Christmas Family Tree

Shelley Woods in Nevada has got to be our most prolific computer crafter! She’s done it again with this wonderful centerpiece made with Gartner Studios Iridescent paper in Pearl Green using the box template in our Baby Blocks Favor Box project. Shelley altered the sizes of the boxes depending upon the layer they would be placed on – larger boxes at the bottom gradually getting smaller toward the top. Each box is decorated with family photos starting with the parents and grandparents on the bottom and the kids working their way to the top. A TRUE family tree! The boxes are also decorated with colorful glitter paints, stickers and miniature Christmas ornaments and is topped off with a “tree topper” made from wired garland. This project could easily be made into a Valentine’s day gift, an Easter project, or a wedding gift with a photo of the couple in a heart shaped topper. Shelley’s tree measures 13 ½" round and almost 16" high. The cubes on her tree are sized as follows: Bottom tier = 2.5", next tier = 2.25", next tier = 2.0", next tier = 1.75", top tier = 1.5"

MATERIALS:

Cardboard from frozen pizza (round)

Reynolds Wrap to cover the cardboard evenly

Iridescent paper, one page for each cube needed

Pictures

Stickers

Bows

Bells

Wired garland for topper

Extra colors of glitter (if wanted)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. For the base of the tree, cover the round cardboard with foil.

2. Open a blank page in your graphics program and import the template for the box from our Baby Blocks Favor Box project. You can print the blocks with the pictures on them or you can add them afterwards as Shelley did. Resize the template as needed and print enough for a whole layer before resizing for the next layer.

3. After you’ve printed your "blocks", cut them out, and score along the lines, fold. And glue.

4. When blocks are put together, arrange the bottom tier. At this point Shelley says she found it easier to use a non-permanent glue to hold the blocks in place.

5. After each tier, cut a matching piece of paper in a circle, and lay it in the center of the tree. (See photo below) This will help support the next tier of blocks. It also gives the next tier a level area on which to sit. Shelley also suggests filling the empty space in the center with potpourri.

Shelley also used a product to stiffen and strengthen the boxes. This product, called Shimmer and Shine and made by Elmers, helped to strengthen the boxes while adding a wonderful glittery shimmer to the box surface. Check out Elmer's for more information on this product.

This is a wonderful project in which to involve the entire family! And for teachers, you can make a tree for the class by having each student do one box to add to the tree!

Christmas Family Tree Instructions

For a print friendly version, click on this link.