into ornaments: Attach a loop of ribbon or string to the back for hanging.
💡 Classroom Tip: Prepare the painted craft sticks ahead of time to make this a quick, low-prep holiday art activity.
Free Printable Christmas Ornament Crafts
Need a quick Christmas craft with minimal prep? Grab our FREE printable Christmas ornaments! Kids can color, cut, and create their own festive decorations using simple supplies.
Perfect for classroom art centers, holiday parties, or an easy afternoon craft at home.
🎄 Get Your Free Christmas Ornament Printables Below!
More Fun Christmas Crafts for Kids
These quick and festive ideas work great for holiday centers, winter break, or at-home craft time.
- Nutcracker Christmas Craft
- DIY Snowglobe Craft (Christmas Gift Idea)
- Popsicle Stick Christmas Window Craft
- LEGO Stamped Christmas Cards Craft
- Christmas Bunting Craft (garland)
- Reindeer Ornament
- Christmas Thaumatropes
- Paper Gingerbread House
- Picasso Santa Coloring Activity
- Printable Christmas Card Coloring Pages
More Christmas Fun for Kids
Keep the holiday learning going with more hands-on seasonal favorites:
- Christmas slime recipes
- Christmas science experiments
- Homemade advent calendar ideas
- Christmas Games for Kids
Printable Christmas Paper Crafts Pack
Looking for even more easy Christmas crafts for kids? Our Christmas Paper Crafts Pack makes holiday crafting simple with ready-to-print projects for classrooms, holiday parties, and creative afternoons at home!
Skip the complicated prep and enjoy festive paper crafts kids can color, cut, assemble, and display.
Perfect for:
- Classroom Christmas craft centers
- Holiday parties and seasonal activities
- Fine motor practice and creative play
- Easy, low-prep crafting at home
Just print, grab your scissors and glue, and start creating!
🎄 Explore the Christmas Paper Crafts Pack
