Materials Needed
Creating a palm tree for the classroom to add a tropical atmosphere can be made with everyday household items. All that is needed for this craft is a few sheets of construction paper, scissors, glue, a comfortable glue gun and felt-tip markers or paint.
Cutting the Paper
This craft is fairly simple in its construction, though it does need a bit of time to get it exactly perfect. Begin by cutting out the shape of the palm tree from brown construction paper using scissors. This cut-out should have a wide trunk at the bottom and two branches at the top to resemble a realistic palm tree.
Making the Leaves
Once the trunk and branches are in place, the leaves need to be added. Cut small triangles from green construction paper and glue them along the two branches. When this is finished, the palm tree should start to look like a real one.
Adding the Details
Details can now be added to further the realism of the palm tree. Take a few markers or paints and add details like small dots or swirls. These can be used to highlight the leaves and create a realistic look for the palm tree.
Pencil Shadowing
To add another level of realism to the palm tree, it is possible to add shadows to it. This is done by taking a pencil and dragging it gently along the leaves, as well as around the base of the trunk. This will help create a more realistic look, as if the sun is casting a shadow on the leaves.
Adding Coconuts
Coconuts are an important part of a realistic palm tree, and this craft would not be complete without them. Take brown construction paper and cut out circles, then glue them along the trunk of the tree. This will help create a realistic palm tree, as coconuts usually grow from the trunks of palm trees.
Creating a Beach Scene
To further the realism of the palm tree, it is possible to add a beach atmosphere to it. Take white paper and cut out small pieces of sand. Glue these around the trunk and along the base of the tree. This will give the impression that the tree is growing at the beach.
Using Colored Pencils
Colored pencils can be used to add even more details to the palm tree, such as leaves and branches. Draw the details that you want to add with a light hand, then use darker colored pencils to fill them in. This will help to create a more realistic look.
Adding a Bird
The last step in creating a realistic palm tree is to add a bird. Cut out a small bird shape from white paper and glue it to the top of the tree. This will help to create the illusion of a real palm tree, as birds usually sit on the branches of palm trees.
Using Cardboard for Added Stability
In addition to using paper for the creation of a palm tree, it can also be helpful to use cardboard for added stability. By cutting out the shape of the tree from cardboard and adding a few layers of card stock paper, the tree can be made more stable and sturdy.
Adding Glitter
To create a palm tree with a sparkly effect, it is possible to add glitter to it. Take small pieces of glitter and place them on the leaves and branches of the tree to give it a sparkly, tropical look.
Creating a Stand
The final step in creating a palm tree is to make a stand for it. This can be done with a piece of cardboard cut into a square shape. The cardboard should then be covered with green felt, with the palm tree glued to the center. This will give the tree a more realistic look, as if it is growing out of the sand.
Using Colored Crepe Paper
To make the tree even more realistic, it is possible to use colored crepe paper for the leaves. Cut out small, triangular shapes from the paper and glue them onto the branches and trunk. This will give the tree a more tropical feel and look.
Making a Coconut Tree Topper
The last step in creating a realistic palm tree is to make a coconut tree topper. Take a small piece of coconut and glue it to the top of the tree. This will complete the realistic look and feel of the palm tree.
Attaching Leaves with Glue Gun
For added realism, it is possible to attach leaves to the palm tree with a glue gun. Take small pieces of construction paper and cut them into the shape of leaves. Then use a glue gun to attach them to the branches and trunk. This will make the tree look even more realistic.
Finishing Touches
Once all of the steps are completed, the final step to creating a palm tree is to add any finishing touches that are needed. This could include adding a few extra leaves or spraying the tree with metallic spray paint. It all depends on what is desired for the look and feel of the palm tree.