Christmas Tree Button Art
A triangle of green paint on cardstock becomes a Christmas tree when children press colorful buttons onto it while the paint is still wet — or glue them on once dry. The result is a richly textured, gem-like Christmas tree that looks stunning.
What You'll Need
- Green tempera paint — applied in a large triangle on white or dark blue cardstock
- Assorted small buttons — in Christmas colors: red, gold, silver, green
- Brown paint or a piece of brown paper — for the trunk
- Star sticker or yellow button — for the tree topper
- Craft glue — to secure buttons once dry
How to Do It
Step 1: Paint the tree. Paint a large green triangle on cardstock, plus a small brown rectangle beneath for the trunk.
Step 2: Press in buttons. While the paint is still slightly wet, press buttons all over the green triangle. They'll partially embed in the paint, which acts as initial adhesive.
Step 3: Let dry. Let dry completely — at least one hour.
Step 4: Secure loose buttons. Apply a dot of craft glue beneath any buttons that seem loose.
Step 5: Add the star. Press a gold star button or sticker to the top of the tree.
🎓 Skills Your Child Will Develop
Texture and material exploration — Buttons as art materials introduce children to decorative craft traditions.
Fine motor placement — Pressing buttons precisely into wet paint requires deliberate hand control.
Tips & Variations
- Add sequin "tinsel" between the buttons.
- Use the same technique with mosaic tiles or beads.
- Make a small version on a card for a handmade Christmas card.
My Two Cents
The slightly-wet-paint embedding technique is the secret to a fully covered tree — buttons pressed into wet paint stay where they're placed and dry firmly attached. Let the paint dry enough to not smear on fingers, but not so dry that buttons won't embed.
