Material and Equipment Needed
Making a palm tree out of butcher paper is a fun and easy craft that is ideal for school projects or decorations for special occasions. While some supplies can easily be found in most households, specialised items might be harder to come by. Here is what is needed to make a beautiful palm tree: Butcher paper, poster board, scissors, glue sticks, craft sticks, and/or poster tubes. The poster board can be used to provide stability, whereas the craft sticks and/or poster tubes are ideal for making the branches of the tree.
outlining the Design
Once the supplies and materials are gathered, the next step is to outline the design and measurements. Start by laying the butcher paper on a flat surface and draw a straight line along the width of the paper. This line should be slightly above the centre. Then draw a slightly curved S shape using the centre line as a reference point. This S shape, along with the central line, will become the trunk and leaves of the palm tree.
shaping the Tree
After the design is outlined and measured, it’s time to cut it out. Carefully cut the outlined S-shape with scissors and discard the excess paper. To shape the trunk and leaves, turn the paper over and gently fold along the edges of the S-shape. Then, glue the edges of the S-shape to make the tree take shape.
Adding Stability
For added stability to the palm tree, glue the poster board to the back of the tree’s trunk. This can be done with a few simple strips of poster board, which will act as a sturdy support. If using the craft sticks or poster tubes make the lines of those directly onto the poster board, keeping in proportion to the design of the tree. Once the sticks are glued in place, the palm tree should be sturdy enough to stand.
Fine Tuning the Details
Finally, fine tune the details of the tree by adding leaves and paint or markers. To make the leaves look realistic, cut out tear-drop shapes that vary in size and colour out of butcher paper. Glue them to the edges of the tree, making sure to add depth by using overlapping layers. To finish the look, use markers or paint to add lines, creases, and other details to the trunk and leaves.
Accessorising and Display
Once the palm tree is finished, it can be accessorised with various materials, such as ribbons, glitter, and other craft supplies. To display the tree, find a flat surface, such as a table top or mantel, and prop the tree up with books or other objects. The palm tree can easily be transported by using poster board as a stand.
Preserving the Tree
Butcher paper palm trees are not meant to be long-lasting and can wear away over time. To preserve the tree, use a spray sealant or varnish to reinforce the tree’s shape and increase its longevity. This is especially important if the tree will be outside or exposed to moisture.
Incentivising Kids
Making a palm tree out of butcher paper is a great activity to get kids involved in crafts and hands-on activities. It’s a fun and creative way for them to learn about shapes and colours, as well as improve their fine motor skills. To encourage them to make the tree, parents can provide them with a reward or certificate of achievement once the project is completed.
Creating Realistic Trees
Making a realistic looking palm tree requires precision when cutting out the S-shaped paper and when folding it to make the trunk and leaves. For a more accurate representation of a palm tree, pay attention to the angles and curves of the tree while folding, and be sure to make the leaves in different sizes and shapes.
Creating Unique Designs
Butcher paper palm trees don’t have to be the traditional green and brown colours. For a unique look, consider using vibrant and colourful paper. Or, use glitter and other materials to accentuate the trunk and leaves. To get more ideas, look for images of real palm trees for reference and inspiration.
Sustainability
Using butcher paper for creating the palm tree is an environmentally friendly option, as it’s made from recycled materials. When it comes time to dispose of the tree, it can be easily recycled or reused for future projects. By investing in already existing products, making a palm tree out of butcher paper is an excellent way to reduce, reuse and recycle.
