Make a DIY Christmas Wreath
Make a DIY Christmas wreath using a paper plate ring, evergreen sprigs or craft paper, glue, and decorations, then hang it proudly on a door.
About this activity
Make a DIY Christmas wreath using a paper plate ring, evergreen sprigs or craft paper, glue, and decorations, then hang it proudly on a door.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials from the list and bring them to a clear workspace.
- 2
Step 2
Cut the center out of the paper plate with scissors to make a ring.
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Step 3
Choose whether you will use real evergreen sprigs or cut green craft paper leaves.
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Step 4
If you chose craft paper then cut leaf shapes about 2 inches long from the green paper.
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Step 5
If you chose real evergreen then trim the sprigs into 2 to 3 inch pieces.
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Step 6
Put a small dab of glue on one spot of the paper plate ring.
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Step 7
Press one leaf or sprig onto that glued spot until it sticks.
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Step 8
Repeat the gluing and pressing process all around the ring so the leaves overlap and hide the plate.
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Step 9
Glue decorations like pom-poms buttons or stickers onto the wreath where you like them.
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Step 10
Cut a 6 to 8 inch length of ribbon for the hanger.
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Step 11
Tie the ribbon ends together to make a hanging loop.
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Step 12
Attach the ribbon loop to the back top of the wreath with tape or glue.
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Step 13
Hang your finished wreath proudly on a door using the ribbon loop.
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Step 14
Share your finished wreath on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I make a DIY Christmas wreath with my child?
To make a DIY Christmas wreath, cut the center out of a paper plate to form a ring. Attach evergreen sprigs or rolled craft-paper leaves around the ring using glue or a glue gun (adult only). Layer decorations like ribbons, pom-poms, buttons, or small ornaments. Let glue dry completely. Punch or tape a loop of ribbon to the top for hanging. Encourage kids to arrange pieces before gluing to practice planning and creativity.
What materials do I need for a DIY Christmas wreath?
You'll need a paper plate (or cardboard ring), evergreen sprigs or green craft paper, glue (white craft glue or hot glue with adult supervision), scissors, ribbon or string for hanging, and decorations like buttons, pom-poms, sequins, or small ornaments. Optional: paint or markers, glitter, tape, and a hole punch. If using real greens, have pruning shears and a tray for needles. Choose child-safe scissors and non-toxic glue for younger kids.
What ages is a DIY Christmas wreath activity suitable for?
This wreath craft suits ages 3–12 with adult support. Toddlers (3–5) can help glue pre-cut paper leaves, stick decorations, and choose colors; use non-toxic glue and blunt scissors. Ages 6–8 can cut, arrange, and practice hot-glue with supervision. Ages 9–12 can design more complex patterns, handle pruning real greens, and use hot glue more independently. Always supervise cutting and hot glue, and adjust complexity to the child's skills.
What safety tips and variations should I know for a DIY Christmas wreath?
Safety: supervise scissors, hot glue, and small decorations to prevent cuts and choking. Use child-safe glue and large embellishments for little ones. For variations, try a recycled-paper wreath, a felt wreath for indoor rooms, or a mini version for gift tags. Benefits include fine-motor practice, creativity, and seasonal pride. If using real evergreens, keep the wreath away from open flames and mist occasionally to keep greens fresh.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a paper plate or real evergreen sprigs if those are hard to find?
If you don't have a paper plate, cut a ring the same size from sturdy cardboard (like a cereal box) to follow the 'Cut the center out of the paper plate' step, and if you don't have real evergreens use green construction paper, felt, or pre-cut fabric leaves instead of trimming sprigs.
My leaves keep falling off or the paper plate still shows — what should we try?
Use stronger craft glue or double-sided tape, press each leaf or sprig firmly as in 'Put a small dab of glue...Press one leaf', overlap pieces more to hide the plate, and let the glue dry flat before hanging.
How can we adapt this wreath for different age groups?
For younger kids pre-cut the 2-inch leaves and let them stick pom-poms or stickers during the 'Repeat the gluing' and 'Glue decorations' steps, while older kids can trim 2–3 inch sprigs themselves, design patterns, or use a hot glue gun with supervision.
What are simple ways to make the wreath fancier or more personal?
Paint the paper plate ring before you start, add a name tag or small ornaments when you 'Glue decorations like pom-poms', or tuck a battery tea light or scented cloves under the leaves for extra sparkle and aroma.