Origami Christmas tree for kids ages 8+

Age: 8+ · Time: 30 min · For: Ages 6–9 Ages 10–12

With three squares of green paper you can fold a little Christmas tree that stands up on its own. The layers sit on top of each other like real branches, and once children know the folds, they can make a whole forest in different shades of green.

Tips

Sharp creases make neat layers. Run your nail along every fold.
Origami paper is thin and folds easily, but normal printer paper painted green works too.
Start big. Bigger squares are easier to fold. Make the mini version once you know the steps.

Ideas

Place cards: write a guest's name on each tree.
A snowy forest: stand several trees on a sheet of white paper with cotton balls snow.

You need

3 green squares of paper of 6 x 6 inches, 4¾ x 4¾ inches and 3½ x 3½ inches
a small brown square of 2½ x 2½ inches for the trunk
a scrap of yellow paper for the star
scissors, a ruler and a pencil
a glue stick
markers or small paper circles as ornaments

Steps

Take the largest green square, colored side down. Fold it in half diagonally both ways and unfold.
Turn it over and fold it in half side to side, both ways, and unfold.
Push the sides in along the creases so the square collapses into a smaller square with open flaps at the bottom (this is called a square base).
With the open end pointing down, fold the left and right edges of the top layer to the center line. Turn over and repeat. You now have a narrow kite shape.
Unfold the last folds and gently open each flap so the tree layer spreads out like a skirt. Fold the same with the medium and small squares.
Fold the brown square into a small strip for the trunk.
Glue the large layer on the trunk, the medium one on top of it and the small one at the top. Add a yellow star and decorate with dots or paper ornaments.

Questions

Is there an easier version?

Yes. Fold three green squares in half diagonally to make triangles, and glue them on top of each other on a piece of cardstock, largest at the bottom, with a brown rectangle as a trunk.

Can I use it as a card?

Glue the flat version on the front of a folded cardstock. The 3D tree also looks lovely as a place setting on the Christmas table.