How to build a Totem Tree
by fishingfordesign on november 4th, 2009

In this article we will show you how to create a beautiful tree from more than hundred cardboard pieces. This amazing puzzle was designed by designer duo Kidsonroof in the Netherlands and we promise that it's fun to play with it for young and old! (Kidsonroof advise that the Totem Tree should not be used by children under the age of 7)

Totem Tree: What is it?

Totem Tree is a beautiful construction toy, a 3D puzzle, for kids and grownups. The Totem Tree is part of a range of eco-friendly construction toys designed by Kidsonroof (the Netherlands). Other products in the Totem range are Totem Papillon Day and Totem Papillon Night. The Totem construction toys don't need any glue to stand stable on their own. Should you wish to keep them you can use some glue for more stability.

What's in the box?

If you unpack the Totem Tree, you'll find that there are 6 cardboard sheets in there.

backside of totem tree packaging

This is the backside of the Totem Tree packaging, where you'll find handy instructions on how to build the Totem Tree.

Totem Tree Sheet one

Totem Tree Sheet side 1

Totem Tree Sheet two

Totem Tree Sheet side 2

Totem Tree Sheet three

Totem Tree Sheet side 3

Totem Tree Sheet four

Totem Tree Sheet side 4

Totem Tree Sheet five

Totem Tree Sheet side 5

Totem Tree Sheet six

Totem Tree Sheet side 6

Totem Tree Sheet seven

Totem Tree Sheet side 7

Totem Tree Sheet eight

Totem Tree Sheet side 8

Totem Tree Sheet nine

Totem Tree Sheet side 9

Totem Tree Sheet ten

Totem Tree Sheet side 10

Totem Tree Sheet eleven

Totem Tree Sheet side 11

Totem Tree Sheet twelve

Totem Tree Sheet side 12

Let's start building a Totem Tree

We started with pushing out all the pieces of sheet number 3. You'll find the sheet numbers on the bottom of the sheet, see example below. Take out all the pieces and put them together using the packaging as an example

detail photo of totem tree sheet

Detail of sheet number 3

totem tree take out pieces from sheet

Take out all the pieces from sheet number 3 and put them together on a table

first part of totem tree on table

All the pieces of sheet number 3 laid down on the table. You'll find it easier when you use the front of the Totem Tree box as an example.

first part of the totem tree is now done

All the pieces from sheet number 3 are now laying side by side on the table, take out some of the pieces of sheet number 1 and start connecting them.

Once you've done this, you can start adding the quirky little leaves, birds, birdhouse and mushrooms to the branches!

the leaves are added to the branches

The tree can not stand up yet, for that you'll need to put together the other 2 parts of the tree first. Once you're finished with your first part get sheet 5 and sheet 2 and repeat the same process. Keep the packaging for reference.

totem tree detail

The Totem Tree is not complete without it's mushrooms growing on its roots. The tree can only stand up without support once you've connected the tree main parts together with the pieces on sheet 4.

totem tree in window sill

Totem Tree is now proudly standing in our window sill, isn't he beautiful?! Be careful not to lose the leaves, because there are no spare parts! But why not cut out leaves from your own cartons and add them to your tree to create your own personal look!

Totem Tree will make a perfect Christmas gift - keep them busy on boxing day;)