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Craft guide
Easy Paper Christmas Wreath Craft for Kids
This paper Christmas wreath craft is a simple holiday project made with colored paper, a cardboard ring, pom-poms, and a paper candle. It is easy to customize and works well for kids, classrooms, homeschool activities, or family Christmas craft time.
Instead of copying a traditional paper wreath exactly, this version uses looped paper leaves in two shades of green, small red berry circles, soft white pom-poms, a layered paper candle, and a large red bow. The finished wreath looks bright, festive, and dimensional while still being easy to make.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
- Recommended age:
- 5+ with adult supervision
- Time needed:
- About 30–45 minutes
- Main materials:
- Cardboard, colored paper, glue, pom-poms
- Finished project:
- Hanging paper Christmas wreath
Materials You Will Need
Gather these supplies before you begin:
- Cardboard or thick cardstock
- Light green paper
- Dark green paper
- Red paper
- Cream or white paper
- Yellow and orange paper
- Small white pom-poms
- Twine or string
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Glue or craft glue
- Optional hot glue for stronger attachment
1Step 1: Gather the Materials
Place all your materials on a clean craft table.
You will need a cardboard ring for the wreath base, green paper for the leaves, red paper for berries and the bow, white pom-poms, cream paper for the candle, yellow and orange paper for the flame, twine, glue, scissors, and a pencil.
Prepare everything before cutting so the project is easier to follow.
2Step 2: Cut the Paper Pieces
Cut a wide ring from cardboard to make the wreath base.
Next, cut several long leaf-shaped strips from both light green and dark green paper.
You will also need:
- Small red circles for berries
- A long red strip and smaller pieces for the bow
- A cream paper strip for the candle
- Yellow and orange flame shapes
- A piece of twine for hanging
Try to keep the green leaf pieces similar in size so the wreath looks balanced.
3Step 3: Build the Wreath Base
Take one green paper piece and gently bend it into a loop without making a sharp fold.
Glue the two ends together.
Attach the loop to the cardboard ring.
Repeat with the remaining green pieces, alternating light and dark green.
Overlap the loops slightly as you work around the ring. This creates a fuller, layered wreath.
Continue until the cardboard base is completely covered.
4Step 4: Add the Decorations
Once the green paper loops are secure, decorate the wreath.
Glue small red circles in groups of two or three to create berry clusters.
Add white pom-poms between the berries and leaves. Spread them around the wreath rather than placing them in a perfect pattern.
This helps the wreath look more natural and festive.
5Step 5: Add the Candle and Bow
Roll or curl the cream paper strip into a small candle shape.
Glue the yellow and orange flame pieces together and attach them to the top of the candle.
Position the candle at the bottom center of the wreath.
Next, make a large red paper bow and glue it below the candle.
Attach a loop of twine to the back of the wreath for hanging.
Allow everything to dry completely.
6Step 6: Hang and Display the Wreath
Your paper Christmas wreath is now ready to display.
Hang it on:
- A bedroom door
- Classroom wall
- Bulletin board
- Craft room
- Interior door
- Holiday display area
Because the wreath is made from paper, it is best used indoors and kept away from water or outdoor weather.
Easy Craft Tips
Use cardstock if you want the leaves to hold their shape better. Regular construction paper also works, but the loops may be softer.
If children are making the wreath, an adult can cut the cardboard ring in advance.
Do not flatten the green paper loops. Keeping them curved gives the wreath its three-dimensional appearance.
You can also replace the pom-poms with small white paper circles if you want to make the entire craft from paper.
Paper Christmas Wreath Variations
You can easily change the design to create different styles.
Try:
- Gold berries instead of red
- A plaid ribbon bow
- Small paper stars
- Mini paper bells
- White and silver decorations
- Red and dark green leaves
- A battery-operated mini light instead of the paper candle
- A name tag in the center
Children can also choose their own color combinations for a more personalized wreath.
Why This Christmas Craft Is Good for Kids
This project includes several simple activities that help children practice fine motor skills.
Kids can work on:
- Cutting paper shapes
- Gluing pieces in place
- Making repeated patterns
- Matching colors
- Following step-by-step instructions
- Creating a balanced design
The finished wreath can also be displayed afterward, giving children a finished project they can be proud of.
Questions parents ask
What type of paper works best for this wreath?
Cardstock works best because it keeps the paper loops firm and gives the wreath more structure. Construction paper can also be used for a softer look.
Can younger children make this craft?
Yes. Younger children can help with gluing and decorating, but an adult should cut the cardboard ring and smaller pieces.
How big should the cardboard ring be?
A ring around 8 to 12 inches wide works well for most craft projects, but you can make it smaller or larger depending on where you want to display it.
Can I make the wreath without pom-poms?
Yes. Replace the white pom-poms with white paper circles, small felt balls, buttons, or other lightweight decorations.
What can I use instead of cardboard?
You can use a paper plate with the center removed, heavy cardstock, foam board, or a purchased craft wreath ring.
