After making the patterns for the 3D Leafy Trees this summer using the slot method, I decided that I needed to update my prior patterns for 3D Evergreen trees to use the same method. I ended up updating 3 of the previous patterns and making 2 new patterns. As we head towards fall I hope to make more winterscapes, and I like to use evergreen trees for winter villages.
Since I’ve broken my arm and can’t use more than the tips of my fingers, I also had to come up with models I could do one-handed. At least I thought I could do these one-handed, but even holding them in my left fingertips as I tugged down the slots with my right hand ended up being too much stress on my left arm for now. I do want to make a set of spooky trees for Halloween, but may need to wait until someone can help me make the models.
I designed my trees with slots that fit Cricut Kraftboard. Be aware that if you are going to use heavier chipboard, you may have to widen the slots a little with scissors or a craft knife.
Normally, I use several different construction materials to make my trees, but making this one set of models was all I can do for now. Once I can use both arms again I can make decorated models. The ones below were made with white Cricut Kraftboard, ready to paint. I am not the best painter with even two hands. I can’t imagine what they would look like painted one-handed!
Updated 9/26/2021: Though I still don’t have full use of my left arm, I managed to decorate 3 of my trees. From left to right: 1) painted and flocked with a little bit of Buffalo Snow Flurries; 2) decorated with holographic vinyl; and 3) green glitter applied with Modge Podge..
How You Make 3D Evergreen Trees II
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Materials to Make 3D Evergreen Trees II
- My free pattern for 3D Evergreen Trees II from the A Cottage in the Forest Library – get the password for free by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
- Green Cardstock, Patterned Cardstock, Cricut Kraftboard or aluminum cans – your choice! If you use patterned cardstock, I love tiny green patterns. Buy solid core cardstock if possible. Otherwise you will need to color your edges with a green sharpie.
- Decorative Papers, Holographic Green Sparkle Vinyl or Shimmer Vinyl.
- Natural Colored Cricut Kraftboard. At first I cut all of my trees out of just green. Then one time I made the trunk brown. It is so much more realistic. I suggest cutting the trees out of natural Kraftboard or brown cardstock, and then glue on green adhesive vinyl or patterned paper everywhere except for the trunks. I am suggesting the Kraftboard sampler pack as it is very versatile and you can use it for many future patterns – including spooky Halloween trees, gingerbread houses and any of my cottages. Use Ranger Distress Inks to give the natural Kraftboard more variations in color.
- Green glitter and Modge Podge (optional – for cardboard.) Use if you want to glitter the green part of your cardboard trees.
- Glue – If using cardstock, I suggest Art Glitter Glue. If using Cardboard, I like Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue. For aluminum cans, I use Aleene’s The Ultimate Glue.
- A Cutting Machine like a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore or X-Acto knife or Cricut TrueControl Knife. I know the Cricut TrueControl knife looks expensive next to an X-Acto knife. I have both on my work desk, the X-Acto for aluminum cans and the TrueControl Knife for cardstock and cardboard. I really like the TrueControl knife because the blade doesn’t twist loose while you are working. I am constantly having to tighten my X-Acto knife.
- An Embossing Machine and folders. Embossing your tree can give it more depth. Look for embossing folders with tight swirling patterns like the Kwan Crafts Leaves Embossing folder, or my always favorite Crackle folder by Darice.
- Folkart Multi-surface satin finish acrylic paints in green (optional, if painting cardboard.)
Steps to Make the 3D Evergreen Trees II
- Download the 3D Evergreen Trees II pattern from A Cottage in the Forest library
- Import the 3D Evergreen Trees II pattern into your design software and cut. Emboss if desired.
- Follow the cutting line diagram to slide your tree pieces together. Glue if desired.
How To Make 3D Evergreen Trees II
Download the 3D Evergreen Trees II Pattern
Download the 3D Evergreen Trees II pattern from A Cottage in the Forest Library. Don’t forget to unzip it. The pattern is available in multiple formats – as a SVG (scalable vector graphics) or DXF (drawing eXchange format).
Cricut Design Space keeps changing its coding, so that files that work perfectly one week have problems the next. To this end, I will now be including a 1″ square in with all of my SVG files. Scale the pattern so that the square is 1″ to make the pattern in the size it was designed. Of course the wonderful thing about SVG files is that you can easily scale them to make your trees whatever size you would like.
Currently, I do not have a Silhouette or Brother Machine to test the corresponding files. If you have problems using those files please let me know so I can troubleshoot what might be going wrong.
Import the 3D Evergreen Trees II Pattern into Design Software and Cut
Decide how many pieces of trees you want to glue together. If you use all 4 pieces, your trees will look fuller. If you want it to look more sparse, only use pieces. B, C & D.
Vary the height or width of the tree patterns to make even more trees that look different from the ones you already have. Be aware that if you vary the width of the patterns, you may have to widen the slots with scissors or a craft knife.
Cut out all of your cardstock, cardboard or aluminum can pieces using my pattern. Emboss as desired.
How To Make the Trees
Cutting Line Guide …
Lay your tree pieces out, matching the cutting lines on your pieces to the red cutting lines in the picture above. Your trees will look different than those in the picture. It is the cutting lines that are important.
It is easiest to add the holographic sparkle vinyl, decorative paper, or glitter to leaves while the pieces are flat.
Constructing the Tree
Slide piece B into the bottom of piece A until the bottom of the two trees align.
Slide the bottom of piece C onto the combined A & B from the top, making sure there are two pieces on each side. Many of my trees are not symmetrical, so you will either want to ensure that all matching sides are next to each other, OR, that you alternate each side. Each option will give a different look to your tree. Try it both ways and see which you prefer.
Slide the bottom of piece D onto the combined A, B and C from the top, making sure you slide it into the slot in Piece C.
Adjust the branches and the trunks so they are spaced evenly around the tree. If you want the ability to later fold your tree flat for storage, stop here. Otherwise, I find it helpful to glue the bottom pieces of the trunk together so that they maintain their star shape for added stability. As you make more trees, you may want to pause between each step to glue the trunks of the trees together. For some trees, you may also want to glue the top of the tree together.
That’s it! Enjoy adding your 3D Evergreen Trees II to your Holiday Village! I would love to see pictures of your village using the trees. Please share a photo of it with me by emailing me at Jackie@acottageintheforest.com.
FREE CUT FILES & PATTERN FOR THE 3D EVERGREEN TREES II
Download the 3D Evergreen Trees II Pattern
Get the password for the library with the free 3D Evergreen Trees pattern and SVG/DXF files here by filling out this form:
If you have any trouble subscribing please contact me at jackie@acottageintheforest.com
Save the 3D Evergreen Trees II to Your Favorite Pinterest Board!
Greetings! I can’t sign up to join the Library. Are you still in business. I am obsessed with paper houses, and I was so excited to find yours on Pinterest. Let me know what to do next. Thanks, so much! Deb
Once you sign up for the mailing list at the bottom of the page, you will be sent a welcome email. The password is at the bottom of the email. Enter the password into my library page for access to the patterns. The password is case and space sensitive, so it is best to copy and paste it.