How to Make Cherry Blossom Tree with Paper

The art of paper crafting has long been cherished for its ability to transform simple materials into intricate and beautiful creations.

Among the many projects one can undertake, creating a cherry blossom tree stands out due to its delicate beauty and symbolic significance.

In this guide on how to make cherry blossom tree with paper, we will explore the steps necessary to turn basic supplies like brown paper, tissue paper, and glue into a lifelike representation of these stunning trees.

This project captures the ethereal charm of cherry blossoms and provides a rewarding experience for crafters of all skill levels.

By following step-by-step instructions, you can create a stunning paper cherry blossom tree that can serve as a captivating decoration or a thoughtful handmade gift. Let’s dive into the process and unleash your creativity.

Gathering Materials

Creating a paper cherry blossom tree requires a few simple materials that are easy to find and inexpensive. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Brown paper or cardboard: This will be used for the tree trunk and branches. The brown paper provides a realistic texture, while cardboard offers sturdiness.
• Pink, white, or light red tissue paper: These colors mimic the natural hues of cherry blossoms. Choose tissue paper for its delicate, pliable quality, which is perfect for crafting lifelike flowers.
• Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is essential for cutting out the trunk, branches, and flower shapes accurately.
• Glue or tape: These adhesives will securely attach the blossoms and branches to the tree structure. Clear-drying glue works best for a neat finish, while tape offers quick and easy application.
• Optional:
• Green paper for leaves: To add an extra touch of realism to your tree, cut out leaf shapes from green paper.
• Floral wire for reinforcement: For added stability, particularly for larger trees, floral wire can be used to reinforce the branches and ensure they maintain their shape.

With these materials gathered, you’re ready to start crafting your beautiful paper cherry blossom tree.

Creating the Tree Structure

Cutting out the trunk and branches: 

• Begin by taking the brown paper or cardboard and sketching out the shape of a tree trunk. Make sure your trunk is proportionate to the overall size of the tree you wish to create. A height of about 8-12 inches is a good starting point for a medium-sized tree.
• After drawing the trunk, sketch several branches in varying sizes. Think about a tree’s natural growth patterns; some branches should be longer and extend out, while others should be shorter and positioned closer to the trunk.
• Use scissors to cut out the trunk and branches. Take your time to ensure smooth, clean edges for a more realistic appearance.
• Arrange the branches on a flat surface around the trunk, experimenting with different layouts until you achieve a natural, spreading pattern. The top branches should spread out further than the lower ones, giving the tree a balanced look.

Assembling the tree: 

• Once satisfied with the positioning of the branches, begin attaching them to the trunk. Use glue or tape to secure each branch. If using glue, allow sufficient drying time between attaching each branch to ensure they are firmly in place before moving on.
• Start with the larger branches at the bottom and work your way up to the smaller branches at the top. This layering technique will provide a natural flow to the tree’s structure.
• To add stability, especially for larger branches, you might want to consider using floral wire. Attach the wire along the base of the branches and extend it down through the trunk to reinforce the structure.
• Continue to adjust and reposition the branches as needed to achieve a balanced, natural look. Make sure all branches are securely attached and that the tree stands upright without tilting.

By the end of this step, you should have a sturdy and natural-looking tree structure, ready to be adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms.

How to Make Cherry Blossom Tree with Paper: Making the Cherry Blossoms

Cutting out flower shapes:

• Cut out small flower shapes using pink, white, or light red tissue paper. These colors closely resemble the natural hues of cherry blossoms, creating an authentic look.
• Each flower should be about 1-2 inches in diameter. To simplify the process, you can fold the tissue paper multiple times and cut several shapes simultaneously. Aim for a mix of sizes and shapes to enhance the natural appearance of the blossoms.
• To add more detail, consider cutting small slits along the edges of the flowers to mimic the delicate petals of real cherry blossoms.

Creating flower clusters:

• Group several flower shapes together to form a blossom cluster. Stack three to five flower shapes for each cluster, rotating each layer slightly to create a full, multi-petaled effect.
• Once you have the desired shape, gently scrunch the center of the tissue paper flowers to give them dimension and a more realistic look. Experiment with different arrangements and sizes for a natural look.
• If you’d like, you can add a small dot of yellow or white tissue paper in the center of each flower cluster to represent the stamen, further enhancing the lifelike quality of your blossoms.

Attaching blossoms to branches:

• Using glue or tape, attach the flower clusters to the tree’s branches. Apply a small amount of glue to the base of each cluster and press it onto a branch, holding it in place for a few seconds to ensure it adheres properly. Clear-drying glue is preferred for a neat finish, but double-sided tape can also be used for quicker application.
• Distribute the blossoms evenly throughout the tree, focusing on the tips of the branches where flowers naturally bloom first. This creates a realistic bloom pattern, making the tree look more lifelike.
• Continue adding clusters until the tree is adorned with abundant cherry blossoms. Adjust the placement of the flower clusters as needed to fill any gaps and create an even, balanced appearance.

By the end of this step, your tree should be covered in beautiful, delicate cherry blossoms that enhance the overall aesthetics of your paper creation.

Adding Leaves

Cutting out leaf shapes:

• If desired, cut out small leaf shapes from green paper. To maintain consistency in your tree’s appearance, choose paper with a similar texture and thickness to the tissue paper used for the blossoms.
• Leaves can be simple ovals or more detailed shapes with veins. Cut out ovals approximately 1-2 inches long for a basic design. To add more realism, use scissors to create small cuts along the edges to form leaf veins or draw them on with a pen.
• Again, fold the green paper multiple times to streamline the process, allowing you to cut several leaf shapes simultaneously. Aim for a mix of sizes to mimic the natural variation found in real leaves.

Attaching leaves to branches:

• Glue or tape the leaves onto the branches, interspersed among the blossoms. When using glue, apply a small amount to the base of each leaf and press it firmly onto a branch, holding for a few seconds to ensure it adheres. If using tape, apply it to the underside of the leaf for a clean finish.
• Use varying sizes and angles to create a natural, organic look. Position some leaves close to the trunk and others near the tips of the branches, reflecting how real leaves would grow. Be sure not to overcrowd any single area; the goal is to complement the blossoms without overshadowing them.
• Continue adding leaves until you are satisfied with the tree’s fullness and balance. Step back periodically to assess the overall look and make any necessary adjustments.

By the end of this step, your cherry blossom tree should boast a harmonious blend of delicate flowers and vibrant leaves, capturing the essence of a real cherry tree in bloom.

Finishing Touches

Adding texture and dimension:

• Crumple and twist some tissue paper blossoms to create a more realistic appearance. This technique adds texture and mimics the natural variations found in real cherry blossoms.
• Use scissors to curl the edges of the petals for added dimension. Gently run the scissor blade along the edges of the petals, bending them slightly to give each flower a more natural, three-dimensional look.

Reinforcing the structure:

• If necessary, use floral wire to reinforce branches and keep them upright. Particularly for larger branches, wrapping them with floral wire can provide additional strength and stability, ensuring your tree maintains its shape over time.

Displaying the finished tree:

• Place the paper cherry blossom tree in a vase or pot filled with rocks or sand to keep it stable. The weight of the rocks or sand will anchor the tree, preventing it from tipping over.
• Add decorations such as moss or miniature figurines around the base. These added elements can enhance the overall display, making your paper cherry blossom tree even more captivating and lifelike.

Conclusion

Creating a paper cherry blossom tree is a fulfilling and enjoyable project that allows you to blend creativity with craftsmanship.

To recap, the process involves several methodical steps: first, gather all necessary materials including tissue paper, glue, and branches. Next, construct the tree structure by attaching the branches securely.

Then, bring the tree to life by cutting out and shaping delicate blossoms from tissue paper, followed by adding leaves to enhance realism.

Finally, add finishing touches such as texturing the flowers and reinforcing the branches for better stability. This meticulous process captures the essence of real cherry blossoms in bloom.

Paper crafting offers immense satisfaction, especially when the end result is a lifelike cherry blossom tree gracing your space.

Feel free to experiment with different colors, sizes, and techniques to customize your tree to suit your personal style. This guide on “how to make cherry blossom tree with paper” demonstrates that you can create an impressive and artistic display with a bit of creativity and patience.