Paper & Thread Spool Topiaries | Holiday Crafts

If you want to use these adorable paper topiaries as a centerpiece, plan to make at least three. Styrofoam cones come in many sizes, and it’s fun to mix and match them for variety. Leave them plain, trim them with ribbon, or add glitter or sequins for extra sparkle.

Materials to Make Paper Topiaries

• assorted Styrofoam cones in various sizes
• 3 or more large sheets of coordinated decorative paper (each at least 36 inches square)
• scissors
• plain straight pins (8 to 10 per tree, depending on the height of the cones)
• sequins, silver glitter, etc.
• ribbon
• wooden craft dowels (8 to 12 inches each, narrow enough to fit into spool holes, 1 per tree)
• hot-glue gun
• vintage wooden thread spools (1 per tree)
• masking tape, sandpaper, wax (optional)

Instructions to Make Paper Topiaries

Wrap decorative paper around each Styrofoam cone, and cut it to size. Use straight pins to attach paper to the cones; just one row of pins at the edge of the paper will hold it in place. Embellish the paper with sequins, glitter, ribbon, or other materials and designs of your choosing. Use straight pins to secure the ribbon at the bottom of the cone. Cut wooden dowels into 8- to- 12-inch lengths, and push each one securely into the bottom of a Styrofoam cone. It should hold on its own, but add a dab of hot glue if needed. Fit the other end of the dowel into the center of the spool. If it’s too thin, wrap masking tape around the bottom to make it thicker. If it’s too thick, sand it down with a bit of sandpaper. Larger trees can be a bit wobbly and top-heavy. A tiny bit of wax or tape on the bottom of the spool can help a tree stand up straight.