Repurpose a few small boxes or chunks of foam from packaging to create a stacked box Christmas Tree decoration for a table or mantel.
If you read my last post, then you know that this holiday season I am going to simplify the holidays and focus on only doing the things that have the most meaning for me and my family and forgetting all the rest.
One is to pare down how many decorations I place around the house while trying to use more natural elements.
Today I am going to show you something that I made to accent some of the natural elements that I plan to use.
When it comes to making my own Christmas decorations, I like a little bit of vintage and a little bit of glitter… or sometimes, quite a lot of glitter. When I made this stack of little boxes to mimic the shape of a Christmas tree, I added both.
A few years ago I created a .Pdf of French Script to print out on computer paper to make a garland of paper holly. I also used it to cover books that I use to raise the lamps on the sideboard in my foyer.
I have never tired of it and figured since I still like it, I would print a few sheets to cover a collection of various size boxes to make this stacked box decoration to use on a table or mantel.
When I create my own decorations, I always consider a few options on how to make it. When I can’t decide what option to go with, I end up making both. That is what I did for this post. I made the stacked boxes two different ways so that if you like it, you can decide what works best for your style or even tweak it to fit your needs.
How to Make a Stacked Box Christmas Tree
supplies needed:
- Small boxes in various sizes or pieces of foam cut into box shapes
- Free printable paper of French Script – Download here: Free French Script Paper
- Double stick tape
- Hot glue gun and glue stick
- Spray glue
- White Glitter
- Scissors
- Velvet ribbon – I bought it at TJ Maxx
Optional:
- Thin dowel – mine is 18″ long
- Awl
- Spray paint, planter and greenery
1. Download and print one sheet of the French Script paper for each box.
2. Wrap each box as you would a gift and glue ends with double stick tape.
3. Spray glue all over box and then place in a tray or something to catch the glitter as you sprinkle glitter all over the boxes. When you are finished you can pour the excess glitter back into the jar.
Repeat steps for each box.
If Stacking Boxes on a Dowel:
1. Once boxes are wrapped and glittered, use an awl to punch a hole in the center of each box that goes though from top to bottom.
2. If you want to place the stack of boxes on top of a planter, place a spray painted dowel in foam in planter to secure. Place greenery in planter.
3. Begin to thread boxes onto dowel, largest to smallest. I stacked the boxes on top of each other, but you can leave a space between each for a different look that exposes the dowel. It takes on a topiary look when styled this way.
4. Tie a bow on a length of ribbon and attach to the top box with a dot of hot glue. Trim ribbon ends.
Optional Topper Idea for Stack of Boxes
Instead of adding a ribbon, glue a glittered pinecone on top of the stack.
Where to Use the Vintage Box Christmas Tree
I thought the stack of boxes placed on a planter filled with greenery looked nice on my mantel in front of a small Christmas tree.
When using as a dining room table centerpiece, you can skip making a hole in each box and simply glue them together and place them on a the table. To give the stacked box Christmas tree more height, place on a small pedestal or stack of books. I placed my stack on a wood slice and greenery from my yard.
Either way you decide to style and display, it is an easy way to craft a unique Christmas decoration to make your house festive this holiday season without taking too much time or effort.
Another idea that just popped into my mind as I am typing this. You can fill each box with a small gift and then give the stack as a creative way to give a few small gifts to one person.
If you like to create your own Christmas decorations, then I know you will find inspiration and creative and clever DIY Christmas crafts that are being shared today on the Seasonal Simplicity Christmas DIY craft project bloghop.
Jen says
Hi from England.
Been isolating since March so your ideas which I cannot do have been amazing. It’s like going to another place from my couch. 72 and nails hate me but !!!! Just to let you know that even them that can not and wish they could but still enjoy your journey so much.
This idea I can do. It’s brilliant. It’s so simple and yes I can do it and yes I am going to do it.😁
If you ever wanted to go back to basics and I mean like real basics that would be amazing.
Thank you for everything
Jen
judy h. says
Hi Diane! I’m so behind in my blog reading! I have been saving all of your posts, I love this stacked box Christmas tree. We’ve been reading each other’s minds… My daughter and I were talking about decorating for Christmas and I told her that this year, I wanted to simplify my Christmas decorating. I spoke almost your exact words, “I love our home during the Christmas season, but I don’t necessarily love everything thing I always put on display. I just want to do what I think is the prettiest and keep it simple.” I didn’t tell her I was in desperate need of some inspiration! Your tree is the kind of decorating I have in mind. I’m thinking of making three of them, small, medium and large and placing them on one corner of the mantel in our living room. The mantel is painted ivory as are the built-ins surrounding it. My walls are soft, barely sage green. Printing the script on soft ivory paper sounds lovely to me. Now, what color of glitter….? You inspire me, girl! Many thanks.
Jamie says
Of course this French script printable has my heart, Diane! I love this project you made!
Hugs, Jamie
courtney says
SOOOO cute!! Love it!
Sheryll $ Critters. says
I love these boxes with the French Script. Very cute Christmas Trees for sure! Reminds me of your guest bedroom in your last house. I still love the way you decorated it.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Sheryll – Thanks. I may be using the black and white check I used in that room in my living room this year. :-)
Georgia says
Love it! I love Christmas cards and keep really special ones that I’ve received over the years. I frame some to decorate with for Christmas or make little boxes out of them. How cute would this be with different little patterns from Christmas cards! I think I may have to do that or even use coordinating wrapping paper patterns. Thank you for more inspiration!
Jaime Costiglio says
Diane who knew a few boxes and pretty paper could become something so beautiful! I love the ribbon on top and your touch of glitter makes it perfect. Pinning.
Krista says
This is so cute Diane. Thank you for sharing a being a part of the blog hop.
Marry says
Love it it looks like mini x-mas tree and it doesn’t look hard to make.
Ashley says
This is so cute and unique! I love the glittered boxes and that ribbon is perfect!
Gail says
I’m in love with this idea, so simple and elegant.
Joanne B. says
This is so sweet! What a lovely little crafty decor project and how perfect that you shared the French script paper you designed? You really are in your element aren’t you! And the last minute idea that popped into your head about placing a small gift in each box! THAT is brilliant! It makes a simple gift into something spectacular that I’ll bet the recipient won’t want to undo! SO SWEET! I think by changing out the paper you can create different looks even for children with small trinkets inside! Takes a “little something” and turns it into a presentation! Simply amazing how you never run out of ideas. And we so appreciate your sharing your talents with us!
Jennifer Hadfield says
Diane! This is so beautiful! I love that ribbon and the glitter!
I pinned it to my holiday board :)
xoxoxo
Cheryl says
Lovely, Diane you are such a creative expert DIYer! Once again the statement “ you never cease to amaze me” is true.
Pat M. says
I am not a craft person. Anyone will tell you. And, I normally am not interested in crafty things. However, this Christmas tree made of paper covered boxes has gotten in my head and will not leave. I absolutely love it for its simplicity and for not screaming Christmas craftiness. You have such great ideas and this is one for the books. Keep doing what you do.
Teresa Emrich says
I love the Christmas tree of stacked boxes, so I immediately printed out the design on an 8.5 x 11 inch paper, BUT it only printed half the sheet. Is that correct, or what am I not doing correctly? And, How do you print out larger sheets to cover your books? Please help me!!! Love your blogs.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Teresa – I am not sure why it only printed half a sheet. I just tested it on two printers in my house and it filled each sheet. Maybe try printing it using the printer interface and then try your browser interface and see if one prints out the entire thing. If not I will send you the pdf by email. Let me know if you have success.
It can only print to the 8-1/2″ x 11″ size. If I need a larger size when covering a book I seam two pieces together on the bottom of the book with tape. Since the books are stacked, the seam/tape isn’t seen. I don’t cover books wider than 11″.
Teresa Emrich says
THANK YOU so much for your reply…..I was able to print a full sheet when I printed horizontally, and had I NOT been in such a hurry to try this fascinating project, and had look more closely to your photo, I would have realized it was printed horizontally, and not vertically.
God bless, and please keep posting these wonderful Christmas ideas.
Kari Rogers-Miller says
My sweet friend…..you never cease to amaze me with your inspirational DIY. I LOVE this present stack and so easy to do. Great job.
Please share your link at our link party https://www.meandmycaptain.com/2018/11/celebrate-your-story-3/
thanks
Kari @ Me and My Captain
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Kari – I will link over at your blog. :-)
Lynn W says
Love this idea!! Can’t wait to put it together. I will make mine for a centerpiece.
Thank you ?