How to Make a Palm Tree Using Construction Paper

My grandmother taught me to do this, She used newspaper for a bigger tree. Its a great way to entertain a child when you have no toys. On the Andy Griffin Show the butler who stayed with them made one for O.P. Be sure you pull it up with a big flourish like he did.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• large sheet of construction paper

1. 
   Cut strip.

   Cut a four inch strip of construction paper. If you do not have access to scissors when you are making the palm tree you can tear the strip.

2. 
   Roll into a tube

   Roll the strip into a one inch diameter tube. Do not make the tube too tight or you will not be able to reach in to tear the slits.

3. 
   Tear slits

   Tear four slits evenly spaced around the tube. Tear them about halfway down. You can cut the slits but tearing gives the tree a more "leafy" look.

4. 
   Tube with four slits torn

   Grasp the tube around the bottom.

5. 
   Grasp the center strip

   Reach into the tube and grab the center construction paper strip.

6. 
   Ta Da

   Gently and firmly pull the palm tree up. Be sure to do it with a flourish and say "Ta Da".

7. 

   You must tape around the bottom if you want it to stay together.

Tips & Warnings

• Vary the width and length of the slits you tear to make a variety of "trees" and "houseplants".
• You can use newspaper to create a very large palm tree.
• This is a great "something from nothing" activity to entertain a child when you have to wait.

[shellyinfl]

on 8/5/2009 I am a preschool teacher and they loved this! I had them color the paper first and added brown finger paint thumb print "coconuts". Very Cute!!

[Mindee94]

on 12/18/2008 How fun! Think I need to plan a winter Hawaii themed party. This is one to do with the wee ones. Thanks.

[TeryLynne]

on 12/8/2008 How cute and so creative! 5*

[veryirie]

on 12/4/2008 How clever; I don't remember ever seeing this one before. Thanks for sharing the step by step and pics on how to make a palm tree with construction paper.

[IcyCucky]

on 11/18/2008 Wow, this will be a fun project to do with my kid!