Cardboard is a popular crafting medium in our home. In fact, we always have a decent collection of it on hand. We use it as a weed barrier in our garden and our kids love to build forts and other creative projects with it. Our stash of cardboard came in handy when we decided that we needed new Christmas decor and created these elegant tabletop trees, perfect for a table centerpiece or fireplace mantel.

Supplies

• cardboard
  
• pyramid tree template
  
• carbon paper (optional)
  
• boxcutter
  
• glue
  
• painter’s tape
  
• paint and paintbrushes

Trace and Cut

Position the template and the carbon copy paper on top of the cardboard. Secure them in place with painter’s tape. Trace the pattern. Use a ruler to keep the lines straight. Make sure you have the cardboard on a self healing mat or some surface you don’t mind getting scratched up before you cut. Once you’ve transferred the pattern, use a box cutter to carefully cut out the pyramid template from the cardboard.

Score

In order to fold the cardboard, you’ll need to “score” the inner fold lines. Using your box cutter or a craft knife, lightly cut down the fold lines. Use a light pressure; the objective is to cut through the top layer but not all the way through.

Fold and Glue

Fold the flap inwards (cut side inside the pyramid). Add glue to the fold flaps and secure with painter’s tape.

Do the same with the bottom flap of the pyramid. Use plenty of tape to secure the flaps in place while they dry.

Paint

Once dried, remove the tape and decorate. Metallic craft paints work great for this project. They make the cardboard look shiny and add a touch of elegance to a simple material. Make stripes, dots, stars or anything you like. No one will guess that these stylish little trees are made of cardboard!