Poster Board Christmas Tree Cones

 

 

It’s hard to believe but this is the 3rd year that I’ve been making my fabric covered poster board Christmas tree cones.

**Updated on Nov. 2015 -templates and pattern is now available in my shop with 5 cone sizes all on one template. You can read this post for more details***

I have had so much fun over the years making my tree cones and the best part has been trying new fabric combinations each year.  For this year’s trees, I found these gorgeous velvets and chenilles in this rich jade color and made a new set for my kitchen island:

 

 

 

I blinged out my cones this year with fringe trim, sequins and this pretty rhinestone reindeer that I attached with hot glue:

 

 

Here are some of the tree cones that I have made and shared on the blog in the past three years.  I have still have all of these and I have been so amazed how well they have held up year after year in my attic. Sorry that some of the images are not that great but obviously, my photography has come a long way in three years!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over the next year after that post, I received hundreds of emails and comments from people telling me that my tutorial was a little too complicated and asking if I would create templates with all of the various sizes of cones on them. Many also asked if I could figure out a way to shorten the process by adhering the fabric to the poster board first and then roll the cones to be able to save on fabric.

So last year, I finally decided to see if I could shorten the process and make a template.  I worked with an engineer to come up with a master template/pattern that had five perfectly sized cones so when they are displayed as a set, they are each in proportion to each other. I also finally figured out a way to add the fabric first and then roll (no more wasted fabric).  I spent six weeks writing the e-book tutorial available here.

After I finalized everything last year, I offered the template/tutorial for sale for immediate download in my online shop.  I have been so surprised by the response and  it’s been such a joy for me to receive emails and pictures of beautiful tree cones made all around the world made from my template that I created at my little kitchen island.

This is one of my favorite pictures sent in from three sister’s; Susan, Diane and Peggy who had a special sister craft day to make tree cones a few weeks ago:

 

 

Thank you so much to those of you who encouraged me to do the templates!  It’s really been such a wonderful experience and it just really warms my heart to receive notes and pictures of everyone’s pretty tree cones over this last year!

For those of you who don’t know about my template, the great thing is that you don’t have to use them for just Christmas tree cones.  They can be used for anything that requires a craft cone, which are expensive to buy pre-made. Because the poster board is doubled up, they are just as durable as the paper mache store bought cones.  The sizes of the five cones on the pattern range from the super tall 28 inch and the smallest being 8.5 x 11 inch that can be used for decorative cardstock/paper cones.

This is what the sizes on my template look like (without the fabric):

 

 

You can use these patterns over and over and you will never have to buy a craft cone again. The best part of all of this is that poster board is so cheap.  You can pick up poster board for 3 for $1.00 at Hobby Lobby and Michael’s. Again, because they are basically doubled-up, they are super durable.  You can paint them, glue stuff too them or cover with any kind of fabric. The possibilities are endless!

On the pattern itself,  I have cut dashes/marks and scissors to show you exactly where to cut, how to cut, where to roll and precisely where to place your fabric.  I went to great lengths to design the pattern so it would be as easy and user friendly as possible because of the issues reader’s had with my initial tutorial:

 

 

Also, included with the template/pattern is a step by step  tutorial (with pictures) for not only making the craft cones but for creating fabric covered poster board tree cones. By the way, because the cone itself is open at the base (unlike cardboard or styrofoam pre-made cones), all you have to do is slide the finished cone over a candlestick and you have an instant base/tree stem:

 

 

See how you can just slide them over a candle base:

 

 

Of course you don’t have to cover them with fabric, you can cover them with almost anything! Because the tallest cone is more than 10 inches taller than store bought pre-made cones, these cones really look dramatic with not only fabric but you can use sheet moss to make year round topiaries:

 

or you can simple hot glue natural items like pine cones:

 

 

or do something fun and whimsical like covering the tallest cone with kid’s foam sticker letters and spray painting it any color imaginable:

 

 

The cones are also a perfect holiday centerpiece for luncheons or Christmas parties!

 

 

Lastly, one of my favorite things about making the tree cones over the last three years has been making them with my friends at our tree cone crafting parties! This is one of the best crafts to make with a group and if you’re looking for a holiday craft to do with the family or girlfriends, this is a really fun project to do with a group:

 

 

If you’re interested, my e-tutorial/template download, it’s $9.95 and once it’s purchased in my online shop here, the download is sent immediately via email.  You will need to have Adobe Reader (most of us have it on our computers) to download and view. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can get it free at Adobe.com. With the download, you will receive instructions on how to download and save it to your computer.

One last thing.. I wanted to let you guys know that I’m participating in a “12 Days of Christmas” Tour of Homes with an amazing group of talented bloggers.  I’m really excited (and have a lot of work to do to get ready) but you can see below everyone who is participating.  I hope you get the chance to do the tour because I know there is going to be a lot inspiration and Christmas ideas.  My home will be featured here on the blog on December 12th.  The tour will run from Dec. 9-20th.

 

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you guys have a fantastic weekend!

Cheers!

Cyndy