Paper Plate Palette Wreath

If you are looking for a creative holiday craft that makes a big visual impact, this Paper Plate Palette Wreath is the perfect project. Paint palettes or painted papers are cut and shaped into layered leaves that wrap around a foam wreath form, creating a unique, colorful, and vibrant design. The finished piece is bright, festive, and one of a kind.

You might remember that last year I used some of my paper plate palettes to create doves that became a garland and ornaments for my tree. If you’re new here, I use paper plates as palettes when I paint. When I’m finished, the plates are covered in the most interesting colors and patterns. I can never bring myself to throw them away, so I save them and repurpose them.

The dove garland and ornaments ended up being such a favorite with readers that I decided to create something new with my palettes. I have saved up quite a few, so it was the perfect timing. And truth be told, an additional project is already on the way. Stay tuned! 

For this project, I cut my palettes into simple leaf shapes and turned them into a wreath. This technique isn’t new or something I invented, but I love this colorful twist. I am completely delighted with how it turned out. It’s colorful, one of a kind, and full of personality. This is why I adore crafting. I now have a wreath that no one else in the world will have. My mom made one alongside me using my palettes, and while they are similar, hers looks entirely different. What could have ended up in the trash became something beautiful. A piece of my artwork was transformed into a wreath that feels special every time I look at it. It takes a little time to put together, but the process is joyful and the finished wreath speaks for itself. The cost involved was minimal, since the only item I purchased was the wreath form.

I know not everyone has a stack of paint-covered palettes lying around, but you can use any sturdy paper. You can paint your own, have your kids paint some, or pick up a few sheets of beautiful cardstock at the craft store. The options are endless, and I know you’ll have lots of fun with this project. Let’s get into the details.

Why You’ll Love This Project

• This wreath turns something you would normally discard into a beautiful piece of handmade decor. It feels good to give new life to materials that already carry a bit of your creativity. Every wreath comes out differently, which makes the whole process feel special.
• The steps are simple and relaxing. Once you get into the rhythm of tracing, cutting, and gluing, it becomes one of those projects that feels calming and rewarding.
• The cost is minimal. All you really need is a wreath form, some paper, and a bit of glue, making it accessible no matter your budget.
• It is an easy project to personalize. You can make it bold and bright, soft and subtle, or even coordinate it with your holiday decorating style. Your version will never look exactly like anyone else’s, which is part of the fun.

Love handmade decor for the holiday?  Me too! If you’d like some additional ideas, check out this post filled with all my best handmade Christmas decor. 

Materials

Let’s get into the materials list for this charming wreath. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Painted paper plate palettes, painted thick paper, or card stock – These become the colorful leaves for your wreath and can be anything from leftover paint palettes to freshly painted sheets or decorative papers.
• Recycled clear flexible plastic – Used to create a reusable pattern piece so you can see the colors underneath while tracing each leaf. I used a plastic container that was originally from my cats’ treats. You can also try using other food or product packages, such as those used for food delivery or takeout.
• Scissors – A basic pair of scissors works well for cutting out the plastic pattern and all of your paper leaves.
• Pencil or fine tip marker – Helpful for tracing the leaf shape onto your painted paper or card stock.
• Bone folder – This tool gives each leaf a crisp fold, although your fingers can do the job if you prefer a softer crease.
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks – I recommend a low-temp glue gun to avoid any burns. This is the easiest way to attach each leaf securely to the foam wreath form.
• 12-inch foam wreath form – A lightweight base that holds the shape of your finished wreath and makes the leaf placement easy to control.
• Acrylic or metallic markers – Useful for adding little accents, outlines, or extra details to the leaves before assembling the wreath.
• Ribbon, twine, or string – You will use this to create a simple hanger so your finished wreath is ready to display.

How To Make

Okay, ready to assemble this Paper Plate Palette Wreath? Let’s do it!  I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

1. Begin by drawing a leaf shape on a piece of paper. Mine is about 3 inches long and 1.25 inches wide, and I kept it symmetrical. Cut out the leaf shape.
2. Set this paper leaf on your piece of clear plastic. Trace around it with a marker and cut it out. This will be your pattern piece. I like using clear plastic because you can see the paint patterns through it.

3. Place the pattern piece on your paper plate palette and trace it with a pencil. If you are using the full plate, you can usually get five or six leaves from one plate. Keep tracing until you have plenty of leaves to work with.
4. Cut out the leaves with scissors.
5. Fold each leaf in half. You can press the fold with your fingers or use a bone folder if you want a sharper crease or if your hands need a break.

6. At this point, you can add any extra details you like. I splattered a few leaves with gold paint and used a gold metallic marker to outline some of the edges.
7. Using your hot glue gun, attach the pointed end of each leaf to the wreath form to create the first row. Wrap the leaves around the top and sides of the form. Then start a second row that slightly overlaps the first. Continue working around the wreath until the rows meet. It might take a little trial and error to find a rhythm, but once you get going, it comes together nicely.

8. Add a hanger by flipping the wreath over and finding the top. Make a small loop with ribbon or twine and glue it in place.
9. Once the glue is dry, hang your wreath and enjoy it.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this wreath is how easily you can tailor it to your style. Once you understand the basic steps, you can change the colors, materials, or overall feel to suit your home or the season. It is the kind of project that encourages experimenting, and every variation still keeps that handmade charm intact.

• Try a single color family – If you want a more subtle look, paint your paper in shades of one color, such as blues, greens, or neutrals. The wreath still feels full and interesting, but the limited palette gives it a softer, more coordinated style.
• Layer different shapes – Instead of using all identical leaves, mix in a few slightly larger or narrower ones. The shift in scale creates movement and texture, giving your wreath a looser, more organic look.
• Create a seasonal version – This project is not limited to the holidays. Try soft pastels for spring, bright tones for summer, or warm colors for fall. A quick repaint of your papers turns the wreath into a year-round decorative piece.
• Play with the fullness – You can make the wreath look structured and tidy by placing each leaf in a tight row, or you can angle some leaves outward to create a looser, more playful shape. Both approaches work beautifully, giving you control over the final style.

More Handmade Holiday Decor Ideas You’ll Love

• Christmas Pinecone Elves
• Clothespin Snowflakes
• Vintage Bobbin Garland
• Vintage Christmas Ornament Wreath
• Handmade Gingerbread Decor Ideas

I hope this project leaves (pun intended) you feeling inspired and ready to look at your supplies a little differently. There is something so satisfying about turning everyday materials into beautiful items for your home.

Hope your wreath brings as much joy to your space as mine does to my house, and I hope you are encouraged to keep creating in whatever ways feel good to you. If you try this project, I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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Paper Plate Palette Wreaths

If you are looking for a creative holiday craft that makes a big visual impact, this Paper Plate Palette Wreath is the perfect project. Paint palettes or painted papers are cut and shaped into layered leaves that wrap around a foam wreath form, creating a unique, colorful, and vibrant design. The finished piece is bright, festive, and one of a kind.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Home Decor Craft

Cuisine: American

Keyword: christmas, christmas decor, holiday, holiday decor, home decor, wreath

Cook Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours

Ingredients

• Paper plate palettes, painted thick paper or card stock, or colored paper
• Recycled clear flexible plastic
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Bone folder
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• 12-inch foam wreath form
• Acrylic or metallic markers
• Ribbon, twine, or string

Instructions

• Begin by drawing a leaf shape on a piece of paper. Mine is about 3 inches long and 1.25 inches wide, and I kept it symmetrical. Cut out the leaf shape.
• Set this paper leaf on your piece of clear plastic. Trace around it with a marker and cut it out. This will be your pattern piece. I like using clear plastic because you can see the paint patterns through it.
• Place the pattern piece on your paper plate palette and trace it with a pencil. If you are using the full plate, you can usually get five or six leaves from one plate. Keep tracing until you have plenty of leaves to work with.
• Cut out the leaves with scissors.
• Fold each leaf in half. You can press the fold with your fingers or use a bone folder if you want a sharper crease or if your hands need a break.
• At this point, you can add any extra details you like. I splattered a few leaves with gold paint and used a gold metallic marker to outline some of the edges.
• Using your hot glue gun, attach the pointed end of each leaf to the wreath form to create the first row. Wrap the leaves around the top and sides of the form. Then start a second row that slightly overlaps the first. Continue working around the wreath until the rows meet. It might take a little trial and error to find a rhythm, but once you get going, it comes together nicely.
• Add a hanger by flipping the wreath over and finding the top. Make a small loop with ribbon or twine and glue it in place.
• Once the glue is dry, hang your wreath and enjoy it.