This easy paper craft is a creative way for kids to transform inexpensive recycled materials into a colorful work of art. Simply cut the bag into strips, twist the paper to form a realistic tree trunk and branches, then decorate it with bright paper leaves. It’s an engaging craft for elementary-aged kids, or even preschoolers with a little bit of help from mom or dad.
Whether you’re looking for a fun fall craft, a cheery spring project, or a budget-friendly classroom activity, this DIY project is a winner all year long. It’s inexpensive to make, encourages creativity and fine motor skills, and gives old paper bags a brand-new purpose!
Supplies Needed
- brown paper lunch bag
- small piece of cardboard
- colorful paper (for the leaves)
- a ruler
- pencil
- scissors
- craft glue
Step 1.Use a ruler and pencil to draw approximately ½-inch-wide strips on the lunch bag, starting at the opening and extending about halfway down the bag.
Step 2.Use scissors to cut along each strip, stopping where your pencil lines end. Don’t worry if the cuts aren’t perfectly straight—once the strips are twisted together to form the branches, any little imperfections will disappear.
Step 3.Open the bag and stand it upright. Hold the bottom of the bag with one hand, then gently twist the center to form the tree trunk.
Step 4.Twist two of the paper bag strips together to form a branch. Repeat with the remaining strips until all of them have been twisted into branches.
Step 5.Cut a circle from a piece of cardboard that is about the same size as, or slightly larger than, the bottom of the paper bag. Glue it under the base to help support the tree trunk and keep it standing upright.
Step 6.Cut or tear colored paper into small leaf shapes. You can also use tissue paper, pom-poms, dried leaves, or just about any craft supplies you already have at home to decorate your tree!
Step 7.Take your prepared leaves and glue them all over the branches, layering them as you go to create a full, leafy tree. Keep adding leaves until you’re happy with how full and colorful your tree looks. There’s no right or wrong way to decorate it, so have fun and make it your own!
Helpful Tips
- Want to make your tree even more impressive? Cut a larger circle or square of cardboard for the base, then decorate it with a layer of green “grass,” fallen leaves, or other nature-inspired details to create a fun little landscape around your tree.
- Customize your tree for any season! Use bright green leaves for spring or summer, or decorate it with shades of yellow, orange, and red for a colorful fall tree. You can also add fun details like blossoms, apples, acorns, birds, or anything else you can imagine to make your tree one of a kind.
- Remember, you can make your tree’s leaves from almost anything! Colored paper, tissue paper, pom-poms, or lightweight fabric scraps. You could also use light brown pipe cleaners (if you have them on hand) to add additional branches.
- If you enjoyed this easy recycled craft, check out this big list of Cheap Craft Ideas For Kids!
This easy paper bag craft is the perfect rainy day activity for home or the classroom! It’s especially great for kids in 2nd grade and up, offering just the right amount of challenge to keep them engaged while still being easy enough to complete with confidence. Either way, it’s pretty amazing what you can create from nothing more than a simple paper bag!
