18. Decorative Paper Bag Tree Sculpture
What This Idea Means
Twisting a basic brown paper lunch bag creates a sturdy 3D tree trunk with realistic bark texture and expanding branches, teaching form and sculpture out of flat paper.
How to Make It
- Cut the Top: Cut straight vertical strips down the top half of a flat brown paper bag to form branch strands, leaving the bottom half intact.
- Twist the Trunk: Open the bag slightly, rest the bottom flat on a table, and twist the solid middle section tightly to form the tree trunk.
- Twist the Branches: Take pairs of the cut top paper strips and twist them together tightly, splitting them into smaller twig ends outward.
- Add Foliage: Glue tiny green tissue paper squares, pom-poms, or real dried moss onto the twisted branch tips.
- Secure Base: Glue the bottom flat base of the bag to a piece of cardboard so the tree stands tall.
Tips and Variations
- Tips: Spritzing the paper bag lightly with water can make it softer and easier for small hands to twist without tearing.
- Variations: Use pink tissue paper to create a Japanese cherry blossom tree, or autumn colors (orange, yellow, red) for a fall oak.
Materials Needed
- Brown paper lunch bags
- Scissors
- Colorful tissue paper or craft moss
- Tacky glue
- Sturdy cardboard base