Button Apple Tree Craft for Kids: Easy Fall Art Project

Discover the delightful world of crafting with buttons (or an alternative craft supply) with this enchanting apple button tree art project for kids or adults!

Create a button apple tree collage using a printable tree template, green buttons, and apple-shaped buttons. This fall craft is a fun fine-motor activity for children and a sweet handmade gift for a teacher. This creative fall craft activity for kids combines the beauty of nature with the charm of buttons, resulting in a unique piece of art inspired by the apple tree. 

Crafting an Apple Tree with Buttons:

Younger children can glue buttons onto the tree. Older children (and adults) who are ready for a more advanced project activity can learn to sew buttons onto fabric using our apple tree sewing tutorial.

Don’t have buttons? You can also make the tree craft using tissue paper, pom-poms, dot markers, or stickers, paint, or scraps from your craft cupboard. Invite artists of all ages to create an apple tree craft using buttons or an alternative craft supply as instructed below.

Whether you’re working with preschoolers, kindergarteners, elementary-aged students, or are a seasoned crafter looking for a new DIY project or a creative way to use your stash of buttons, this cute apple tree craft idea provides an easy way to bring the beauty of autumn into your home or classroom. First published on September 7, 2017, this easy button craft tutorial is regularly updated to improve the content.

You might also enjoy this roundup of fall art projects for kids. It has even more autumn art and apple craft ideas you can make at home or in the classroom.

About This Apple Button Tree Craft

This apple button tree is an easy fall craft for children and adults. Simply print the free tree template, or draw a tree trunk, and glue green and apple-shaped buttons to create the crown of the tree. Children can arrange the buttons however they like, so every tree grows into a one-of-a-kind work of art.

It’s an apple tree craft that offers preschoolers, and kindergarteners a fun way to improve fine motor skills and strengthen their hands, preparing them for writing and more advanced handwork projects, such as sewing buttons. Older adults can create button crafts like this to help maintain hand dexterity throughout their later years.

Making button art helps children strengthen fine motor skills, practice hand-eye coordination, and make creative choices. You can also count or sort the buttons by size, shape, or color to add a simple learning activity into the mix. Make this apple tree craft after visiting an orchard, during an apple or autumn study unit or lesson, or as a simple handmade gift for a teacher.

• Recommended ages: Preschool and up
• Time needed: About 20 to 30 minutes, plus drying time
• Difficulty: Easy
• Adult help: Recommended for young children
• Skills practiced: Fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, sorting, counting, planning, and creative expression

What age is this apple tree craft Activity best for?

This apple craft works well for preschoolers, kindergarteners, school-age kids, teens, and adults. Young children will need close supervision because buttons can be a choking hazard. Older children can draw their own tree and create a more detailed design.

Button Apple Tree Craft Supplies:

• Printable tree template or a hand-drawn tree trunk
  • FREE tree craft template
• Assorted green buttons or an alternative craft supply (see the list below) to represent the apple tree’s leaves.
• Red or apple-shaped buttons for the apples. Try the following options:
  • Multi-colored apple buttons.
  • Colored wooden apple buttons.
  • Red two-hole apple buttons (if these are out of stock, you can try these instead).
  • Four-hole red apple buttons.
  • Flat-backed apple buttons (for gluing, not sewing).
  • Small flat-backed apple buttons (for gluing, not sewing).
  • Assortment of red and green buttons.
• Use Heavyweight cardstock, Linen printer paper, a canvas board or another sturdy surface that can support the weight of the buttons and glue. (linen printer paper looks like a canvas and is featured in the photographs above and below) This constructin paper may bend, wrinkel, or tear once buttons are added.
• Child-safe tacky craft glue or white school glue.
• Frame, optional, (a shadow box frame is best) for completed button apple tree art and other seasonal tree projects with craft supplies that have demention.

Safety note: Buttons can be a choking hazard. Closely supervise young children, and keep loose buttons away from babies and toddlers who may put them in their mouths.

How to make a Button Apple Tree: Step-by-Step Button Art Instructions:

Create a fun button art tree with this apple-themed activity for kids. To begin this easy apple craft idea, gather an assortment of colorful buttons that mimic the hues of ripe apples. Any of the craft buttons suggested in the supply list above will work.

Next, print the Rhythms of Play logo tree craft template. Alternatively, you can sketch the outline of a tree trunk and branches onto heavy cardstock or canvas linen paper. Finally, allow your artistic instincts to take over as you carefully arrange and glue buttons onto the paper to create the crown of the apple tree.

Transform them into a bountiful harvest of apples with each button you place. The tactile sensation of arranging buttons and the visual satisfaction of seeing your button tree come to life is a treat for the senses and an opportunity to unwind and let your imagination flourish. 

The step-by-step tutorial shares how to create a button art collage in the shape of an apple tree. You can also use another art or craft supply from the alternative materials listed below the project tutorial to create an apple tree crown or another seasonal tree craft, such as a spring, winter, or autumn tree craft. You might also enjoy making a Four-Season Fingerprint and Fingerprint Tree.

1. Print, Draw, or Paint the Trunk of an Apple Tree:

• Invite children to draw or paint the base of a tree, or access the free tree art & craft template and print it onto canvas paper or heavyweight cardstock.
• Artists of all ages can draw or paint the tree trunk instead of using the printable template with the following directions:
  • Sketch the basic outline of the tree trunk with a regular pencil to explore different trunk shapes, sizes, and creative ideas.
  • Then outline and fill in with a brown crayon, colored pencils, or markers.
  • Alternatively, you can paint the tree trunk with watercolors, tempera, or acrylic paint.
• Whether you print, draw, or paint the tree base, thick and sturdy paper is best for making button crafts because it can handle the weight of the buttons. Regular printer paper or construction paper is not recommended for this apple art activity, because it is often too weak and will bend or fold once glue and buttons are applied.
• The photograph on the right below shows the free printable tree template printed on a durable linen or canvas paper, while the apple tree craft on the left features heavyweight cardstock.

2. Arrange and Glue the Buttons:

• Invite children to arrange the buttons before gluing them down.
• Show them how to lay an assorted combination of green and red apple buttons on the paper above the tree trunk to create the crown of the apple tree.
• Once they like their design, they can glue each button in place.
• Allowing children to arrange the buttons before gluing them supports child-led creativity and prevents the classic craft tragedy of gluing first and regretting it later.
• Alternatively, you can complete the apple tree using an alternative craft supply, such as small torn pieces of construction paper, dot markers, tissue paper, dot stickers, or tempera paint.
• Or, use buttons in an array of autumn colors, such as red, yellow, orange, and brown, to make a fall button tree, as shown in the photograph below.
• Finally, glue the apple and assorted green buttons (or an alternative) to represent red apples and green leaves onto the paper above the trunk to fill out the crown of the fall tree according to how you arranged them.
• You can see an example of an apple tree collage in the photos above, and a colorful fall tree craft made with an assortment of autumn-colored buttons in the photograph below.

3. Let it Dry and Display or Gift the Button Tree Craft:

• Let the glue dry completely before moving the artwork.
• Once it’s dry, you can put a button apple tree in an optional shadow box frame to hang on the wall.
• Alternatively, you can pin it to a bulletin board or hang it on a magnetic whiteboard to display with homemade fingerprint magnets.
• A handmade button tree also makes an excellent homemade apple-themed teacher gift, or gift for a parent or grandparent. For more handmade ideas look at these gifts kids can make.

Alternative Tree Craft Supplies and Project Ideas:

There are several other craft materials you can use to make an apple button tree craft. Craft supplies you can use instead of buttons include: pom-poms, tissue paper, yarn, fabric or felt scraps, dot stickers or markers, fingerprints brushed with tempera paint, or torn construction paper. These materials are good alternatives for young children who are not yet ready to work with small buttons.

You can also create other seasonal tree variations with buttons or the craft supply alternatives below. For example make a colorful fall tree craft using autumn-colored (gold, yellow, orange, red, burgundy) supplies. Create a snowy winter tree art with white and blue materials. Or, make a spring trees with pink blossoms and vernal green leaves. Invite children to create a four season set of tree crafts to show how trees change throughout the year.

Tree Craft Supply Alternatives:

• Construction paper
• Tissue paper
• Fabric or felt scraps
• Yarn scraps
• Pom poms
• Tempera paint (apply with fingertips or a cotton ball gripped with a clothespin)
• Dot markers or stickers

Apple Tree Craft Ideas and Variations:

Use the free tree template (featuring the bottom of the Rhythms of Play logo) to create several variations of seasonal tree art projects and paintings for personal use.

Here are a few tree art project alternatives to consider:

• Use round red buttons instead of apple-shaped buttons.
• Make green, yellow, and red apples.
• Count the apples as they are added, or once the tree craft is completed.
• Create a fall tree with red, orange, yellow, and brown buttons, as shown in the photo example in the tutorial.
• Use tissue paper, pom-poms, fingerprints, dot markers or stickers, torn construction paper, and more to make an apple tree, fall tree with autumn colors, spring tree, or another seasonal tree craft.
• Choose pink, white, and green materials to make and flowering spring tree.
• Use an assortment of bright green and yellow buttons, or an alternative craft supply (several are included on the list below) to make a summer tree.
• Glue or draw or paint birds, nests, grass, or fallen apples around the tree.

What Children Learn From This Button Craft

Making a button apple tree is more than just a fall art activity. Picking up, arranging, and gluing small buttons helps strengthen the hands and fingers children use for drawing, writing, fastening clothing, and other everyday tasks. It also builds hand-eye coordination as they decide where each button belongs and glue it onto the free printable template.

Invite children to sort the buttons by color, shape, or size before gluing them to the tree. They can count the apples, plan simple visual patterns, and compare the different shapes, sizes, and textures of the materials. Adding these playful learning activities to your crafting lesson is an easy way to introduce young children to early math and science skills without making the craft feel like work. Learning should feel like playing; make it fun!

This project also leaves room for imagination. Kids can follow the example, draw their own tree trunk, or create a completely different seasonal tree using their choice of art supplies. Planning where to place buttons (or other supplies) before gluing them onto the paper fosters patience, focus, and problem-solving. Choosing colors and placements gives each child ownership of the finished apple artwork.

This craft can also grow out of a seasonal activity to deepen your experience. Before beginning, visit an orchard, closely examine a neighborhood apple tree, read a picture book, or study photographs of them. Notice the trunk’s shape, how the branches spread, and where the fruit grows.

Adding this optional step invites children to explore before creating. This way, they can create apple tree art from something they have directly experienced, rather than simply copying a finished example just to make a craft. Several optional apple activities you can choose from are included in this handy guide to visiting an apple orchard.

Gluing Buttons or Sewing Buttons?

This apple tree craft involves gluing buttons onto paper, making it a good choice for younger children and quick classroom projects. Children who are ready to work with a needle can use similar materials to sew an apple tree. Follow the separate apple tree sewing tutorial to try this alternative version with burlap, yarn, and buttons.

Apple Tree Craft FAQs:

Here are a few answers to the frequently asked questions about this fall tree craft activity that haven’t been answered thus far:

What kind of glue works best for buttons?

Thick, tacky craft glue works well because it helps keep the buttons from sliding and holds them in place while the project dries better than thin, runny glue. White school glue also works, but it can be runny, may take longer to dry, and the buttons can slide out of place while it dries. An adult can use hot glue if a quick, strong bond is needed.

Can toddlers make this apple tree craft safely?

Toddlers can make an adapted version with close adult supervision, but small buttons can be a chocing hazard. Create a simpler version with close adult supervision. If a child still puts small objects in their mouth, replace the buttons with large craft materials that are easier to grasp and less likely to be swallowed, such as jumbo pom-poms, torn paper, dot markers, or washable paint dotted on with fingertips or cotton balls gripped with a clothespin.

How long does the button tree take to dry?

Drying time will depend on the type and amount of glue used to create the apple tree craft. Leave the button tree lying flat and undisturbed for several hours. For the strongest hold, allow it to dry overnight before lifting, hanging or framing it.

How can I keep the paper from bending?

Print or draw the tree on heavyweight cardstock, thick linen paper, canvas board, or another sturdy surface. Avoid thin printer paper, as it will likely buckle under the weight of the buttons and wet glue. You can also mount the finished apple tree artwork on a thicker piece of cardboard or wood for added support.

Can I frame the finished button tree?

Yes. Please ensure the glue is completely dry before moving and framing the artwork. Use a shadow-box frame or a frame with enough clearnace between the artwork and the glass so the buttons are not pressed or knocked loose. You can also display the finished tree without glass.

Apple Tree Craft and Teacher Gift Ideas Kids Can Make:

Gather your favorite craft supplies to create gorgeous autumn-themed art, such as the apple tree pictured here, with this fun craft project tutorial suitable for kids and adults. Creating apple tree-themed arts and crafts using buttons (or an alternative craft supply) is a fun and creative way to celebrate the beauty of autumn.

Gluing buttons to create an apple tree craft can help preschoolers and kindergarteners strengthen their fine motor muscles, which prepares them for writing and more advanced handwork activities, such as sewing a button. Older adults can also benefit from crafting with buttons, as it helps them maintain hand strength and dexterity in their later years.

Once finished, hang your apple tree art on the wall to display as DIY autumn home decor or give it to a teacher as a back-to-school or teacher appreciation gift. You might also enjoy this fun roundup of fall art projects for kids. For more apple art and fall craft ideas, you might enjoy the fun fall arts, crafts, and activity ideas on this fall bucket list of awesome autumn activities for kids and adults. Happy fall crafting!

Learn more about Nell Regan Kartychok, author, photographer, and creator of this original button apple tree craft HERE, and Rhythms of Play HERE!

More Apple and Fall Craft Ideas:

• Oak Apple Crafts
• How to Sew a Button Apple Tree
• Fall Tree Craft
• Printable Gratitude or Thankful Tree Craft
• Top Ten Thankful Trees for Thanksgiving
• Fall Art Projects and Painting Ideas (Includes a list of fall tree painting ideas.)
• Four-Seasons Handprint and Fingerprint Art Tree