Giving money as a holiday gift can sometimes feel impersonal, but transforming a simple bill into a festive shape elevates the gesture into a memorable presentation. The art of money origami allows a standard currency note to become a miniature, three-dimensional Christmas tree, adding creativity to the exchange. This approach turns a practical gift into a decorative item that captures the spirit of the season.
Gathering Your Materials
The success of money origami depends heavily on the condition of the currency used. Use new, crisp, unfolded bills, as the sharp fibers of fresh paper hold creases much better than worn notes. While any denomination works, a larger bill creates a more impressive visual effect, and the green color of US currency naturally lends itself to the tree shape. You will need a clean, flat surface to ensure precision in your folds. Optional tools, such as a thin dowel or a paper clip, can be helpful for making tight rolls or temporarily securing layers.
The Folding Process
Begin by placing the bill face-up and folding it in half lengthwise to establish a central guideline, then unfold it. Next, fold the bill in half widthwise, bringing the short edges together, and then unfold this as well, creating a perpendicular center line. Take the top layer of the bill and fold it down approximately two-thirds of the way toward the bottom edge, creating the initial top section of the tree. This fold should be crisp and parallel to the short edges.
Focus on the top corners of the folded-down section, folding them inward toward the central vertical crease line. These diagonal folds define the triangular shape of the tree’s foliage. The space between the two folded corners at the center should be about three-quarters of an inch wide, forming the top point. Next, create the base, or “trunk,” by folding the bottom-left corner of the bill over, aligning the edge with the central vertical crease.
Unfold the corner, then flatten it inward along the established creases, creating a small, flattened triangle at the bottom left. Repeat this step for the bottom-right corner, folding it over, unfolding, and flattening it inward to create a matching triangle. These two flattened triangles form the base, giving it a stable, rectangular trunk shape. Fold the remaining top corners of the bill down toward the center line to refine the tree’s silhouette.
Fold the top corners down one more time, making a smaller, secondary fold that further narrows the top. This double-fold technique creates a more tapered appearance for the foliage. Flip the entire folded bill over; the basic Christmas tree shape should now be visible, with the trunk section at the bottom. The precision of the folds allows the paper to hold its shape without adhesive.
Presentation and Finishing Touches
Once the folding is complete, the finished money tree may require a small measure to maintain its three-dimensional form. A tiny piece of double-sided tape, placed on the back where the layers overlap, can secure the shape without damaging the currency. Alternatively, a small, clear rubber band can be slipped around the base to hold the trunk section together.
For a more elaborate display, create a small, rolled-paper trunk by tightly rolling a thin strip of brown or green paper and inserting it into the base folds. The finished origami tree can be mounted onto a holiday greeting card using a small dot of removable adhesive putty. Alternatively, attach a thin piece of ribbon or string to the top point, allowing the money tree to be hung directly on a Christmas tree as an ornament.