The Tale of the Fir Tree | Papercraft

A small fir tree stands in the winter landscape, surrounded by the animals of the forest. Later, the tree shines with white lights and garlands, just like the fir tree in Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale.

This fine paper-cut design is inspired by H.C. Andersen's "The Fir Tree", which was first published on December 21, 1844. A Christmas fairy tale about a little fir tree that is so busy longing for everything that is to come that it forgets to enjoy the life it already has.

Cut the fairy tale out of the paper

Get your scissors, make yourself comfortable, and let the story of the little fir tree play while the characters slowly emerge from the paper.

Cut out the fir tree and the small animals and place them in the included tableau. Little by little, a small scene from the world of the fairy tale appears, which can be displayed throughout the Christmas season.

It is a cozy, creative moment for both children and adults. Perhaps an opportunity to listen to one of Hans Christian Andersen's old Christmas fairy tales while your hands are busy.

Hand-painted Danish paper-cut

The paper-cut is designed by Tall Hat Tales and interprets Hans Christian Andersen's story in a simple and atmospheric tableau.

The fir tree with its white lights and simple garland stands at the center of the motif, while the little rabbit family around it brings to mind the forest where the fairy tale begins.

Once all the pieces are cut out and assembled, you won't just have Christmas decorations, but a little scene from the tales of one of Denmark's most famous fairy tale authors.

A Christmas fairy tale about being present

Like so many of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, "The Fir Tree" can be read in many ways.

It is a story about a fir tree and about Christmas, but also about the human longing for what comes next. To grow older, move on, and experience more.

Only when time has passed does the fir tree discover the value of what it once had.

This makes "The Fir Tree" a rather fine story to return to in the middle of December, when the days can easily become all about everything we have to get done.

Perhaps that is exactly why the fairy tale is so well-suited for a quiet moment with paper and scissors. Put the story on, cut out the small figures, and watch Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale slowly grow between your hands.

Product information

• Unique Danish design
• Motif featuring the story of The Fir Tree
• Printed on sturdy 300-gram paper
• A5 format
• Printed on both sides
• Figures are to be cut out yourself
• Suitable as Christmas decorations, hanging ornaments, table decorations, and place cards
• The motifs are hand-painted, and the front and back may therefore vary slightly

Missing the tools?

For the fine details of papercraft, we recommend a sharp hobby knife and a good cutting mat. You can purchase our cutting set for papercraft and paper-cutting, which contains an NT-Cutter precision knife with 10 blades as well as a Linex cutting mat.