DIY Christmas Tree Topper!

Bryan's Workshop
by Bryan's Workshop
5 Materials

What's that? Can't find the right tree topper? The one you want is too expensive? I hear ya buddy! You better save those boxes, because here's an easy way to make the perfect star for your Christmas tree!

DIY Christmas Tree Star

Tools and Materials:

  • Printed out star
  • Cardboard
  • Box cutter
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Duct tape
  • Hot glue
  • Newspaper
  • Mod podge (or any way you choose to decoupage)
  • Paint


Trace a Star
Trace a Star


First print out your favorite star. No, not Robert Downey Jr! Cut out your star and then trace it onto cardboard or corrugated fiberboard. You can make the star bigger on the cardboard by using a ruler and extending all of the points out and connecting them using the ruler to make straight lines. You'll need two of these.


Cut out the Star and Shape
Cut out the Star and Shape


Go get the box cutter and cut straight lines using the side of a ruler just deep enough for the cardboard to bend. The cut lines will be on the inside. Also think about how you're going to store this after Christmas. If you don't want the star to be collapsible, you'll need to hot glue some kind of support directly to the middle of the inside. I cut, tightly rolled and wrapped duct tape around printer paper for my support. I hot glued it to the inside center of both stars before I taped down the sides.


Tape Together and Add Base
Tape Together and Add the Base


Carefully run duct around the star. Try not to make any creases in the tape.

For the base tube that goes on the tree, wrap cardboard around the top of your tree and then duct tape it to get a perfect fit. The tube gets smaller as it goes up from the tree.

You'll need to carefully cut a hole in the bottom of your star so the tube goes tightly in place. Use hot glue to secure it.

Decoupage and Paint
Decoupage and Paint


It's decoupage time! I decoupaged a couple layers of newspaper onto this. I made it smooth at first, but went back over it pinching up areas to give the star the look I wanted. I painted it with acrylic gold craft paint and then rubbed it down with a water based antique liquid.

I live in Japan, so I used local brands!

DIY Christmas Tree Topper
Homemade Christmas Tree Topper
Homemade Christmas Tree Star

Isn't it stunning? The possibilities are endless when it comes to what you can do to customize your Christmas tree topper! Let me know how you personalize yours down below!

Suggested materials:
  • Cardboard
  • Duct tape
  • Hot glue
See all materials
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 4 questions
  • Lisa Bullock Kopf Lisa Bullock Kopf on Nov 08, 2016
    What website did you use to print the original star shape? Really would like to see you run lights through it!
  • Cookie Cookie on Dec 07, 2019

    How do you get a splinter out of your finger

  • Ileana Taylor Ileana Taylor on Dec 09, 2019

    Could this be made to put on a live tree outside?

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 108 comments
  • KB KB on Nov 25, 2021

    Beautiful! Tree is gorgeous also!

  • Shelli Shelli on Nov 26, 2021

    I love the star! I will save this project and try to make one. It’s so lovely. We have a 9 “ tree and it needs a bigger star.

    your tree is gorgeous

    merry Christmas from Texas

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