Simple Folded Book Page Christmas Tree Tutorial
Looking to add a unique, vintage charm to your holiday decor this season? Book page Christmas trees are a creative and sustainable DIY project that transforms old paperback books into beautiful holiday decorations. Perfect for cozy cottage farmhouse decor, these little trees bring new life to thrift store finds and add a whimsical touch to any Christmas display. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make these paper Christmas trees using old book pages, a hot glue gun, and a few festive embellishments. Let’s dive into this fun holiday DIY project!
Supplies
Creating book page Christmas trees requires just a few basic supplies that you may already have on hand or can easily find at a thrift or dollar store.
- Paperback book (around 150-200 pages works best)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Optional embellishments:
- Small stars, beads, ribbon or twine for added decor
Step-by-Step Instructions For Book Page Christmas Trees
This simple folding technique will turn the pages of an old paperback book into a charming little tree. Here’s how to make it happen:
Step 1: Remove the Cover
Begin by removing the cover of the book, which will expose the pages and the spine. You’ll want the pages to be able to fold cleanly without the bulk of the cover. I used these outdated law book inserts that I was gifted several years ago. I’ve used these for all of my book page crafts and still have plenty more! Check thrift stores, donation locations and even friends or family who may have books they’re planning to discard.
Step 2: Fold the First Page into a Triangle
Starting with the first page of the book, fold the top half over toward the spine of the book to create a right triangle. This will be the foundation of your fold pattern.
Step 3: Fold the Same Page Again
Fold the same page over and down again, this time creating another triangle that aligns with the spine of the book. This double fold will help shape the book into a Christmas tree shape as you continue.
Step 4: Fold the Bottom Edge
Take the bottom edge, or “tail,” of the page and fold it up to make a crease. This will keep the bottom edge of the book even and give a more polished look to the finished tree. OPTION: You can leave this extra piece and elevate the tree on a candle holder or block of wood for a different look.
Step 5: Tuck in the Tail
Once the bottom of the page is creased, tuck it neatly into the spine of the book. Repeat this folding process for every single page in the book, gradually forming the body of your book page Christmas tree.
Step 6: Fold the Triangle Page Over
Once the page is folded and the bottom tucked in, flip the page away from the rest of the book. You will want to make sure that the edge is even with the spine.
Step 7: Repeat the Process
Repeat the process for each page in the book making sure that the pages line up evenly at the top and bottom. When you near the end of the book you may need to hold the folded pages over firmly to ensure that the top page is folded evenly.
Step 6: Secure the Ends
When all pages are folded, bring the two ends of the book together. If there’s a gap or if the pages don’t naturally stay together in a cone shape, add a small bead of hot glue to join the two ends at the spine. This step helps secure the tree’s shape and keeps it stable.
Step 7: Add Embellishments
This is the fun part where you can get creative! Add a star on top of the tree, thread beads around the pages, or wrap twine around the tree. You can also use gold spray paint or lightly finish the edges with gold Rub’NBuff. Adding a wood slice to the bottom of the book page tree gives it a more rustic feel. These little touches make each paper Christmas tree unique and add a festive sparkle to your display.
Step 8: Style and Enjoy!
Once your tree is complete, find a spot in your home to display it. Arrange several trees of different sizes on a mantle, or create a beautiful holiday centerpiece. The natural, vintage look of these book page trees is perfect for bringing a merry Christmas vibe to any room!
Tips for Making Book Page Christmas Trees
Creating a book page Christmas tree is straightforward, but these tips can help make the process even smoother and add a little extra flair to your project.
- Choose the Right Book: A paperback with about 150-200 pages works well. Too few pages, and the tree might look sparse; too many, and it becomes difficult to fold.
- Use a Paperback Book: Paperback books are easier to fold and handle than hardcover books. You can find plenty of suitable books at your local thrift store, often for a dollar or less!
- Consider Page Texture and Color: Older book pages with a warm, slightly yellowed tint add a cozy, vintage feel. Glossy or new pages can work too but may look more modern.
- Take Breaks if Needed: Folding each page can take time, so feel free to take breaks if you need. It’s a repetitive, relaxing activity, and you don’t need to finish it all at once.
- Experiment with Sizes: Try using smaller or larger books to create a variety of tree sizes. Mixing different sizes together makes a visually appealing display.
- Add Embellishments Carefully: Hot glue works well for securing decorations, but be careful to use small amounts, as too much glue can weigh down the paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any type of book for this project?
Yes, you can use any type of book, but paperback books with about 150-200 pages are ideal. Hardcover books are bulkier and may be harder to work with.
2. How long does it take to make a book page Christmas tree?
The time varies depending on the book’s size and page count. Generally, it takes about an hour to fold and shape a 200-page book into a tree.
3. Do I need a video tutorial to make this?
While a video tutorial can be helpful, this guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions that should make it easy to follow along.
4. What embellishments work best?
You can add a small star on top, wrap twine around the tree, or place tiny beads along the pages. Keep the decor simple so that the vintage look of the old book pages shines through.
5. Will the tree stand on its own?
Yes, most book page Christmas trees stand on their own once the pages are folded. However, if the tree feels unstable, try adding a small amount of hot glue between the pages at the base.
6. Can I use glue to keep the folds in place?
Hot glue isn’t necessary for each fold, but it’s helpful if you want to secure the two ends together or add embellishments.
Styling Ideas for Book Page Christmas Trees
These paper Christmas trees make charming holiday decorations for various settings. Here are a few ideas to inspire your Christmas decorating:
- Mantel Display: Create a cozy display by arranging different-sized trees along the fireplace mantle. Pair them with candles, greenery, or string lights for an inviting Christmas scene.
- Table Centerpiece: Group a few trees of varying sizes in the center of your holiday table for a vintage-inspired centerpiece.
- Shelf Decor: Place a few book page trees on a bookshelf, adding a little holiday spirit to everyday decor.
- Holiday Gift Add-Ons: Small book page Christmas trees make delightful additions to wrapped gifts, adding a handmade touch.
Making these DIY book page Christmas trees is a wonderful way to repurpose old books and add character to your home for the holiday season. With just a little time, a few folds, and some holiday spirit, you’ll have beautiful, handmade decorations that bring warmth and charm to your Christmas decor. Enjoy the creativity and nostalgia that come with crafting these little trees, and Merry Christmas!
Pin For Later
Learn Other Christmas Crafts
Pin for Later
Shop This Post
