This handmade Christmas tree card is my second option for DIY Christmas cards for 2021. My previous post shared the first 2021 Christmas card design.
Have I ever told you that origami fascinates me? Yep, it does. I just love the idea that you can take a piece of paper and make something totally new!
So what does origami have to do with this handmade Christmas tree card? While this card doesn’t involve complex folds like many origami projects, we will use folds to create our Christmas tree from a simple square!
You can watch my step-by-step tutorial below.
The Christmas tree card is versatile. First, the tree can be mounted directly on the card base, or it can be layered on white cardstock. I show you both ways in the video above and the printable tutorial (with patterns!) in my Maker Library.
You can find a printable with step-by-step instructions and photos in my Maker Library. All of my projects and patterns can be found there and they are all free! Join here.
Inspiration for Handmade Christmas Tree Card
Now, before we go any further and you start thinking I created this card design on my own, let me say that I had pinned a tutorial from Lynn Dunn to a Pinterest board a while back. She shows how to make two, three, and four-tiered Christmas trees.
I loved Lynn’s design so much that I decided to try my hand at it this season, and that’s what I am sharing with you today! (Thank you, Lynn, for the delightful design!)
For your convenience, I included affiliate links which means I may make a commission, but it won’t cost you any more. Read my entire disclosure here.
Materials for Handmade Christmas Tree Card
- 65 lb or heavier Cardstock for the base (solid or design)
- 65 lb Cardstock, white (optional, depending on the style of card)
- Textured paper or cardstock, brown (for the tree trunk)
- Christmas themed scrapbooking paper, (optional, depending on the style of card)
- Jute twine, or
- Ribbon embellishments (similar)
- Adhesive foam squares
- Double-sided tape
- Glitter Foam Star
Before purchasing new materials, I like to shop my supplies. Sometimes, I forget about materials I actually have on hand. Does anyone else have that problem?
I have had Christmas cardstock in vintage and muted colors for a couple of years now, so I thought this would be a great time to use them.
Cut Card And Paper For Handmade Christmas Tree Card
Once I have settled on a design and made a prototype, I often cut all my cardstock and scrapbooking papers to size. This is especially helpful if you plan on making several cards. To help you with the cuts, I have included this helpful Cut Sizing chart.
Cut Sizing For Handmade Christmas Tree Card:
- Base: 8.5 x 5.5 inches, folded to 4.25 x 5.5 inches
- White layer (optional): 4 x 5.25 inches
- Accent piece (optional): 1 x 4 inches
- Squares: 1 1/4 inches
- 1 3/4 inches
- 2 1/4 inches
- 2 3/4 inches
- Tree trunk: 1 inch square
- Ribbon: 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches
- Twine: enough to wrap around white layer approximately 4 times
If you use an 8.5 x 11-inch cardstock, you will be able to make two card bases by cutting at 5.5 inches on the long side.
NOTE: When cutting the squares, you will need to make sure that your squares are precise. This will help when folding and it will make the overall tree look much more beautiful.
To help with the accuracy of the squares, I have included SVGs, PNGs, and a PDF of each square. You can use these to cut the squares with your cutting machine as I did with my Cricut Maker. Or you can use scissors or a ruler and a rotary cutter.
Folding The Squares For The Handmade Christmas Tree Card
Folding is where the origami comes in. This is definitely the most fun part of creating this card.
To fold, I like to turn each square so that one corner is at the top. From this perspective, the square becomes a diamond.
Fold the bottom corner to the top corner and crease on the diagonal.
Next, fold the top corner toward the diagonal and crease.
Attach All The Pieces
One thing that makes the Christmas tree so charming is the use of adhesive foam squares or dots. I used squares because they were smaller than the dots that I have. If you have larger adhesive foam shapes, you can cut them into smaller pieces.
Add an adhesive foam square behind each fold on each square.
Use double-sided tape to nest the biggest square (2 3/4 inches) on top of the next biggest square (2 1/4 inches). Continue by adding the remaining two squares.
Use the tape to add a tree trunk.
Can you use glue? Of course, you can use glue. It is certainly more economical than double-sided tape, especially if you are making a lot of cards.
I just prefer to use the tape. My cards stay together better with tape than glue, but this is certainly a personal preference.
Next, add the glitter foam star. If you don’t have a glittery star, you can cut a regular star from cardstock or from Christmas-themed scrapbooking paper.
(I’ve included a star pattern in my Maker Library).
Option 1:
If you are using a layer of white cardstock, you will add a small strip of scrapbooking accent paper to the bottom of the white card. Wrap your twine or ribbon around the white cardstock approximately 3 times and tie a bow.
Attach the Christmas tree above the twine using double-sided tape.
Option 2:
Add a piece of ribbon – with or without embellishments like gems or buttons – near the bottom of the base card. If the ribbon doesn’t have adhesive on the back, use double-sided tape or hot glue.
Attach the Christmas tree above the ribbon.
Finishing Touches To Your Handmade Christmas Tree Card
Add a sentiment to the inside of your card. You can use a stamp or handwrite a note.
Stand back and admire your adorable handmade Christmas card.
Now send it to a lucky recipient!
How fun was this!
If you make this card, please share it by commenting below or on my Facebook page. I would love to see your creation!
Did you know I created a gift guide for the 2021 Holiday season? I love looking at gift guides, and I thought you might, too. So I created one with the crafter in mind. Check it out!
Looking for a gift for someone who isn’t a crafter? Or want some cute holiday decorating items? Check out my Tate + Zoey boutique! It has jewelry, home decor, bags, and so much more. You might even find a little something for yourself. There’s even a gift planner, so you never miss a birthday or anniversary!
Additional Reading:
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