How to Make a Simple Velvet Ribbon Loop Tree
A roll of velvet ribbon becomes a beautiful tree with just a few simple steps.
Holiday crafting is here, friend. I hope you're ready!
These velvet ribbon loop trees are very easy to make, and they look so beautiful! Customize them to fit your Christmas decor by choosing a ribbon that coordinates. If you have a stash of ribbon from previous projects, pull them out and create something new for the season!
Let me show you how easy these ribbon trees are to make.
How to make velvet ribbon loop trees
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Supplies:
- velvet ribbon (I used 1" ribbon from Hobby Lobby)
- foam cone (mine is the 7" one from Dollar Tree)
- hot glue
- scissors*
*you'll want sharp scissors that will cut fabric, like these $8 ones I use
Don't you love a nice short and sweet supplies list! Ignore the straight pins in this image, I didn't end up using them.
The ivory velvet ribbon I used was in the Hobby Lobby Fall section. I just went back to get more and it's all gone. But you should be able to find an alternative at any craft store. A stiffer ribbon will work better for this project, rather than a floppy one. These ribbon trees would be beautiful in a variety of colors!
Here is a look at the steps to make the ribbon tree. I'll break them down and give more details below as well as tips to help you get the most beautiful looking ribbon tree.
Steps to make ribbon loop tree
As you can see, this is a very simple project and your pretty tree will be ready in no time!Step 1
Start by cutting several 4" strips of ribbon. How many you need will depend on the size of your foam cone, width of your ribbon, and how full you like it. Each strip should be the same length.
Step 2
To cover the top of the cone, glue a strip of ribbon across the top. Now overlap that with a strip going the opposite direction, as below.
Step 3 and 4
Fold one of the ribbon strips to form a loop, add a dot of hot glue to adhere it to itself, and hot glue the ribbon loop along the bottom edge of the foam cone. You want it to be just slightly over the edge as you can see in #4 step above.
Step 5
Continue gluing loops of ribbon around the base of the tree. You may have to overlap some slightly for them to fit. You do want to be sure to glue them in a way that the styrofoam is not visible.
And yes, if you're sharp, you'll notice that I left the plastic on my cone. Why? I just prefer it, I feel it gives a cleaner result. It's totally optional!
Step 6
For the next row, be sure to start gluing the ribbon far enough down to hide the cone from view on the row below. This also adds fullness to the tree.
Continue all the way to the top, ending with a row that's glued right along the top edge.
This cone I used doesn't come to a point at the top. I wasn't sure how to finish it, but after living with it, I realized I like the simplicity of it like this. If you feel you need something at the top, I would form a small circle of ribbon, and glue that right on the top. Be sure it's smaller that the width of the top of the tree.
Tips for success:
- wider ribbon will be easier to work with and you'll need fewer loops
- as much as possible, try to offset rows of ribbon loops
- don't overdo the hot glue, just a little dab at the top corners is enough
- overlap ribbon slightly to completely cover the foam cone
If you want to insert a dowel rod into the bottom of the cone and "plant" your ribbon tree in a pot or vessel, that would be beautiful! I kept it simple and just set my finished tree on top of an ironstone sugar bowl, minus the lid.
I really hope you like the simplicity of this Christmas and winter DIY. The velvet gives it a soft and dreamy texture! I have a couple more Christmas tutorials using this ivory velvet ribbon which I'll be sharing this season. You can always find ALL my Christmas projects and decor ideas in one place by tapping the Seasonal tab in my header, and then Christmas.
The other vintage style trees you see in this post are also ones I've made or upcycled. Check out how I made the $1.25 creamy Christmas tree in this short video. I'll be sharing the tutorial for the chenille stem tree soon. Be sure to follow along so you don't miss anything.
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(and sharing is always appreciated) ❤
I'm having some ladies over this week to make a couple of these! Thanks for the great tutorial. Yours looks perfect. Love the creamy colored ribbon. AND how you set it in that beautiful bowl.
ReplyDeleteCindy, that makes me so happy! Have fun crafting together, and be sure to share your ribbon trees with me!
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