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2nd level

Make a paper Christmas wreath

Part of Art and DesignDesign activity

Learn how to make paper Christmas wreaths

Get fully festive with this fun and simple craft activity, perfect for decorating your home.

Header that says 'What you will need'

Paper or card
Scissors
Tape *

*(glue sticks and pva also work but will take time to dry)

You might also need a pencil, rubber and glue or other materials to decorate your wreath.

Header that says 'How to do it'

First: Make a hoop

You will need this as a frame to wrap your wreath fringing around.

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Click on the arrows to follow our step-by-step instructions
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Tape two A4 sheets of paper together to make one long sheet
You can also use newspaper - because it is thinner it can be easier to work with during the next two steps.
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Roll the sheet up and gently twist it
Hold the paper in both hands. Twist one hand away from your body and one towards it. Do this along the whole sheet to make a twisted rope.
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Tape both ends together - Finished!
If it looks a bit wonky shape it into a circle with your hands.

Next: Add some fringing

Once you’ve finished steps 1-3 above and made your hoop, choose your wreath style and follow the next steps.

Tip: The bristle wreath is simpler to make. The loopy wreath is a little fiddly at points so might be best for makers who want a challenge.

For more help with making fringes check out our fringing article.

Bristle wreath

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Image caption,
Click on the arrows to follow our step-by-step instructions
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Cut paper or card into equal strips
If you are using A4 paper you will probably need 2 - 3 sheets. If you want long fringing make the strips extra chunky.
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Cut upwards in straight lines, stopping before the top edge
This is called 'fringing'. Thinner fringing will work best but if you want chunkier fringing leave more space between each cut.
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Tape the end corner of a strip onto the hoop
This is your starting point. If you are left-handed, tape it the other way around so the strip falls to the left.
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Wrap the strip under and through the hoop
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Wrap the strip back over the top of the hoop
Keep it tight and wrap it a little in front of your starting point.
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Wrap the strips all the way around the hoop in a spiral
If one strip runs out, tape it down and start a new one on the same spot. Keep on going until you are back to the starting point.
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Tape the last strip under the starting point - Finished!
When you end up back at the starting point, tape your last strip under the starting point strip to hide the join. This is fiddly so take your time. (*You may also need to cut the last strip to length for this) Well done!

Loopy wreath

Skip image gallery

Image caption,
Click on the arrows for our step-by-step instructions
Image caption,
Cut paper or card into equal strips
If you are using A4 paper you will probably need to cut up 2 - 3 sheets. You will be folding these over so make sure the strips are chunky.
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Fold each strip in half, heightways
Make sure it is straight by matching up the corners and use your finger to press outwards from the middle to the paper's edge.
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Cut from the folded side upwards in straight lines, stopping before the top edge
This is called 'fringing'. Make sure you start each cut from the folded side of the strip and stop before the top!
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Tape / glue the top and bottom edges together, but slightly to one side
This part is a little tricky but will make the wreath look more 3D. You won't see the join when the wreath is finished so it doesn't need to look neat. (*Taping the edge first can help you to do the rest)
Image caption,
Tape the end corner of a strip onto the hoop
This is your starting point. If you are left-handed, tape it the other way around so the strip falls to the left.
Image caption,
Wrap the strip under and through the hoop
Image caption,
Wrap the strip back over the top of the hoop
Keep it tight and wrap it a little in front of your starting point.
Image caption,
Wrap the strips all the way around the hoop in a spiral
If one strip runs out, tape it down and start a new one on the same spot. Keep on going until you are back to the starting point.
Image caption,
Tape the last strip under the starting point - Finished!
When you end up back at the starting point, tape your last strip under the starting point strip to hide the join. (*You will probably need to cut the last strip to length for this) Well done!

Finally: Decorate it

What do you want your wreath to look like?

Want to make a bow? Follow our instructions below.

Need inspiration? Check out our artwork examples below for ideas.

Make a bow

Buzzing with creative energy? Add a festive bow to your wreath:

Cut your paper into a rectangular shape
Fold it in half
Draw an eye shape with two straight lines that connect it to both sides of the paper. Then draw a ribbon
Cut around the two shapes
Unfold your paper bow and lay out your two ribbons
Glue the ribbons to the middle of the bow. Fold the bow ends into the middle and glue them over the ribbons - You've finished!

Artwork examples

A Christmas wreath with drawings of different kinds of sweets decorating it.

A Christmas wreath made from newspaper.

A Christmas wreath with card cut-outs of Santa, his sleigh and three reindeer decorating it.

A Christmas wreath of a polar bear head, made from crepe paper. The ears, face and bow are made from card and are stuck onto the wreath.

An alternative, colourful Christmas wreath with card cut-outs of a tomato, an eye, a lightning bolt and a silver bow decorating it.

A Christmas wreath made from paper with squiggly felt tip scribbles all over it. It has a big green bow.

A green Christmas wreath with a gold bow on it.

A Christmas wreath made from newspaper, with an angel and a silver bow decorating it.

Further learning

There's more!

Follow the links to learn more about different types of fringing - and how you can use them to make impressive artwork:

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