Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a beautiful Christmas craft for kids that not only brings a piece of nature into your home but also creates lasting memories as you craft.

This eco-friendly and imaginative nature Christmas tree project is perfect for Christmas forest schools, nature preschools, and anyone who loves to infuse a touch of the outdoors into their holiday celebrations.

This craft is more than just an ornament—it’s a pathway to developing fine motor skills, especially for little ones.

The act of cutting, winding the yarn, and placing each piece of nature is a wonderful exercise for dexterity.

It’s an ideal activity for all ages, encouraging nature exploration and appreciation. This idea is perfect for nature preschools or forest schools where the little students will find this activity not only enjoyable but also educational as they learn about different types of greenery and how to recycle materials creatively.

You can go on a nature hunt to find the perfect greenery to use for your craft, making it into a whole experience.

From toddlers to grandparents, everyone can find joy in this craft. Younger children will marvel at the transformation of simple materials into a festive decoration, while older kids and adults can focus on more intricate designs and patterns.

It’s a craft that adapts to every skill level, ensuring that each person can feel proud of their unique creation.

nature christmas tree recycled craft for kids

This craft aligns beautifully with lessons on recycling and caring for our planet. By using cardboard and natural elements, we’re giving a second life to materials and celebrating the beauty of nature without harming the environment.

It’s a powerful message to share during the holiday season and a great way to introduce the concept of sustainable living to children.

Cardboard Natural Christmas Tree Craft

So, let’s get into creating your very own natural Christmas tree craft!

Nature Christmas Tree Craft

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

This nature-inspired Christmas craft involves creating a charming tree decoration from cardboard and embellishments sourced from the outdoors, such as greenery and berries.

It's a simple, eco-friendly project that enhances fine motor skills and encourages nature exploration, perfect for children and adults alike to celebrate the festive season.

Materials

Cardboard
Scissors
Twine or string
Greenery from your garden or nearby woods (pine needles, sprigs of evergreen, holly, etc.)
Small natural embellishments (like berries) (optional)
Our free Christmas tree template (optional)

Tools

Scissors

Instructions

Cut Your Tree: Begin by cutting out a simple Christmas tree shape from your cardboard. You can use just a tall triangle and a smaller rectange. If you want a more defined shape, use our free downloadable template.
Assemble the tree shape: Take your triangle and rectangle cardboard pieces and glue them together to complete the tree shape.
Create ridges: Snip little triangle snips all around the edges of the tree, this will create space for the yarn to sit as you wind it around.
Wind the yarn: Start winding the yarn around the tree, first in one direction and then come up the other way to create a criss cross texture that will be used to hold your greenery in place.
Bring in Nature: Once your base is set, start adorning your tree with the greenery. Tuck your leaves and sprigs behind the yarn to secure. You can hot glue for added sturdiness if you like but it's not necessary to do so, you can simply tuck.
Decorate: Add your natural embellishments like berries or pine cones for a splash of color and texture.
Finishing Touches: If you have leftover twine, create a loop at the top of your tree for easy hanging.

Whether you’re planning a craft day at a Christmas forest school, looking for an engaging activity for your nature preschool, or simply want to create a cozy, natural atmosphere at home, this Christmas tree craft is a charming choice.

step by step nature christmas tree craft

Download Christmas Tree Craft Template PDF

Don’t forget to download our free Christmas tree template for an even easier crafting experience.

Note: The Christmas tree template is a more intricate shape. If you want your nature christmas tree to look exactly like the one in the pictures, then just make a triangle and a rectangle as directed but if you would like to make a more detailed Christmas tree shape then grab our Christmas tree template PDF below. It’s free!

Here’s another fun craft that you can do with this christmas tree template, too!

Gather your supplies, embrace the natural elements, and let the merry crafting begin!

More Christmas Crafts

Get into the spirit of the holidays with our array of Christmas crafts, designed to sprinkle your home with cheer and warmth.

From prickly holly to festive wreaths, our crafts are perfect for creating merry memories and traditions with loved ones.

Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree Craft

More Nature Crafts and Activities

Go on a creative journey with our collection of nature crafts, where the beauty of the outdoors mixes with the joy of handmade creations.

Each craft invites you to step outside, gather natural materials, and transform them into artistic treasures that celebrate the environment.

Egg Carton Nature COLOR Hunt Activity for Kids

We hope you found joy and inspiration in crafting your natural Christmas tree decoration. If you’ve enjoyed this activity, we’d be delighted if you shared this blog post on Pinterest or other social media platforms, or come and share your pictures in our Facebook group.

Your creations could inspire a whole community of craft enthusiasts and nature lovers! Happy crafting and merry sharing!

In The Playroom

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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.

Cardboard Natural Christmas Tree Craft