DIY Gratitude Tree

by Carolyn McAfee

One of our November traditions is to write down things we are thankful for every day. We have done it a number of ways over the years. This year I wanted to do something bigger, something that we will see all of the time, that is easily accessible, that is bold!
I decided to use this big blank wall in our family room to create our own Gratitude Tree. It was easy to make and in just the few days we've done it, our tree is filling in nicely!

To make it you will need scissors, white crafting paper or drawing paper (kraft colored paper would be cute, depending on your wall color), a light tac tape, paper to cut out leaves.

I began by cutting long strips of the paper, to be the trunk of the tree, then crumpled it lengthwise. My paper is skinnier, so I used 4 lengths to create my trunk.

I taped as I went, using a long piece of clear tape (lightly) in various places. I would tape your trunk at different heights so no single place is skinny, or you don't see a line of tape.

For the branches I just used single lengths, as well as shorter lengths. It bothers me just a little that the transition from the trunk to the branches looks how it does, but let's not be too picky! The point of this is to have a place to put our 'leaves of thanks'!

I cut a bunch of leaves from scrap paper that I have.

I put our wood bench at the bottom of our tree. It serves as a place to keep our leaves, pen and tape, as well as a stool for the kids to be able to put their leaves up high.

I have given everyone the assignment to write down at least one thing, each day, they are grateful for. It can be as bold or as trivial as they want. There is plenty to be thankful for, we don't need to repeat either!