These are some of the most popular options for wreath bases.
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- Styrofoam
- Paper/cardboard (purchased or you can cut it yourself)
- Wire
- Wood
What size do you want? Most wreath forms are available in a variety of sizes.
The concept of the paper wreath is very versatile and can be customized any way that you like.
Paper wreaths are an inexpensive option for home décor. You can make them for a particular season or holiday or for general decoration all year round. While some paper wreaths are time consuming to make, almost all of them can be made with materials that you have on hand or can easily purchase at most craft stores. The steps are usually simple enough for just about any kid or grown up to follow. Paper wreaths make wonderful décor for your own home and also make great gifts.
I decided to arrange the tutorials in this article by type of paper. Many tutorials can be made with just about any of the papers listed here and anything else that strikes you. Scroll down to the end of the article for additional paper suggestions. Also, any popular wreath base will work for almost any tutorial.
You’ll see that many of the same themes appear throughout the different paper types. Again, these themes can be interchanged with different paper types.
Many of the tutorials show color palettes that are suited for specific seasons or holidays. Don’t let this stop you from customizing your wreaths however you like. Happy crafting!
Scrapbook paper and cardstock are by far the most frequently used materials for paper wreaths. As these materials can be used for so many types of paper crafts, many people have them on hand. For most wreaths, you will need 6 or less 12×12 sheets. A few tutorials do require thicker papers and/or double sided papers. Make sure to check the paper requirement before selecting materials.
Another very popular medium for paper wreaths is old books. If you can’t bear to tear up an old book that you have at home, pick one up the next time you’re second hand shopping. If you still hate the thought of tearing up a book, even if it’s second hand, look for something that is outdated, such as an old travel guide or encyclopedia.
If you want to make a wreath with a natural or aged look and don’t want to dye the paper (i.e. using a tea stain), Kraft paper is a great choice.
Pick up an extra pack of coffee filters the next time you’re at the grocery store or Target and store them in your craft materials stash. You never know when they’ll come in handy. If you’re looking for really cheap filters, check the dollar store the next time you’re there.
This is another good item to check for at the dollar store. Additionally, look for clearance packs at craft stores right after Valentine’s Day.
A wreath constructed entirely out of paper cups is one of those ideas that blows me away because it is so simple and yet so effective. The example here is very plain, but of course you can decorate your wreath any way that you like. Even a few embellishments can completely disguise the paper cups.
Tissue paper is another very popular choice for paper wreaths. Check for tissue paper at a party discount store or the dollar store. You may sometimes find smaller packs of it in the dollar sections of big box stores as well.
If you have leftover plates from a party or other big event or if you are shopping for an event and want to pick up an extra pack for crafting, this is an easy option and very versatile.
This is yet another good dollar store item. Additionally, you can pick up rolls from just about anywhere that are on sale after Christmas. Alternatively, save wrapping paper that can be salvaged after opening presents. If you aren’t in the mood to start making holiday items in January, hold on to the paper for next year. It will keep!
While you don’t have to use origami papers for these tutorials, I thought that this deserved its own section, as it’s really a different skill set from the rest of the tutorials here. You can create a wreath made entirely from origami or you can include origami components in a larger wreath.
I simply could not pick just one or two of Alisa Burke‘s paper wreaths for this article. If you read her blog regularly, I’m sure that you understand my dilemma. I’ve included a picture of one of my favorites with a search link below for “paper wreaths” on her blog. Head over to her blog to check out many more great ideas.