Hi friends,

Last year, we saw our huge Sweet Gum tree cycle through its last beautiful color changes and lose all of its leaves in the winter. Due to its shallow root growth, age, and horrible spiky seeds, we cut it down this summer. Our winter tree craft is a little nod to our old Sweet Gum. The only mess you’ll have is the glue on your fingers and the tiny clippings haha. Check out our winter tree below!

*Click on photos for a closer look

What You'll Need

(2) White Construction Papers
(1) Black, Grey, Lt. Blue, and Brown Construction Papers
Pencil
Scissors
Glue

The Steps

SNOWY HILLS

Set aside 1 sheet of white and brown paper for later, then fold the black, grey, blue, and 2nd sheet of white in half.
Cut the sheets in half, then stack 1 grey, white, and blue half-sheets, and fold them in half once again. The other half sheets are not needed.
Turn your folded sheets horizontally and draw your hills.

4. Cut your hills out, then spread them open at the fold, and cut across as well. Each of these sections (12 total) will be used to create your hilly backdrop.

BACKDROP

Use any of the 12 sections, starting from the bottom work your way up.
Face the flat edges down, overlapping slightly, and flipping each to the right or left side, to create a variance. Glue as you go and tuck the layers behind.

TREE & LEAVES

Use the 1/2 sheet of black paper and make tiny tears down the side to create a tree trunk, add roots if you’d like, and create small thin branches as well.
Glue your trunk, roots, and branches onto the background.
Cut a few strips of brown paper, fold them multiple times, and draw some tiny leaves.
Cut out the tiny leaves and glue them onto the tree, up in the air, and some on the hills.
That’s it!