Recycled Christmas

This year is my husband and my first Christmas together as a married couple. We spent last Christmas in New Zealand while living out of our van. We are looking forward to spending the holidays in our nice home with all the trimmings. In order to make Christmas possible and our efforts towards a sustainable lifestyle, we are having a Recycled Christmas this year. Our recycled Christmas began yesterday when we created our recycled Christmas tree made of cardboard. Our neighbor had a large box that came from his girlfriend's tanning bed. I asked him if I could have it to make our Christmas tree. He gave me a sideways glance,but gladly gave up the monstrosity that was taking up space in his garage.
Recycled carboard Christmas tree:
items needed:

• Large pieces of cardboard (a large box works well)
• sharp box cutter
• duck tape

Instructions:

1. Draw your tree shape with a pencil on a large piece of cardboard (include a stump)
2. cut the tree out with your box cutter
3. trace your cut tree onto another piece of cardboard
4. cut the second tree shape out with you box cutter
5.  trace a third tree shape 
6. cut the third tree shape with your box cutter
7. With your first tree cut out cut a 1/4 in gap starting from the top half way down the tree (it is helpful to use a piece of string to mark the center line of the tree)
8. With your second tree cut out cut a 1/4 in gap starting from the bottom and cut half way up the tree 
9. cut a 1in by 1in square at the bottom and in the middle of the two tree stumps
10. put the  first two trees together by sliding them into each other's gaps
11. cut your third tree almost in half except for the bottom few inches. This tree will fit into the square knotch you made in the other trees
12. Use duct tape to make the base solid as well as to join the two sides of the third tree to give it support.

This project is a bit complicated to explain. A four sided tree is easier to make than a six sided tree. If you are going to make a 4 sided tree follow the directions up to number 8 and join the trees via the two gaps you have created. It may just take some thinking and working with the materials you have to create a six sided tree.  Here are pictures of the tree we created.

cut two identical tree shapes out of a large box

cut a 1/4 in gap half way up first tree shape

cut a 1/4 in gap half way down second tree cutout

slide the two trees together to ensure that they fit.(if not cut a larger gap)

cut a third tree shape out and then cut a 1/2 in gap down the center leave about one to two inches at the bottom

Spray paint both sides of your three trees (you dont have to do this in the dark :)

Assemble your tree: cut a one inch knotch in the bottom of your first two trees then slide your first two trees together. affix the third tree by sliding the bottom into the first two tree's knotches. Then use duct tape to suport the third tree towards the top and to make sure your tree has enough support. Decorate and enjoy!