Make sure that the roots are flat and straight along the bottom edge. If you don’t know how to draw a bare tree, find a template online. You can also start with half of a Y-shape, and add branches to the arm.
Do not use cardstock or construction paper, or the leaves will be too heavy. Your paper does not have to be green. Try red, orange, or yellow for an autumn tree!
Repeat this step to create as many leaves as you want on your tree. Use different shades of green for a more realistic effect. Crease the leaves in half lengthwise to make them more real.
Don’t put the animal or nest too far out on the branches, or your tree may tip over.
Save 1 of the halves for another project, and keep the other half for this project.
If you use glue, let it dry before moving on. A glue stick or liquid school glue will work just fine here.
Use different shades of green for a more interesting effect. If you can’t find green tissue paper, try a green napkin instead.
You can try using a glue stick, but you will need to support the cone from the inside with your hand so that it doesn’t crumple.
Apply the glue to the cone in small patches, otherwise it will dry too fast. Do not use too much glue, or the tissue paper will slide off.
If you don’t have any toilet paper rolls, roll a piece of brown paper into a 4 1⁄2 in (11 cm) tall tube, and use that instead. You can also cut an empty paper towel roll down until it is 4 1⁄2 inches (11 cm) tall. If you want to get crafty, paint the toilet paper roll brown first. Acrylic craft paint, tempera paint, or poster paint will all work fine.
Decorate your tree with other items, such as craft foam shapes, buttons, tinsel, or yarn. You can get pompoms in the kids’ section of a craft store.
Alternatively, you can paint a Styrofoam cone green, and use that instead. [16] X Research source
Don’t flatten your cone and cut across the bottom, or you’ll bend it out of shape.
Stack the strips together to make your cutting faster.
Curl the fringes from the long bottom edge towards the top edge. Do not curl them from narrow end to narrow end.
Make sure that the fringe is curling outward, not inward.
If you want a big palm tree, use an empty paper towel roll instead. If you can’t find an empty toilet or paper towel roll, roll a sheet of brown paper into a tube, staple it, and use that instead.
Hot glue or tacky glue will work the best, but be sure to let it dry. You’ll have 1 mini pipe cleaner leftover. Save it for another craft.
You can also use pieces of masking tape instead. Tuck the pipe cleaners far enough into the toilet paper roll so that the ends of the leaves touch the top of the toilet paper roll.
