How to make a DIY Christmas tree with sustainable materials
December 5th is World Soil Day, a reminder of how vital it is to protect the unseen elements that nourish and sustain life. Instead of cutting down trees or using plastic ones this holiday season, why not bring the spirit of peace and love to the environment by making your own DIY Christmas tree with sustainable materials? You’ll create something magical and have fun in the process, all while tapping into your creativity.
In this Inspiration Guide article, we’ll walk you through how to make different types of Christmas trees, no matter your space or what materials you have on hand. We’ll also show you how to create a tree base using simple items you might already have at home.
How to make a sustainable DIY Christmas tree
How to make a Christmas tree with natural materials
To create a homemade, sustainable Christmas tree, simply head out for a walk in the forest or your local park and gather some natural materials like branches, sticks, bark, leaves, dried flowers, pinecones, and small stones. Be mindful to only take what you need, without disturbing the plants, and avoid harming any endangered flora or animal habitats. Once you've collected your materials, tie the branches and sticks together with rope to form the tree's structure. You can then decorate it with the remaining items. After the holiday season, you can return everything back to nature.
How to make a large cardboard Christmas tree: Step by step
One of the easiest ways to create a sustainable Christmas tree is by reusing cardboard from boxes and packaging. This will give the materials a new life, and your tree will be sturdy enough to last through to the New Year. Start by gluing several pieces of cardboard together until you reach your desired size (you can go big with an XXL tree if you have the space). Next, draw the outline of a tree on the cardboard, as if you were creating a canvas. Cut it out, and you'll have a simple shape that can be propped up on a base and decorated or painted. For a 3D effect, repeat the process, then cut each of the two tree silhouettes in half and join them together in the center, creating a four-sided tree.
How to make a Christmas tree with books
If you're a book lover, your shelves are probably full. Why not celebrate your favorite authors by creating a festive book pyramid? Start by stacking your books from largest to smallest, with the heavier volumes at the base and the lighter ones on top. Add some holiday cheer by wrapping the stack in a string of lights and placing a star on top, symbolizing your passion for reading. This creative, eco-friendly tree is perfect for any bookworm looking to add a personal touch to their holiday decor.
How to make a Christmas tree with napkins
Add a festive touch to your holiday table by folding napkins into tree shapes on each plate. Roll cloth napkins into cylinders, slip them into round napkin rings, and fan out the top to create the tree's "branches". The bottom will resemble the trunk. To finish, tuck in sprigs of mistletoe or pine and top it off with a star anise for a natural, decorative touch. If you’re using paper napkins, opt for biodegradable ones printed with non-toxic inks. You can also decorate plain napkins with food-safe paints for a more personal, eco-friendly option. At Christmas markets, you might find alternatives to disposable items that you can decorate using food-safe paints.
How to make DIY Christmas tree wall decorations
To create a beautiful Christmas tree wall decoration using the sticks you’ve gathered, you’ll need some natural rope, like raffia or hemp, and just a few minutes of your time. Start by arranging the sticks by size, with the longest at the bottom and the shortest at the top, forming the shape of a tree. Cut the rope into equal lengths and tie the sticks together at both ends to hold the shape. You can also add a star at the top using the same method or decorate your tree with fabric bows, colorful ornaments, or even aromatic plants like pine or rosemary to bring a festive scent to the room.
For a fun family activity, let the kids get creative by using washable paints to draw their own Christmas trees on the wall. It’s a wonderful way to encourage their imagination while being present and spending quality time together.
Finally, to make your wall tree even more festive, outline its shape with a string of lights, securing them with thumbtacks. If your wall gets sunlight, opt for solar-powered lights for an eco-friendly touch. Otherwise, choose LED or battery-operated lights for an energy-efficient option. You can easily reuse the lights elsewhere in your home once the holidays are over.
How to make a DIY Christmas tree base
Looking for a way to make a Christmas tree base without using single-use plastics? It’s easy! Repurpose an old bin, bucket, or large flowerpot, and cover it with fabric scraps and raffia or hemp ribbon for a festive touch. Another zero-waste option is using a natural log as a stand for a cardboard or book tree. If you have a fireplace, the log can be used as firewood after the holidays. If not, it could serve as a creative sculpture that adds a special touch to your home all year round.
Each time you see it, you'll be reminded that any moment is a good time to celebrate mindfully. Transforming your Christmas tree base is a great way to reflect on the idea that everything—including the holiday spirit—can be reimagined in a sustainable way.
