I've been obsessed with making decoupage christmas trees lately because they're honestly one of the easiest ways to get that high-end vintage look without spending a fortune at a boutique. There is something so satisfying about taking a plain, boring cardboard cone or a flat wooden cutout and turning it into a piece of holiday decor that people actually ask where you bought it. If you're looking for a craft that doesn't require a degree in fine arts but still looks impressive, this is definitely the one.
The best part about this project is how customizable it is. You aren't stuck with whatever color palette the big box stores decided was "in" this year. If you want neon pink trees with gold stars, you can do that. If you're more into that moody, Victorian aesthetic with deep greens and floral patterns, you can do that too. It's all about the paper you choose and how you layer it.
Getting Your Supplies Together
Before you dive in, you'll need to grab a few basics. You probably already have half of this stuff in your junk drawer or craft closet anyway. First, you need your "blank." Most people use paper mache cones because they're lightweight and cheap, but I've also done this on wooden triangles and even sturdy cardboard I cut out myself.
Then, you need the star of the show: the paper. For decoupage christmas trees, I almost always recommend using decorative paper napkins. Why? Because when you peel away the back layers, the remaining printed layer is so thin that it practically melts into the surface of the tree. It doesn't leave those bulky edges that thick scrapbooking paper sometimes does. You can also use tissue paper, old book pages, or even sheet music if you want a more classic, rustic vibe.
You'll also need: * Mod Podge (Matte or Gloss, depending on the finish you want) * A decent paintbrush (foam brushes work fine, but a soft-bristle flat brush is better for smoothing) * White acrylic paint (this is a pro tip I'll explain in a second) * Scissors (though sometimes tearing the paper looks better) * A little bit of fine-grit sandpaper
Preparing the Base
Here is the secret that a lot of people skip: you really need to paint your tree white first. If you're working with a brown paper mache cone and you try to put a thin napkin over it, the brown color is going to bleed through and make your beautiful design look muddy and dull.
Just give the cone a quick, messy coat of white acrylic paint. It doesn't have to be perfect; it just needs to provide a bright background so the colors on your paper really pop. Let it dry completely before you even think about touching the glue. I know, waiting for paint to dry is the worst part of crafting, but it's worth it here.
The Fun (and Slightly Sticky) Part
Once your base is dry, it's time to start the actual decoupage. If you're using napkins, make sure you separate the plies. Most fancy napkins are 2-ply or 3-ply. You only want that top layer with the actual design on it. If you leave the white layers on, your paper will wrinkle like crazy and might even peel off later.
I usually like to tear my paper into smallish, irregular pieces rather than trying to wrap one giant sheet around the cone. Cones are tricky because they're tapered, so a flat sheet of paper will always bunch up at the top. By using smaller, torn pieces, you can overlap them and hide the seams much more easily. It gives the decoupage christmas trees a sort of "shabby chic" textured look that I really love.
Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to a small section of the tree, lay your paper down, and then very gently—seriously, be gentle—brush another layer of Mod Podge over the top. If you push too hard, the wet napkin will tear. If you get a few wrinkles, don't panic. It adds character!
Dealing with Wrinkles and Bubbles
If you're a perfectionist and wrinkles drive you nuts, there's a trick using plastic wrap. Once you lay your paper down, put a piece of plastic cling wrap over your finger and use it to smooth out the bubbles. The paper won't stick to the plastic, so you won't tear it. Personally, I kind of like the texture. It makes the trees look more like they're made of fabric or something vintage.
Choosing Your Style
This is where you can really let your personality shine. I've seen some incredible decoupage christmas trees that use non-traditional patterns. Think about what your holiday "vibe" is this year.
The Rustic Look
Use old book pages or sheet music. If the paper looks too new, you can "age" it by dabbing it with a wet tea bag before you glue it down. This looks amazing when paired with a little bit of twine wrapped around the base or a tiny wooden star on top. It's very farmhouse-chic.
The Maximalist Look
Go for bold florals or bright geometric patterns. I once made a set using napkins that had a wild tropical bird print, and honestly, they were the coolest things on my mantle. Don't feel like you have to stick to reindeer and snowflakes just because it's December.
The Chinoiserie Style
If you can find napkins with that classic blue and white ginger jar pattern, use them! Blue and white decoupage christmas trees look incredibly sophisticated. They have this "Grandmillennial" energy that is super popular right now. Pair them with some silver accents, and you've got a very classy display.
Adding the Finishing Touches
After your trees are fully covered and the glue has dried (it'll go from cloudy to clear), you might want to add a bit of "extra" to them. Since it's Christmas, a little sparkle never hurts.
You can take a bit of gold metallic paint and just lightly brush it along the edges of the paper pieces to highlight the texture. Or, if you're a fan of glitter, you can apply a bit of glue to the very top or the "branches" and sprinkle on some clear iridescent glitter. It makes the trees look like they've been hit by a light frost.
I also like to finish mine with a final sealing coat. If you used matte Mod Podge, the tree will have a soft, paper-like finish. If you want it to look more like ceramic, go with a high-gloss sealer or even a spray-on clear coat. It protects the paper from fading and makes the whole thing feel more "finished."
Where to Display Them
The great thing about decoupage christmas trees is that they look best in groups. One lone tree looks a bit sad, but a cluster of three in different heights? That's a centerpiece.
I like to put mine on the entryway table or mixed in with some real evergreen branches on the fireplace mantle. Because they're so light, you can even tuck them into the branches of your actual big Christmas tree as oversized ornaments if you're feeling bold.
They also make fantastic gifts. Last year, I made a bunch of mini ones and used them as "toppers" for wrapped presents. People loved them because they got a little handmade keepsake along with whatever was inside the box. It's way better than a plastic bow that's just going to get tossed in the trash.
Why This Project Works for Everyone
I think the reason I keep coming back to decoupage christmas trees is that there's no way to truly mess them up. If you hate a section, you just glue another piece of paper over it. It's one of those rare "low stakes, high reward" crafts.
It's also a great way to spend an evening when it's freezing outside and you just want to put on a Christmas movie and do something with your hands. It's meditative, it's messy in a fun way, and you end up with something beautiful that you can pull out of the decoration box year after year. So, grab some napkins and some glue, and give it a shot. You might find yourself addicted to it just like I am.