Unleash Creativity with a Festive Christmas Tree Pasta Craft: Upcycling, DIY Decor, and Fine Motor Skill Development Rolled into One.
Crafting DIY Christmas decorations with kids brings such a festive spirit. It’s not just about the creative bonding time but also an opportunity to instill the significance of recycling and upcycling in younger minds. Think about it—expired pasta that is unfit for consumption can find a beautiful purpose as a stunning Christmas decoration! Beyond the joy of crafting, these activities also promote resourcefulness, cost-effectiveness, and an eco-friendly approach during the holiday season. It’s a chance to show our children the magic of transforming what we have into something entirely new. So, the next time you stumble upon expired pasta, why not turn it into a delightful DIY Pasta Christmas Tree decoration?
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How to Make Christmas Tree Penne Pasta Craft Tutorial
The holiday season is the perfect time to try your hand at pasta crafts, and this pasta Christmas tree tutorial is one of the best ideas for festive fun! Start with a paper plate or cardboard base, shaping it into a cone shape as the foundation for your tree. Using a hot glue gun, carefully glue pasta like penne pasta, shells, or bowtie pasta in a layered Christmas tree shape. This is a perfect craft for kids of all ages, and even older kids will enjoy the creative process. For the tree trunk, a small cardboard tube works great!
Once your pasta tree is assembled, it’s time for the fun part—painting! Use green paint for the main tree, adding accents with metallic paints or different colors for extra sparkle. A paintbrush works well for details, or try spray paint for quick, even coverage. Finish it off with a star or bow for the top of the tree! These pasta ornaments make adorable Christmas tree ornaments and are easy to customize. Check out our video tutorial for step-by-step guidance, and remember to allow time for drying and clean up afterward. Whether you’re crafting as a family or preparing keepsakes, these simple craft ideas are sure to bring joy this season!
How to Make Christmas Tree Penne Pasta Craft Tutorial
Materials and Supplies
Below are the materials and supplies you will need to make this Christmas Tree Pasta Craft.
- Cardboard (we are using a frozen pizza insert).
- Expired or otherwise not suitable for eating pasta (we are using penne, bow tie, and shell pasta).
- Paint (we are using metallic paints).
- Glitter (please use bio glitter when possible).
- A hot glue gun.
When selecting pasta for crafting, let’s be mindful and opt for those past their expiration date or otherwise non-edible. It’s a crafty way to give new life to pasta that’s had its kitchen adventures!
Instructions
Below are detailed instructions on how to make this DIY Pasta Christmas Tree.
Making a Cardboard base
Begin by marking the center of your cardboard circle and cutting along a radius, then experiment with folding it into a conical shape. If the cardboard feels too large, consider dividing the circle in half for easier conical formation. Opt for sturdy cardboard to withstand the weight of nearly half a box of pasta. Ensuring the cone’s stability is crucial; a flimsy structure won’t bear the weight of pasta and glue.
Proceed by meticulously gluing the penne, one by one, starting from the base and spiraling upwards to form the tree.
Making Bows
Then, paint the bow pasta in a vibrant red hue, adding a touch of glitter while the paint dries. Additionally, coat five shell-shaped pastas with gold paint; these will form the star to top the tree.
Painting a Christmas Tree
Then, it’s time to paint your Christmas Tree. Opt for metallic paints—they dry wonderfully and won’t leave stains on your hands. These paints also clean off brushes easily compared to acrylics or oils. I intentionally used non-dyed pasta to minimize paint usage and focused on gluing parts that don’t need color, especially near the trunk, where visibility is lower.
Embellishing The Christmas tree
To add the final touches to your Christmas Tree Pasta Craft, assemble a star using five shell-shaped pastas and securely attach all the bows to the tree using a glue gun. Voila! You’ve crafted a stunning DIY Christmas pasta decoration that will stand the test of time!
Video Tutorial | How to Make Christmas Tree Penne Pasta Craft Tutorial
Below is the video tutorial on how to make a Christmas Tree Pasta Craft.
How to Make Christmas Tree Penne Pasta Craft Tutorial
Crafting a Christmas Tree Pasta decoration is a heartfelt journey beyond creating beauty from pantry items; it’s about upcycling and transforming everyday elements into gorgeous decor pieces. It’s the laughter shared while repurposing pasta into vibrant, colorful bows and stars and the joy of repurposing cardboard and non-edible pasta into a stunning centerpiece.
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Christmas Tree Pasta Craft

This creative endeavor isn’t merely about crafting—it’s a celebration of resourcefulness, turning expired or unused items into a symbol of holiday joy. Each stroke of paint, every meticulously placed pasta piece, becomes a testament to innovation and creativity. Beyond its visual appeal, this DIY masterpiece encapsulates the spirit of making something extraordinary from the ordinary—a beautiful memory woven into the holiday season, infused with the warmth of shared moments and the satisfaction of turning humble materials into a cherished work of art.
For More Christmas Crafts and Activities
See here for a DIY Homemade Christmas Snow Globe.

2D Christmas Tree Pasta Craft
Also, you do not need to make a 3D version of your Christmas Tree Pasta Craft! Try this Christmas Tree inspired by Best Ideas for Kids.

Engaging in holiday crafts not only strengthens the bond with your children but also unleashes creativity in a magical way. Plus, opting for everyday natural materials not only aids the environment but also brings relief to your monthly Amazon credit card statement! And here’s a special treat: a Christmas Tree crafted from recycled cardboard and dried pantry food, a wonderful fusion of eco-friendliness and creative flair.
YOU’LL NEED for this 2D Pasta Christmas Tree Craft:
- expired pantry items (such as cereal, oats, pasta)
- cardboard
- hot glue gun, Elmer’s glue, or a glue stick
- a craft knife
- food coloring
- a recycled wine or champagne cork
HOW TO Make this Pantry Christmas Tree
Cardboard: Firstly, carve a triangular shape from cardboard, using a serrated knife to mimic the silhouette of a pine tree. Then, take a champagne cork, slice it in half, and secure it as the tree trunk using hot glue.
Now, it’s time to add color to your pasta. Place uncooked pasta in a ziplock bag, add a few splashes of vinegar and your chosen food coloring. Then give it a good shake and lay it flat to dry. (Pro tip: Keep the bag for future use or switch to a reusable jar for shaking.) Remember, prepare each color in separate batches. (Note: I avoid cooking pasta for this craft as it tends to spoil if cooked, whereas dry pasta will last forever.)
Similarly, add color to oats. (I experimented with coloring Cheerios, but they became soggy and misshapen, so I opted for pre-colored frosted Froot Loops instead.)
Thereafter, to embellish your tree, apply glue in horizontal lines (beginning from the base) and firmly press the pasta, creating a decorative pattern. For younger children, consider using Elmer’s glue or a glue stick, as the hot glue gun can get pretty hot.
This activity not only enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills but also serves as a sensory tactile board, allowing little ones to explore textures by running their fingers over the pasta, cereal, and oats. Let the crafting fun begin!

For more Christmas Inspired Activities and Crafts:

For Christmas rounds up, see a blog unit study HERE.
For More Pasta Sensory Play Ideas

See HERE Ocean-Small-World-Taste-Safe-Spaghetti-Sensory-Play.

Also, see HERE Baby-Animals-Kmart-Tray-Sensory-Play-Small-World.
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