Check out this quick and easy fun way to create a Christmas tree just by using up your old scraps of colourful paper!
CHRISTMAS TREE CARD IDEAS!
Just by following a simple technique—cutting, snipping, and building a triangular shape—you will create an elaborate outline of a fir tree. Then, you can zap it up with a bit of glitz!
MY INTENTION!
I will show you Christmas tree card ideas, that are quite effective yet easy to make and the best thing is, that you will be recycling old scraps of colourful paper.
FIND ANY PAPER!
If you don’t have to hand colourful scraps of paper you can use any paper, like pages from a magazine, wrapping paper or even newspaper, that you can cut into strips to make your fir tree!
EACH ONE IS UNIQUE!
Whichever one of these Christmas tree card ideas you choose, would work in crafting a super hand-made card where everyone is unique and has its appeal!
ADDING SPARKLE!
Glitz up your Christmas tree cards by simply sprinkling some golden glitter and it will give that Christmasy sparkle, although if you prefer your Christmas fir tree to stay as it is, without any glitz that would look just as good!
FIR TREES AND CHRISTMAS!
So what is the association between fir trees and Christmas? Fir trees have been used for thousands of years to celebrate festive events. This is around winter solstice celebrations.
Solstice is where the sun reaches its maximum or minimum declination, in other words, it marks the longest and shortest days. (roundabout the 21st June and 22nd December).
WHAT DO FIR TREES SYMBOLIZE?
Fir trees symbolize life and renewal.
Early Christians recognize it as a symbol of eternal life. During the 16th century, the Germans started decorating fir trees with candles and ornaments.
This tradition became popular and went global where Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert had a hand in this during the 19th century!
TRIANGULAR SHAPE?
The triangular shape of the fir tree and its evergreen nature represented the ‘Holy Trinity’. Since fir trees were readily available they made an excellent choice!
So this became a central symbol of Christmas joy and hope!
WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS CARDS?
Here is an image of the first Christmas card by Sir Henry Cole and the artist Horsley in 1843.
WHAT ABOUT COLE?
Cole wanted to encourage the use of the postal system which had become more affordable and the introduction of the penny post.
Together with the artist Horsley, they designed this festive illustration of a family celebrating Christmas along with the greeting ‘A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year’
This innovation made sending holiday greetings more convenient and helped popularize the modern tradition of exchanging Christmas cards.
BACK TO CHRISTMAS TREE CARD IDEAS!
I’ll show you how to craft a Christmas tree. Using a very easy method. Stick strips of paper in a triangular fashion, and your kids will spend time creating their version of a fir tree!
USING FINE MOTOR SKILLS AND MORE!
Kids will learn how to master their cutting technique by deciding on:-
- Length.
- Thickness of each strip of paper.
- Layering it.
- Arranging.
- Pattern making.
- Creating.
Throughout this process, kids will be making their own decisions, switching on their concentration and in hand using their brains in so many different ways!
ARE YOU READY?
RESOURCES!
A4 Coloured cards.
Coloured scraps of patterned papers.
A4 size envelopes (C5)
Glue stick.
PVA glue/A4 paper)
Scissors.
Glitter/Toothpick (not shown)
LET’S START! CHRISTMAS TREE CARD IDEAS!
Click on any image to enlarge!
These Christmas tree card ideas, look great once completed and the best thing is, that kids will not only enjoy making them but also handing them out and saying ‘I made these cards!’
SOME TIPS!
STRIPS OF PAPER.
- Arrange the coloured pattern papers so that you alternate the patterns and colours.
- Cut into strips approx, 7mm wide.
- Each strip should be reduced in length, as you stick them down.
- When sticking the strips slightly have them askew, and off alignment.
GAP FILLERS!
- Cut small narrow triangular pieces of paper which are good gap fillers, filling up odd spaces.
APPLYING PVA GLUE.
- Once all strips of patterned paper are stuck down, you can run a thin layer of PVA glue along each one, ready for glittering.
GLITTERING.
- When sprinkling the glitter, over the fir tree place a sheet of paper under the card to catch it.
SAVE AND RECYCLE GLITTER!
- Fold the paper or card in half that you caught the glitter on tap and pour it back into the glitter pot.
Hey there, when you click on links in this post and you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission that l can use towards resources (other than throw-outs) for project making within my website😀
CHECK THIS OUT!
LOOKING FOR MORE FUN AND INTERESTING PROJECTS?
Baker Ross stocks plenty of art resources that would complement your activities or any of their neat ‘Kits’!
Over the holidays, Baker Ross offers an array of fun and interesting projects to keep your kids entertained!
Jump in and check them out. You won’t be disappointed with what they have, especially with the Christmas tree theme!
TO CONCLUDE!
This is a nice project to get kids involved in.
RECYCLING PAPER!
Not only will you be recycling odd scraps of paper, but you will be crafting cards that are simple, yet effective with added glitter, giving the Christmas tree some bling!
GATHER YOUR RESOURCES!
So quick quick, start looking for your papers, cards and envelopes as time is running out if you want to send them out before Christmas, alternative these cards can be handed out personally!
KEEP KIDS BUSY OVER THE HOLIDAYS!
Even so, this is still a nice activity for kids to do, over the Christmas holidays. If the theme is not about Christmas, the fir tree cards could work for any season.
All you need to do is find the right colour wave that aligns with that season.
For spring you can use pastel colours, for Summer find bright colours, leaving out the glitter and you are good to go!