3D Paper Tree
Create a three-dimensional paper tree using our printable tree templates. Make one for each season of the year!
Featured Crafts
Supplies Needed
- Brown cardstock (medium to heavy weight)
- Light weight green paper or paper in fall colors (red, yellow, orange)
- Scoring tool (e.g. blunt plastic knife, spent ballpoint pen)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Ruler
STEPS
1Print out the templates.
Print out any of these tree trunk templates on brown A4 or Letter size cardstock to come up with four identical trees.
- Small tree trunk templates - print out 2 copies
- Medium-sized tree trunk templates - print out 4 copies
- Large tree trunk templates - print out 4 copies
2Cut out the trees.
Cut out all four tree trunks.
3Glue the template pieces.
This step only applies to the large tree trunk templates. The tree consists of two sections—a top (with branches) and a bottom. Cut out both pieces. Glue the top onto the tab area of the bottom piece.
4Score along the middle line.
If you printed out the trees on thick or heavy cardstock, scoring makes folding a lot easier. Find a scoring tool such as a blunt plastic knife or a spent ballpoint pen. Place the edge of a ruler on the tree's middle line. With the ruler to guide the tool, score along the entire line. Do not score too hard as this may tear the paper. Do this for all the trees.
5Fold each tree in half.
Fold each tree along the middle line.
6Glue the first pair of trees together.
Glue two trees together along one half side, aligning them along the edges.
7Glue the 2nd pair of trees together.
Similarly glue the two remaining trees together. You now have the two sections of your three-dimensional tree trunk.
8Assemble the tree trunk.
Glue both paper tree pairs together, aligning them along the edges.
9Make the leaves.
Use light weight paper to keep the branches from sagging from the weight of the leaves. To create several paper leaves all at once:
- Cut a strip of paper. The strip's width defines the leaf width.
- Fold the strip in half several times until the folded height is about the desired leaf length.
- Fold the paper lengthwise in half.
- Cut a half-leaf shape along the folded edge.
Unfold the paper to reveal several leaves. Make enough leaves to cover your tree.
We also have these leaf templates that you can print out to match the large tree templates. The smallest leaves in each leaf set (first page of the oval-shaped leaves, heart-shaped leaves, star-shaped leaves, maples leaves, and oak leaves) are about the right size for the large tree trunk templates.
10Glue the leaves.
Finally, glue the leaves on the tree branches.
More Ideas
Spring Tree
Make a 3D paper tree to match the season. Spring green or light green leaves are perfect for a springtime tree. Make it more interesting with some paper or felt flowers. Draw and cut out little birds and other springtime critters to inhabit your tree.
Notice how this tree is so lush? To achieve this, print out and glue together six paper trees instead of four. Glue lots of paper leaves for a thick foliage.
Cherry Blossom Tree
Have you seen a cherry or plum blossom tree during springtime? The trees do not have any leaves but are instead full of beautiful flowers.
Use a flower-shaped craft punch to create white or pink paper flowers. Fill the branches of a small or medium-sized 3D paper tree with these blooms.
Fall Tree
Use yellow, red, orange, and brown paper to make the leaves of a fall or autumn tree. Write thankful thoughts on the leaves to create a Thanksgiving tree.
Crepe Paper Tree
Create a thick foliage using crepe paper or tissue paper. Print out the small tree trunk template on heavy cardstock. Assemble the tree trunk following Steps 1 to 8 above. Cut crepe paper or tissue paper into strips. Crumple up each strip and glue onto the branches. Glue more bunched up strips in between to achieve a lush treetop.
Fruit Tree
Cut out and glue some round paper or felt circles to make a fruit tree. You can also use fruit-shaped craft punches to make apples, strawberries, and other fruits.
Fun Shapes Tree
Instead of leaf shapes, glue other shapes for a fun tree.
Winter Tree
Three-dimensional paper trees are great accents for a diorama. A leafless tree is a perfect addition to a winter-themed diorama. Paint the tree trunk with white streaks for a snowy look. Glue cotton onto the base of your diorama for a snow-covered ground.
