Are you tired of the usual Christmas tree? With recycled materials that are easy to find, making an alternative tree can be simple, fun and inexpensive. You can do it yourself or ask children to help and turn it into a relaxed afternoon before Christmas.
Colored Wool
If you have old balls of wool or cotton, pieces of felt and a few buttons, you already have what you need for small original Christmas trees. Make a cone from paper, brush on a little white glue and slowly wrap it with colored thread. Once the glue is dry, add buttons or other tiny decorations.
In full color!
Fabric and Imagination
Fabric scraps, especially felt, are perfect for small decorative trees. They are soft, colorful and easy to cut, which makes them ideal for quick handmade ornaments.
Fun and original
Recycled Paper
Newspaper, sheet music, colored card and old saved papers can all become Christmas trees. Use a wooden stick or another support for the structure, then create asymmetrical layers with glue or tape. It is a very low-cost solution with a strong visual effect.
A tree in music! 
Minimal and fun
A New Life for Plastic
Plastic tubes or cardboard rolls can be turned into a wall-mounted tree. Cut the tubes to different lengths, arrange them on a sturdy backing such as cardboard or plywood, and fix the composition to the wall. You can paint it or leave it neutral, then fill the openings with small Christmas decorations.
Only in your imagination
Wooden Sticks
Old boards, branches or sticks can become an original tree. Glue them to a wooden support on the back, then leave the composition bare for a minimalist effect or add delicate decorations and lights.
It is a simple and very romantic solution.
Trees made of recycled wood
A Tree of Lights
Another variation uses wooden branches for the structure and Christmas lights to complete the tree shape. Add a few small decorations if you want a slightly vintage mood. The result is simple but striking, especially in the dark.
A magical atmosphere
Perfect for Children
For a cheerful children’s tree, use honeycomb paper pompoms, adhesive or double-sided tape and plenty of imagination. It is a lovely project to make together, or to use as holiday decoration in a child’s bedroom.
Soft and playful
A Refined Solution
Here is another easy and elegant idea, especially useful when there is not enough room for a real tree in the living room. Create small cones from cardboard, wallpaper or another material you like, then decorate them with fabric acorns, yarn, buttons or delicate ornaments.
Elegant design at low cost
And If You Have No Materials
If you do not have recycled materials for a handmade tree, there is always the chaotic option: put up a richly decorated tree, leave a curious pet alone in the room for a few minutes and see what new arrangement appears.
Cute, stubborn and impossible to resist!
Peter Dark
Anna Lohan
