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Craft Tutorials | Holiday Crafts | Christmas Crafts | Coffee Filter Christmas Tree

Coffee Filter Christmas Tree

Author by Amanda Davis on December 3, 2010 Updated on December 6, 2020

5 from 4 votes
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You ever have those days where an idea just pops into your head? Jut out of nowhere? That’s what happened with this Christmas tree craft! I was actually thinking about making some coffee filter angels with these natural coffee filters. That got me thinking about how you use the filter as a dress, and the ruffled look got me thinking about trees, and bam! There was the idea. Love that. :)

I have an entire box of these brown coffee filters, better known as natural coffee filters. I bought them when the store was out of Bunn filters. Regular filters just don’t cut it for a Bunn though, they just aren’t tall enough. I knew I could use them up sometime, so into the craft supplies they went.

I love the vintage look the natural coffee filters give to this tree. You could use old vintage buttons, but I chose red to add a bit of color. I had a couple of white flowers left over from another project, and used white round topped stick pins to use as ornaments as well. For the base, I used a round slice of wood I had left over from the rustic north woods ornaments I made last year.

Want to make one of these trees? You could even use white filters for a pretty white tree, or paint the filters with green water color paints for a green tree. If you paint the filters, they may lose some of their ruffle, so be prepared for that.

Coffee Filter Christmas Tree
designed by Amanda Formaro

You will need

foam cone
regular stick pins
9-10 natural coffee filters
white round topped stick pins
red buttons
2 white flowers glued back to back
scissors
hot glue gun
something flat for the base (optional but adds a little weight)

What you do 

First, fold a few coffee filters in half and cut the center circle out.

Open a filter and place it over the top of the foam cone, like a ring, and bring it all the way down to the base of the cone. Use the stick pins to tack the filter to the cone, pushing the pins in at the top of the filter, not down by the ruffles.

Repeat this step, working your way up the cone.

When you get about half way up the cone you will need to trim a little off the filter ring. Since the cone will naturally get smaller toward the top, you will need less and less filter as you work upward. Just trim off what you don’t need, but set those pieces aside and use them at the top of the tree.

Use one of the center circles that you cut out of the filters to cover the top of the cone, securing with stick pins.

To decorate the tree, push round topped pins into the tree in various places, but don’t push the pin all the way in. This will allow the ruffles to look more natural. If you push the pin in all the way it will flatten the ruffles against the cone. So push the pin in halfway or three quarters of the way, then gently pull the filter toward you to hide the pin section.

Use hot glue to add buttons. I glued the two flowers together, back to back, so that either side of the tree had a flower face. Glue that to the top of the tree. Then just glue it to your base (I used a round slice of wood).

:)

Print Project
5 from 4 votes

Coffee Filter Christmas Tree

Author: Amanda Formaro

Supplies

  • foam cone
  • regular stick pins
  • 9-10 natural coffee filters
  • white round topped stick pins
  • red buttons
  • 2 white flowers glued back to back
  • scissors
  • hot glue gun
  • something flat for the base optional but adds a little weight

Instructions

  • First, fold a few coffee filters in half and cut the center circle out.
  • Open a filter and place it over the top of the foam cone, like a ring, and bring it all the way down to the base of the cone. Use the stick pins to tack the filter to the cone, pushing the pins in at the top of the filter, not down by the ruffles.
  • Repeat this step, working your way up the cone.
  • When you get about half way up the cone you will need to trim a little off the filter ring. Since the cone will naturally get smaller toward the top, you will need less and less filter as you work upward. Just trim off what you don't need, but set those pieces aside and use them at the top of the tree.
  • Use one of the center circles that you cut out of the filters to cover the top of the cone, securing with stick pins.
  • To decorate the tree, push round topped pins into the tree in various places, but don't push the pin all the way in. This will allow the ruffles to look more natural. If you push the pin in all the way it will flatten the ruffles against the cone. So push the pin in halfway or three quarters of the way, then gently pull the filter toward you to hide the pin section.
  • Use hot glue to add buttons. I glued the two flowers together, back to back, so that either side of the tree had a flower face. Glue that to the top of the tree. Then just glue it to your base (I used a round slice of wood).

 

Visit thecsiproject.com

 

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Amanda Davis
Amanda Davis is the crafty, entrepreneurial mother of four children. She loves to bake, cook, make kid's crafts and create decorative items for her home. She is a crafting expert and guru in the kitchen and has appeared online and in print publications many times over the years.
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Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Crafts for Seniors, DIY Gift ideas, Home Decor Projects Tagged With: adult, adult craft ideas, adult crafts, adults, crafts for adults, holidays, kid's crafts, recycle crafts, tree

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Comments

  1. Sheryl says

    December 17, 2021 at 9:42 am

    Dang it! I used about 30 white filters for a project a few weeks ago. Using only the centers, I was left with the nicest ruffles. For the life of me, I couldn’t imagine what to do with them so, in a moment of weakness, I tossed them in the trash. Yeah… I don’t know what I was thinking since crafters seldom throw ANYTHING away. Lesson learned! These are so cute I may just have a go at them anyway.

    Reply
  2. Kristy says

    October 27, 2021 at 7:35 am

    I use the brown filters all the time. I then dump the grounds out and rinse them off and allow them to dry. Then I can use them for crafts.

    Reply
  3. Martha Lofton says

    December 23, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    I will put this on my list for next year. thanks for the idea.
    Martha Lofton

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      December 27, 2014 at 11:27 am

      Thanks Martha, hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  4. Charlotte from AZ says

    October 27, 2014 at 9:52 pm

    Very cute idea! Thanks for the awesome tutorial!

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      November 3, 2014 at 7:09 am

      Thanks Charlotte!

      Reply
  5. Barbara Johnson says

    October 28, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    I love this idea and would love to print out instructions. Is there a print option I did not see? I have a lot of spools that are cone shaped that yarn came on. I may try to use one of them May be hard to stick pins thru.

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      October 29, 2013 at 7:14 am

      Hi Barbara! If you go back to the post you will see a link that says “printable version” just above the list of supplies. Enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Carrie says

    October 29, 2012 at 4:31 pm

    I wonder what these would look like with dyed filters like green for xmas? Or even like pink for a little girl?

    Reply
  7. Coleen Tepper says

    February 11, 2012 at 12:30 am

    These are absolutely adorable. They don’t look like filters, they look more like a fabric, love the ruffly look, too cute. I’m definitely making these. Keep up the good work, always looking for a new craft to do.

    Reply
    • admin says

      February 12, 2012 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you Coleen, so nice of you to say! :)

      Reply
  8. Jean Breedlove says

    November 10, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    These are simply adorable! I was searching for a project that some of our Senior Adults might be able to handle, and this is it! I can hardly wait to begin the project. So many possibilities with this one.

    Reply
  9. Lorraine says

    November 9, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    I love that tree you created using coffee filters. How clever and so very pretty. I might get up the nerve to try this. Thanks so much for sharing! ~ lorraine ~

    Reply
  10. LeAnn says

    November 9, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    I love, love, love this idea. I am thinking about using the different colored pearl push pins for a little more color.

    Now tell me how to use the other type of coffee filters – the cone shaped ones. I bought some but they didnt’t fit. I know there has to be a way to “recycle” them

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      November 10, 2011 at 12:24 pm

      Oh there have to be tons of ways to use those! For Christmas my first thought is with kids, glue an open cone filter on top of a toilet tube. Then use water color paints to add color and make Christmas trees!

      Reply
  11. Amanda says

    December 26, 2010 at 1:05 am

    Yours came out beautiful Mamma! Thank you for sharing that!

    Reply
  12. MammaPaola says

    December 22, 2010 at 7:28 pm

    It's fabulous! I love it! I've made one too, you can find it here (sorry, but it's an italian blog):
    http://lecreazionidaimillecoloridimammapaola.blogspot.com/2010/12/decorazioni-natalizie-07-albero-di.html

    Thanks a lot and Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  13. Amanda says

    December 14, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    dnicolle – I just love how the white one looks, so classy! And the darker one for your sister is gorgeous too! Thanks so much for the shout out, so glad you liked the project. Merry Christmas! :)

    Renee thank you so much, and thanks everyone!!

    Reply
  14. dnicolle says

    December 14, 2010 at 1:27 am

    Amanda, I love your tree, and was inspired to try it myself. Check out my version at http://www.lifeisaparty.ca Thanks for sharing the great idea!
    Dannyelle

    Reply
  15. Renee @ where the grass is greener says

    December 9, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    So funny, I saw this on another blog and wanted to click, but forgot and I looked and looked and then it appeared on Transformation Thursday! So, happy because I definitely want to do this … lots of unused brown filters.

    Reply
  16. Mod Podge Amy says

    December 9, 2010 at 3:05 am

    This is awesome!

    Reply
  17. maggy, red ted art says

    December 8, 2010 at 7:33 pm

    Oh wow, very festive and pretty. To think you made those out of coffee filters!!

    Thank you for linking up to Kids Get Crafty!

    Maggy

    Reply
  18. Throw Open the Windows says

    December 8, 2010 at 4:52 pm

    So cute!! Thanks for sharing your inspiration and a tutorial. Visiting from The CSI Project. Rebecca

    Reply
  19. Julie B says

    December 8, 2010 at 3:03 am

    This is a VERY cute project. I think I've got some old coffee filters around some place. . . .

    Reply
  20. Erin says

    December 8, 2010 at 12:46 am

    How pretty!! I would have never guessed that was made with coffee filters. :)

    Reply
  21. Kim says

    December 8, 2010 at 12:14 am

    This is one of the prettiest trees I've seen with coffee filters and no messing hot glue. Very nice.

    Reply
  22. Shauna {SK Studios} says

    December 7, 2010 at 10:29 pm

    saw you on The CSI Project… oh my goodness, i HAVE to try this now!!! such a creative idea- i love it!!! the stick pins and buttons just make the whole tree too :) thanks for the inspiration :D

    Reply
  23. Corinna says

    December 7, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    absolutely freaking adorable! :)

    Reply
  24. Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says

    December 7, 2010 at 5:41 pm

    This is so cute, Amanda!! Love it!

    Reply
  25. Jana says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:34 am

    Turned out so cute!!

    Come link up at Giggles, Glitz & Glam!

    http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2010/12/glam-party-5.html

    Reply
  26. Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:14 am

    I love the ruffled look! Such a cute twist on the coffee filter tree! I made one, too, but I'm going to give this a try. Love it! I'm addicted to making wreaths and trees w/ coffee filters.

    Happy Holidays!
    Michelle

    Reply
  27. Carmie of the Single Nester says

    December 6, 2010 at 10:33 pm

    This looks so sweet and rustic and lovely!

    Reply
  28. Kimberlee says

    December 6, 2010 at 7:23 pm

    That came out soooo cute! I love how you used the pins, and they are decoration too.
    ~Kimberlee
    http://www.TheSpunkyDiva.com

    Reply
  29. jndmann87 says

    December 6, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    oh these are so cute… until i read what you used I thought it was made with painters drop cloth. Love 'em.

    Reply
  30. Stephanie says

    December 5, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    What a fun and cute idea! And half the work is already done for you with the coffee filters being ruffled. Thanks for sharing this wonderful tutorial.

    Reply
  31. Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says

    December 5, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    Who could have ever thought of this but you, Amanda! So clever!!

    Reply
  32. TidyMom says

    December 5, 2010 at 4:30 am

    So adorable!!

    thanks for linking up!!…..I featured you in the wrap up! http://tidymom.net/2010/im-lovin-it-wrap-up-12-4-10/

    Reply
  33. Tami says

    December 5, 2010 at 3:08 am

    Amanda, That is such a pretty tree. I love it. That would make great teacher's gift, too. ;)

    Reply
  34. Jaimee says

    December 5, 2010 at 12:41 am

    This is SO cute!!! Thanks for posting this tutorial. I'm bookmarking it!

    Reply
  35. Its So Very Cheri says

    December 4, 2010 at 8:49 pm

    THAT is adorable.

    cheri

    Reply
  36. Ali Richardson says

    December 4, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    I am IN LOVE with this!! It is SO pretty!!

    Reply
  37. Liz says

    December 4, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    I'm loving coffee filters lately, so this is great!

    Reply
  38. Alison says

    December 4, 2010 at 7:45 am

    GENIUS!! I love the natural ruffled look. I've seen so many styrofoam trees out there, but this has got to be one of my fav's!

    Reply
  39. raggygirlvintage says

    December 3, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    Such a neat idea, love the ruffles!
    Tracey

    Reply
  40. Beverly @ FlamingoToes.com says

    December 3, 2010 at 9:44 pm

    Amanda this is so cute!! I love it – and the pins and little buttuns look just adorable. :)

    Reply
  41. Amy @ Increasingly Domestic says

    December 3, 2010 at 9:36 pm

    It looks like fabric! Gorgeous:)

    Reply
  42. Melissa says

    December 3, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    Oh, these are cute…I know my girls would enjoy making these (along with the twenty-million other things on my list).

    I really like the natural look of them.

    Reply
    • Audrey says

      October 23, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      A very easy and inexpensive way to decorate.The tree is very pretty.

      Reply
      • Amanda Formaro says

        October 27, 2014 at 7:08 am

        Thanks Audrey!

        Reply
  43. Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com says

    December 3, 2010 at 9:19 pm

    Adorable, adorable!!! I shared it on my TT&J FB page and linked to you. LOVE it!

    xox
    Jen

    Reply
  44. Lisa's Creative Home says

    December 3, 2010 at 8:54 pm

    Very Cute little Christmas Tree! GReat idea!

    Reply
  45. Erin @ The Little Apartment says

    December 3, 2010 at 8:51 pm

    What a great idea! (: It's so simple and it looks easy.

    Reply
    • rachel sparling says

      October 22, 2013 at 4:46 pm

      would like to try with people at my moms nursing home. u can also dip coffee filters in food coloring looks like tie dye. Would be great with this!

      Reply
      • Amanda Formaro says

        October 23, 2013 at 7:11 am

        That would be fun!

        Reply
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