DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop

4 min read September 13, 2026 Annaliese Johnson
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If you lack space for a large traditional Christmas tree, why not create a whimsical wall-mounted version? Our easy peasy fringed streamer version is cost-effective and oh so versatile. We chose a mint green and pink color scheme, but the colors could easily be changed up to match the decor in your room. We used our wall-mounted tree as a backdrop for our Merry and Bright Cookie Exchange Party, but how cute would it be in a child's playroom or small apartment? Follow the steps below to create your own!

Project Time
60 to 70 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Step
1

Begin by stacking four foam boards on top of each other on their shorter ends, then turn one on its side and place it in the center of the two boards at the top as shown. Next, tape the five pieces of foam board together along the seams. Be sure to turn the boards over and tape both sides to ensure they are secured together.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 1
Step
2

Once the boards have been taped together, lay two long pieces of string from each bottom corner of the long end of the board to the center of the top individual board to create an isosceles triangle. Trace a line along each piece of string, and then use an exacto knife to carefully cut along the traced lines of the triangle. Reserve a small piece of foam board to cut the tree trunk later.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 2 part 1
DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 2 part 2
Step
3

Now lay a roll of green crepe paper streamers across the newly cut Christmas tree shape and cut them into strips that stretch just over the outer edge of each side. Once all the strips of crepe paper have been cut, lay them flat and cut short snips towards the center along the entire edge of each piece to create a fringe.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 3
Step
4

Next, take the Christmas tree triangle to a well-ventilated area and spray paint the entire surface green. This will ensure the tape does not show through the streamers once they are glued down.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 4
Step
5

To create the trunk of the tree, trace around a small square plate, onto a scrap piece of foam board, and then use an exacto knife to carefully cut out the shape.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 5 part 1
DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 5 part 2
Step
6

Repeat step 3 from above and cut strips of pink crepe paper streamers to cover the Christmas tree trunk. After cutting the fringe into the edges of the streamers, spread a thin layer of glue onto the trunk using a sponge brush. Starting from the bottom and working your way towards the top, begin attaching the strips of pink streamers across the trunk, overlapping each layer slightly as you go.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 6 part 1
DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 6 part 2
Step
7

Working in small sections from the bottom of the tree to the top, repeat step 6 to attach the strips of green crepe paper streamers.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 7 part 1
DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 7 part 2
Step
8

To create ornaments for the tree, paint several unfinished wood beads in colors to match your theme. We chose gold, light pink, light blue and white. Additionally, paint a DIY Unfinished Wood Star Shape light pink for the top of the tree. Once the pink paint has dried on the star, add a splatter paint effect by dipping the end of a paint brush in gold paint and lightly tapping it over the star.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 8 part 1
DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 8 part 2
Step
9

Once the paint on the beads has dried, begin stringing them onto gold baker's twine. Feel free to string as many beads onto each string as you wish. We created six rows of beads, starting with three on the first strand, and increased the number as the rows became wider towards the bottom.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 9
Step
10

Next, attach each end of the strands to the tree using hot glue. Finish by using hot glue to adhere the star to the top of the tree.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 10 part 1
DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 10 part 2
Step
11

Finally, hang your whimsical tree over your dessert buffet using double sided foam tape during your Merry and Bright Cookie Exchange Party for all to admire!

Be sure to check out the full Merry and Bright Cookie Exchange Party here, along with the steps to create a DIY Triangle Shelf Christmas Tree and an adorable Mrs. Claus Bakery Sign.

DIY Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Backdrop step 11

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