How to Make a Paper Wreath

This is a tutorial for how to make a paper wreath with an easy DIY wreath form made from recycled paper that can used for all sorts of wreath ideas

I make a lot of paper wreaths. I love making wreaths with paper because it is so versatile and you can create so many different looks with just a basic template.

I used to buy a lot of wreath forms and wireframes but it got to be too much so decided to just make a lightweight base form and save myself the money.

Now I can change out my decor on a whim and not have to either find storage for the wreath or strip the decor to reuse the base frame.

I also find this tissue paper wreath form is much lighter which is create for hanging.

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Paper wreath – DIY wreath form

Cardstock or cardboard – I used a colored sheet of cardstock but you can use anything from recycled grocery bags to cereal boxes to cardboard.

Tissue or newspaper – I have a pack of assorted tissue paper that I keep around to gift wrapping and other craft projects so I just picked out a sheet from that pile. You can use newspaper or any other flimsy paper.

Glue – I used a hot glue gun because it is fast and you will need to do a lot of gluing but any glue will work here.

Cutting Machine – I use a Cricut. Check out my recommendations for Cricut machines and accessories for beginners for more info.

Templates – You will need something to put on the DIY wreath form. I’ve created a general set of assorted leaves that are available for free in both my SVG and printable PDF formats.

How to make an easy paper wreath form

Step 1: Cut out all the pieces

The base of the form is just a cardboard or cardstock. Here I’ve created a ring with green cardstock. You could also get more creative and create a triangular, square or even heart shaped ring.

It doesn’t need to be super sturdy because you will add additional paper to it and by the end, it will be stiff enough to keep its shape. It serves more as a guide.

I cut all of my pieces using my Cricut cutting machine. I highly recommend using a light grip blue mat for this project or you will drive yourself made trying to peel so much paper off a stickier mat.

This is an 11 inch ring and I used about 80 to 90 2.5 inch wide leaves to cover it.

Step 2: Prepare the tissue paper

I then take the tissue sheet and scrunch and twist it to fit around the base ring. How thick you make the tissue tube is really up to you.

I make a tissue tube and glue it to the base ring in a circle.

This is where the hot glue gun works so much better than other glues because I just glue and twist a few inches at a time.

Step 3: Prepare the foliage

At this point, you can put anything on top of the base ring. Here I’ve just cut out a variety of different leaf cutouts. I think it looks better curled but it is not absolutely necessary.

Step 4: Glue the foliage to the base form

I then just glue the leaves onto the form. I usually apply a generous coat over 2 inches and then place the leaves. After I’ve complete the circle, I go back and fill in some gaps.

You can use this form for any occasion and material on top. The best part is, you can make it all from recycled paper and not have to pay an additional cent for a wreath form!