If you’ve ever walked through a holiday boutique and thought, “I could totally make that…” — this project is for you. And, this happened to me! These ribbon trees are charming, cozy, and look like something straight from a high-end home decor shoppe… but they’re incredibly simple to make.
Even better? They’re the perfect way to use up all those leftover ribbons you’ve collected from estate sales, past projects, or holiday wrapping.
MATERIALS (SuppLY LIST HERE)
Paper mâché cones (any size)
Hot glue + glue gun
Ribbon:
-~19–20 ft of 1″ plaid ribbon (cut into ~50 pieces, each 4.5″ long)
-~7 ft of 1″ green velvet ribbon (cut into ~20 pieces, each 4.5″ long)
-Mix of plaids, velvets, or whatever you have in your stash
Gold button or embellishment for the tree topper
Twinkle lights
Iron (optional but helpful)
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut & prep your ribbon
Cut all your ribbon into 4.5-inch pieces.
Fold each piece in half (long ways) to create a little pointed “peak” at the top, then lightly iron the fold so it holds its shape. This gives the tree that dimensional, fluffy look.
2. Start at the bottom
Begin at the base of your paper mâché cone.
Attach your ribbon pieces using hot glue, leaving a slight overhang so the paper mache cone doesn’t peek through. Work your way around the entire cone, creating your first row.
3. Build your layers
Continue upward, row by row.
Each new row should overlap the one below it so the cone doesn’t show and the tree looks full and lush.
✔️ Important: Don’t glue the pointed ends down! You want to be able to fluff each ribbon “branch” for dimension.
4. Mix in ribbon varieties
Use as many ribbon patterns as you want—this is especially fun with plaid and velvet. The mix gives the tree a boutique, collected look.
5. Finish the top
Once you reach the top, add something special.
I used a gold button, but you can use a bow, mini ornament, charm, or any unique detail you love.
6. Add the glow
Wrap twinkle lights around your finished tree for a soft, charming glow. It instantly elevates the whole look.
7. Fluff & style
Gently fluff out all the ribbon points to mimic branches.
Set your tree on a mantle, tabletop, or entryway and watch it steal the show.
Why You’ll Love This Project
Makes use of leftover ribbons
Looks expensive, but is incredibly easy
Customizable to any holiday theme
Perfect for creating a collected, vintage-inspired vibe
Great for gifting, mantles, centerpieces, or grouped in threes
If you’ve ever felt inspired by something beautiful in a shoppe, let this be your reminder that you can create the same magic at home — for less, and with more heart. Your creativity is worth leaning into.
