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Vintage paper trees

November 30, 2011 by Barb 76 Comments

I first saw these frilly little trees from hgtv (Pinterest) and knew I had to have one (or three). They are super simple to make and have such a delicate presence sitting there on my little china cabinet.

Speaking of my china cabinet – I gave the top a new look this year. It started when I saw this old window frame with the mirrors in the panes. I was casually shopping around at The Country Pumpkin for little ornaments when I turned around and saw it. I was smitten . . . I felt dizzy . . . I needed air . . . When I came around I made the decision to leave the store for an hour or so to think about it – how responsible is that! Anyway, you can see here that the rest is history. It’s home with me where it belongs, sigh . . .

Dictionary Paper Trees, vintage, christmas

Pure frilliness!

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

To make the trees, I started with 3 styrofoam cone bases.

I wanted to vary the heights of my trees (two styrofoam bases are the same size and one is smaller) so I bought three little vintage books for one to sit on – is it not a.ma.zing that they match the runner to perfection? Oh my . . .

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

I swear, I did not see that word Kindle when I was making these trees – honest! Is that not ironic?

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

Love the layering going on here…

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

I placed a little bowl full of antique ornaments into my vignette. They came to me after we lost our sister (many years ago).

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

Lovin’ this window!

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

 

OK, so back to reality! Here’s a mini tutorial.

Start with styrofoam cones. Take pages from dictionary, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces then cut lots of little frills into them, careful not to go straight to the edge.

Dictionary Paper Trees, vintage, christmas, trees

I used a thick skewer to curl them.

 Dictionary Paper Trees, vintage, Christmas

I found the shorter ones easier to roll.

20111130_6985-copy

Starting at the bottom of the cone, glue the curled pieces around it until you get to the top. I put the glue on the styrofoam base first and stuck the paper to it – it just seemed easier to handle.

Dictionary Paper Trees, Christmas, vintage

These little gems are light as a feather and so, so delicate. Find a special spot for them, sit back, and enjoy! Happy decorating!

 

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS Tagged With: dictionary paper, diy, home decor, mantel

Comments

  1. Jill says

    November 30, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Barb, these are awesome!! I made a tree topper with encyclopedia pages cut into strips for my girls’ 4-H tree and maybe will post about it, but I just love the frilliness of these. It IS ironic that “kindle” was there!

    Reply
  2. Ashley Sisk says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    What a fun idea – very creative!

    Reply
  3. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    Oh my gosh these are gorgeous! How creative!!! I can’t wait to see all of your decorating!
    Jo

    Reply
  4. Besoterio says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    You rock.

    Reply
  5. MaryAnn says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    These trees are adorable. Thanks for sharing~
    MaryAnn

    Reply
  6. TexWisGirl says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    those are really beautiful. love the simplicity of it. sad that so many books are being cut up for decorations now tho! :)

    Reply
  7. Helene says

    November 30, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    I absolutely love these!

    Reply
  8. Evelyn S. says

    November 30, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    You made these???? You are an amazing paper artist….not to mention a great photographer! I am so enjoying your Christmas decoration narratives.

    Reply
  9. Marissa @Life On Our Side Of The Mountain says

    November 30, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    You are so creative! I do love that the books match the runner perfectly! Beautiful photos!

    Reply
  10. Seraphina´s Phantasie says

    November 30, 2011 at 6:17 pm

    Gorgeous, Barb, gorgeous ! Thank you very very much for the Tutorial.

    Reply
  11. Kara @ June & Bear says

    November 30, 2011 at 6:28 pm

    They turned out great. Very pretty. Love your window and ornaments too.

    Reply
  12. EG Wow says

    November 30, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    I agree they are very attractive. Bonus: they are quite simple to make too!

    Reply
  13. Sylvia says

    November 30, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    You’ve made beautiful paper trees, lovely combination with the vintage books and table runner !
    Your TT photo is lovely too !
    Nice evening,
    Sylvia

    Reply
  14. Lorrie Everitt Studio says

    November 30, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    love love love these … thanks for sharing … adding to my pinterest board so I don’t lose your tutorial!

    http://pinterest.com/lorrieeveritt/holiday-crafts-and-decor/

    Reply
  15. Torunn says

    November 30, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    So amusing and great. Very creative.

    Reply
  16. LeAnne says

    November 30, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    This is a really cool idea!

    Reply
  17. Wenche says

    November 30, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    How creative ;0)

    Reply
  18. Henrietta says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    Those trees are gorgeous, this kind of christmas decoration I do like, nice work:)

    Reply
  19. melanzana says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    Prekrasna su ti drvca, super ideja….

    Reply
  20. Ms. Becky says

    November 30, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    oh now you make this all look so easy. I would have glue all over my face, my toes, and the paper would be stuck to my rear. not kidding. I hope you’ll give us a tour of your entire, completely decorated home when you’re all finished. you must have a large supply of vintage books! I think the display is smashing. happy evening to you Barb.

    Reply
  21. Chelsea@getyourcraptogether says

    December 1, 2011 at 1:28 am

    Love it!

    Reply
  22. karren says

    December 1, 2011 at 2:04 am

    Well, I love the whole scene you put together, that old mirror in the back is wonderful, reflecting them. The runner, and the vintage books…all beautiful. DidI mention your photos are awesome too!

    Reply
  23. Partycraft Secrets says

    December 1, 2011 at 2:38 am

    gorgeous project; beautiful photos!

    Reply
  24. time worn interiors says

    December 1, 2011 at 2:51 am

    Barb, I love your trees! I tried these last year and mine looked awful! Maybe I should try again!
    tot

    Reply
  25. amatterofhowyouseeit.com says

    December 1, 2011 at 3:10 am

    The photos are gorgeous and you are so very creative!

    Reply
  26. lisa says

    December 1, 2011 at 3:19 am

    Barb, these trees are wonderful!!

    Reply
  27. Tricia says

    December 1, 2011 at 4:37 am

    Oh those are cute! They go so well with the window frame.

    Reply
  28. Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says

    December 1, 2011 at 8:02 am

    Love your trees! Beautiful :)

    Reply
  29. Theresa says

    December 1, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    Thank you for the tutorial… they are fantastic! t.xoxo

    Reply
  30. Nancy @ A Rural Journal says

    December 1, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    These are great — recycling and beautifying in one easy lesson! :)

    Reply
  31. Cynthia says

    December 1, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    These turned out so lovely! I have made a similar one using sheet music, I’ve only attempted the one so far, though!

    Reply
  32. Sue Frazier says

    December 1, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    simply adorable…thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  33. Deanna says

    December 2, 2011 at 12:47 am

    Oh my, these are just fantastic. Love them with the vintage papers, so much character and goes so well with your “natural” decorating. Thanks so much for sharing the tutorial.

    Reply
  34. THE FARMHOUSE PORCH says

    December 2, 2011 at 1:09 am

    I must replicate!!! I love the grouping of 3.
    They turned out awesome, thanks for sharing.

    ♥Linsey

    Reply
  35. Shannon says

    December 2, 2011 at 1:55 am

    Mmm. LURVE!!! These are perfect!!!
    Bookmarked!
    Shannon

    Reply
  36. deb duty says

    December 2, 2011 at 2:24 am

    I love the look of these trees! I just don’t think I have the patience! I’m going to pin it just in case I change my mind!

    Reply
  37. Trish and Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    December 2, 2011 at 2:34 am

    These are so gorgeous! Thanks so much for joining in on our Home for the Holidays Party!

    Reply
  38. Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com says

    December 2, 2011 at 2:36 am

    I saw these in a high-end gift shop recently. I LOVE your tutorial and am going to try this for sure!

    Reply
  39. Hydrangeas and Harmony says

    December 2, 2011 at 3:21 am

    The different papers really add dimension to it. So cute!

    Reply
  40. Liz @ thequickjourney.blogspot.com says

    December 2, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    Those are fantastic! And, those books do match perfectly!!! I think it would be a great addition to my Find your Craft Friday!!! I would love it if you would come link up. :)

    http://thequickjourney.blogspot.com/2011/12/find-your-craft-friday-link-party.html

    Reply
  41. Upscale Downhome says

    December 2, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    I really like your method of creating these trees. I’ve seen other versions out there that are not nearly as lovely. I think that it’s the detail in your fringing that really make them special. Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
  42. HeartVintageDesign says

    December 3, 2011 at 3:43 am

    Love the trees!

    Reply
  43. Kim @ Too Much Time says

    December 3, 2011 at 4:35 am

    I have some vintage paper laying around and I have to do this!I am hosting my first ever blog hop this weekend and I would LOVE if you stopped by to link some stuff up!

    Kim @ Too Much Time

    http://kim-toomuchtimeonmyhands.blogspot.com/search/label/get%20schooled%20saturday

    Reply
  44. Susan @ Second Chances by Susan says

    December 3, 2011 at 7:04 am

    Love them! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  45. Jessa Irene says

    December 3, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    These look like a fun craft, think I am going to have to try this!

    Reply
  46. Kristy says

    December 3, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    These right up my alley! I wonder if I have the patience though… Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  47. Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com says

    December 4, 2011 at 3:46 am

    Okay, I got my materials together. What kind of glue did you use?

    Reply
  48. Sherry says

    December 4, 2011 at 5:04 am

    Fantastic! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    Reply
  49. Lori says

    December 4, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    These are so so cute!! I am your newest follower ~ love me some Canadian blogs to read!

    Reply
  50. Kim@todayismysome-day says

    December 4, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    So pretty! I actually thought of doing something like this, although I didn’t really know how to accomplish it. But I went with a paper origami tree instead. It’s funny how much our “styles” are alike. I LOVE your mirror/window and I also used stacked books for my 3 trees! Your display looks beautiful!

    Kim
    http://www.todayismysome-day.blogspot.com

    Reply
  51. Perfect Imperfections by Jeanne says

    December 5, 2011 at 1:52 am

    These little trees are great! Thank you so much for the tutorial too! I just came over from Whipperberry and I’m a new follower.

    Reply
  52. Amy Papale says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:49 am

    So Beautiful!

    Reply
  53. Maureen says

    December 5, 2011 at 5:44 am

    These are so pretty! I love it.
    I’d love for you to link up to my Fresh Friday Link Party!
    http://www.releasemecreations.com/2011/12/fresh-fridays-link-party-6.html

    Reply
  54. Jami says

    December 5, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    New to your blog and I’m pinning these- love them! Thanks for posting them.

    Reply
  55. artclubblog says

    December 5, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    Came across your beautiful trees on Someday Crafts. They are so elegant, and your photos are lovely too! I look forward to making some.

    Reply
  56. Katie@{The Allred Abode} says

    December 6, 2011 at 2:54 am

    Love this idea! I would love for you to link up to my new party, Monday Myriad Linky Party
    katieoallred@gmail.com

    Reply
  57. Gillian says

    December 6, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    I always love your stuff, and am especially liking all of your christmas decorating! Time to get my butt in gear and do some…. I think i’ll start here : )

    Reply
  58. Corinna says

    December 6, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    These are spectacular. I have seriously been seeing a lot of paper trees in the last few weeks, but yours are the prettiest by far! I love how they’re curly!

    Reply
  59. Kelly says

    December 7, 2011 at 2:48 am

    These are spectacular!! I’m going to have to try and do these myself! I found you through Take a Look Tuesday, and I’m following you now!

    Kelly
    http://crazywego.blogspot.com

    Reply
  60. Q @ JAQS says

    December 7, 2011 at 5:17 am

    Those are just AWESOME!

    If you get a chance – love for you to link up to my “Made by ME” linky party: http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2011/12/made-by-me-9-linky-party-and-features.html

    Reply
  61. Fishtail Cottage says

    December 9, 2011 at 5:01 am

    love your trees!!! coming over from common ground to say hi! xoox, tracie

    Reply
  62. Kim @ Too Much Time says

    December 9, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    Thank you so much for linking up your lovely projects at Get Schooled Saturday. We will be open for business again Friday night-Sunday night!
    Kim @ Too Much Time
    http://www.kim-toomuchtimeonmyhands.blogspot.com

    Reply
  63. Custom Comforts says

    December 10, 2011 at 12:17 am

    What pretty little trees that look like they took forever to cut the paper for. Sweet little treasures I’m sure you’ll use forever.
    Cindy

    Reply
  64. A Cottage Muse says

    December 10, 2011 at 11:44 am

    These are so sweet, thanks for the how to!

    Reply
  65. Gwen @ The Bold Abode says

    December 10, 2011 at 2:52 pm

    Gorgeous! I’m in love with those little trees!!!

    Reply
  66. SUPAHMAMA! says

    December 12, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    Don’t forget to link up to win the Eureka Vacuum and Kindle Fire at “The Sits Girls!!” I am grateful to be a fellow crafter in Creating Christmas, just thought you might like a chance to win big for being oh so fabulous. :) http://www.thesitsgirls.com/featured-blogger/good-clean-fun-vacuum-kindle-giveaway/

    Reply
  67. Kathijane says

    December 13, 2011 at 3:13 am

    I love the paper trees! Thanks for the tutorial. Gonna have to make some:) So pretty!

    Reply
  68. Barb says

    December 14, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    Those are pretty!

    I have birch bark ones like them (though I bought them instead of making them).

    Check it out:
    http://turtlesandtails.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-mantel.html

    Reply
  69. Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com says

    December 18, 2011 at 12:40 am

    Barb, I tried your trees. Here’s a link so you can check mine out:
    http://blestnest.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-crafts.html

    Reply
  70. Redlilocks {Swoon Worthy} says

    December 18, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    Just came across your blog – these are fabulous! Love them. I’ve pinned this and your paper wreath as well… time to get out the glue gun! Thanks for the inspiration :) xxx

    Reply
  71. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    December 19, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    So pretty! I will be featuring them tomorrow :)
    XO

    Reply
  72. Ashley @ A {Blonde's} DIY Life says

    December 21, 2011 at 4:49 am

    Just randomly found your blog! So glad I did, these trees are gorgeous! I would love it if you lined them up to my party!
    http://ablondesdiylife.blogspot.com/2011/12/come-party-with-blonde-features.html
    Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  73. J's mom says

    November 26, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    Just stopping by to let you know I featured this project on my Christmas tree craft collection.
    Please grab a featured button from my side bar when you get a chance. Thanks
    http://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/11/50-diy-christmas-tree-craft-ideas-collection.html

    Reply
  74. The Artful Diva says

    December 30, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    Oh boy, I love those paper trees too. I’m going to make myself one or two or…
    Best wishes for a joyous, peace-filled and creative New Year!

    Reply
  75. anne says

    October 9, 2017 at 11:24 am

    Hi Barb loving the paper trees can you tell me how you managed to keep the strips of paper in a straight line I have tried three times n now I’m about to give up also how did u get them so curly am I using something that’s to wide

    Reply
    • Barb says

      October 10, 2017 at 7:35 pm

      Hi Ann, I simply cut the dictionary pages into 1 1/2 inch strips (wide) then using scissors I cut into them, being careful not to go straight to the edge. I then used a skewer to curl the strips.

      So the strips themselves should start out to be about 5-6 inches long by 1 1/2 inch wide, but:

      You could trim them to be about 4 inches long by 1 1/2 inch wide if that is easier. Hope this helps!

      Reply

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Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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