The holiday season is busy enough without spending hours crafting decor and DIY gifts, so a few friends and I created some super simple holiday ideas for you that we’ve called Christmas in a Minute. Have a few minutes? Great, then you can create these easy ribbon looped Christmas trees that make perfect holiday decor for tables, mantels, buffets, and even window sills. It can be made in about 15 minutes– trust me, I had literally 15 minutes to whip this up as my husband got the kids dressed for a SUPER FUN trip to the hardware store (if you have a 3 and 5 year old, you KNOW how SUPER FUN a trip to the hardware store can be!)
There’s actually two versions of the ribbon trees. The first is simply wrapping cardboard cones with ribbon trim, like so:
I’ll admit I got the idea for the second style while browsing West Elm last month.
I adapted it a little, choosing to invert the ribbon loop and using a gold and white color scheme.
The project used a cardboard cone from the craft store and two rolls of ribbon. Plus a hot glue gun. And scissors. That’s it!
I started by figuring out how large I wanted each ribbon loop, and then cut my two rolls of ribbon to that size. You may want your top loops to be a little smaller, so adjust the size accordingly.
Start by forming the loop. Use a dot of glue in between the two ribbons, and then a dot on the back. Use a low-temp glue gun for this if you can. Mine was high-temp, but I’m pretty sure my fingertips are burned off permanently at this point.
And also? Mommy needs a manicure.
Attach to the bottom of the cone. Repeat all the way around. I did the first row all in white, then a random alternating pattern of white and gold– 2/3 of the tree is white grosgrain ribbon, and 1/3 is gold. I promise I didn’t actually calculate that, I just know my spool of white ribbon was 18 feet long and the gold was 9 feet long. HEY! I DID MATH! {double check my numbers, I stink at math}.
Then continue in circles around the tree, moving higher.
Finish off with your smaller loops. I didn’t do anything fancy at the top, but you could attach a star or small ornament if you wish.
As for the trim wrapped trees, for those I raided my box of trim.
Grabbed a few favorites, including sequined trim, a fuzzy gray trim, and a thick candy-cane looking trim.
My daughter told me she loves the pink ones but the gray was was yucky. I kinda like the gray one, it reminds me of a muppet.
I’ve put them all around the house.
Can’t wait to share the secret project going on in the background of this photo. But I have to wait until Monday. It’ll be worth it, promise.
Easy Christmas ideas are my thing, here’s two more from the archives that take under 5 minutes each:
Folded Paper Trees
Glittered Pinecones
and this one takes longer than 5 minutes, but if you’re going to make it, you’ll want to do it this week because December is almost here!
Family Photo Advent Calendar
Here’s more Christmas in a Minute ideas from my blogging buddies. Aren’t they clever?
With less time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, I hope you can use these simple and easy holiday ideas. Did any catch your eye?
Easy Ribbon Trees is linking up with:
{ Remodelaholic | Liz Marie Blog |Serenity Now | Made in a Day | The Party Bunch |Work it Wednesday | Catch as Catch Can | Songbird | Fabulously Frugal Thursday}
I love the inverted loops look … and the gold and white!! You could keep them out all winter since they don’t scream Christmas. Love it!
Love these – especially the candy cane one! It would be the perfect hiding spot for Hot Tamale – our Elf on the Shelf!
Kelly
They’re so pretty, Carrie! I love the muppet one! haha! I think it appeals to me most because it feels ‘warm’! 😉
So pretty, I’m about to make some myself! Hmm, I wonder why!?
Love your ribbon tree! So many varieties you could make!!!
so many cute ideas! Love the ribbon tree 🙂
Looks so pretty, I’ll try to make ribbon tree 🙂
Love this creation Carrie! I think it’s even better than the inspiration. xo Jenna
I have a serious addiction to making pine trees at Christmas. I still remember the soft trees I made and want to make again.
I have that bright ribbon that I picked up in the dollar section at Michael’s that would be perfect for this. I wonder if dh would go for a quick trip to Michael’s on our date tomorrow night?
Ok, those trees are stunning! So when I’m in the craft shop and bedazzled by the fabulous ribbons (I always am), I now know what to do with them 🙂 Beautiful work.
I love the trees! very pretty and festive! beautiful!!!
So THAT’s how it’s done! How cool. Can’t wait to get to work on this project. Pinning it now 🙂
Okay… I could maybe do this! I actually own a hot glue gun.. shocker! I don’t have many Christmas decorations, but I love the idea of homemade ones. I think my fave is the furry gray tree.. totally compliments the blingin’ pink one 🙂
Love this! I have the perfect spot for it! Now I can’t wait to choose my ribbon;)
These trees look so pretty. I can’t wait to try to make them!
Thanks for sharing these at Fabulously Frugal Thursday! I need to finish my trees that I started a week ago. You’re so inspirational!
What width would ribbon be for lemonade tree. What length for strips. Thank u.
It depends on the size of the cone you are using. I can’t remember the measurements of this ribbon, but most thinner sized ribbon should work as long as it’s not too wide.
How many inches for ribbon strips. Thank u
I’m going to try this and maybe add some pearls here and there for a little bling. Maybe a mini angel topper. Just love this! Thanks!