Festive Folds
Turn your old magazines into a creative Christmas display
Don’t throw out or recycle those old magazines just yet! We have a way to upcycle them into some charming Christmas decor. With a few quick folds, these trees add a modern look that is great for an empty corner or even a tablescape. Dress them up or let the natural colors of each magazine page create the look. Either way, it’s a fun and low-cost way to add some whimsy during the holidays.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Magazines/catalogs
- Glue
- White spray paint — optional
- Glitter — optional
- Fake snow — optional
Start by removing the cover of the magazine. The magazines I chose had a lot of pages in them and the pages were stiffer. With thicker pages, it is a little tougher to fold but the pages will stand up somewhat better once the project is done.
Begin by folding the top left-hand corner to the spin. Fold all the pages the exact same way working your way through the entire magazine. Every fifth page, I ran the back of a comb along the fold to get a nice crease. I also used a paper clip to keep the pages out of my way as I continued folding.
Once you’re done, working from the last page you folded to the front, fold the crease to the spine. You’ll want to make sure your folds are sharp as you work your way to the front again. This will make a long skinny triangle.
Can you see the tree starting to take shape? Once we get back to the front, move to the bottom of the page and fold the triangle tail flush with the magazine. Do this on all the skinny triangles, working towards the back of the magazine, again, making sure all the folds are sharp.
Now that everything is folded, fluff the pages so they stand up and fill the tree. I glued the front and last fold together so the paper tree will hold its shape.
If you like your tree au natural, you are done! If, however, you prefer to take it up a notch, spray the tree with white spray paint to make it look like it got a dusting of snow. If you want to go over the top, take fake snow and glitter and sprinkle it on the wet paint. I honestly can't decide if I like the plain or decorated tree better. Both have plenty of charm. You don’t have to stop there either. Once the paint is dry, feel free to add any embellishments and make the tree your own.
These paper trees are fun, easy and fast. I created mine in less than 30 minutes while watching my favorite TV show. Since they’re so simple, if they don’t stand the test of time, feel free to toss them and make a new set.
