Here’s a button tree craft that doubles as a fine motor activity and teacher gift idea that kids can make. Invite children to make this apple tree craft with buttons–or almost any other art supplies or craft materials!
Invite children to make a button tree that looks like an apple tree with this fun craft idea. Gluing buttons to make this apple tree craft can help preschoolers and kindergarteners strengthen their fine motor muscles to help prepare them for writing, and more advanced handwork activities, such as sewing a button.
A button tree with apple buttons makes a fun fall craft and a unique apple-themed gift idea for a teacher. Look at this fun roundup of fall art projects for kids for more apple craft ideas!
How to Make a Button Art Apple Tree
Invite children to make a button art tree for a fun apple-themed activity for kids. My daughter and I made our button art tree after going on a field trip to an apple orchard last year–it was a blast!
You can also try teaching your children how to sew a button tree with the same buttons used for this button apple tree project. Just click on the link above for the hand-sewn button tree DIY details. Look at this fun roundup of fall art projects for kids for more apple art and craft ideas!
Related: Four Season Handprint and Fingerprint Tree
Apple Tree Craft Supplies
- Assorted green buttons
- Multi-colored apple buttons
, colored wooden apple buttons, or red apple buttons
- FREE Apple tree craft template
- Linen printer paper or cardstock
(linen printer paper looks like a canvas and
is featured in the photographs above and below)
- Glue
- Rustic photo frame (optional)
How to make a Button Tree: Step by Step Button Art Instructions
Use this simple button tree tutorial to create a button art collage in the shape of an apple tree! Or use almost any other art or craft supplies to create an apple tree crown.
Related: Apple Craft
Step 1 – Draw or paint the base of an apple tree, or download and print the FREE Apple tree art template.
- Invite children to draw or paint the base of an apple tree, or download the free tree art & craft template and print it onto canvas paper
or cardstock.
- The printable linen or canvas paper is pictured in the image on the right, while cardstock is featured in the apple tree craft photograph on the left.
STEP 2 – Glue buttons above the base of the button tree trunk to create the crown of the apple tree
- Create the crown of the apple tree with an assorted combination of green buttons and apple buttons. Or, use an alternative craft supply to complete the apple tree, such as construction paper, tissue paper, or tempera paint.
- Next, glue the apple buttons
and the assorted green buttons (or alternative) onto the paper above the trunk to fill out the apple tree in whatever way suits your fancy.
Step 3 – Place button tree craft into a frame (optional)
- Frame your button craft to hang it or give it away as a gift.
- We put the button apple tree that our daughter made into one of these gorgeous rustic brown photo frames
and gave it to her teacher as an apple-themed teacher gift.
Related: Apple Orchard Field Trip Ideas for Kids.
Apple Tree Craft and Gift Idea Kids Can Make
Once finished, hang this gorgeous apple tree art on the wall or give it to your child’s favorite teacher! You can also try teaching your children how to sew a button apple tree with the same buttons. Click the link to learn more.
For fun fall art and craft ideas for kids, check out our fall bucket list of fun fall activities.
Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!
If You Liked this Button Tree Craft, You May Also Like:
- Fall Tree Craft
- Best Fall Nature Crafts
- DIY Acorn Marble Necklaces
- Calm Down Sensory Bottles 101
- Top Ten Thankful Tree’s for Thanksgiving
- Colorful Winter Tree Silhouette Art Project
- Four-Seasons Handprint and Fingerprint Art Tree
- Fall Leaf Crown
Upon seeing this idea again today when I was browsing your DIYs, I just have to tell you I made this several years ago. I put it out every Aug/Sep when apple-picking season begins. I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and apples are grown by so many orchardists here. I buy bushels of apples every fall and make my own applesauce to preserve and eat until next fall, make fresh pies, and my wonderful fresh apple pound cake with nuts. I love this little picture of a child happily swinging under the apple tree! Keep up the great ideas!
That’s wonderful, Barbara! I’m so glad you made this apple tree craft and put it on display in the fall. Shenandoah Valley sounds beautiful–I hope to see it for myself one day. Continue to enjoy the fruits of your labors and everything autumn brings!
Nell