Wreath Crafts for Kids
For me I think that project became a favorite of mine because I was surprised at the beauty of the finished project. Baler twine is used to hold together bales of hay. You can usually find it hanging in dairy farms and horse barns. Many farmers will cut the twine as they feed their cattle and the twine piles up before they dispose of it. Some gets dirty but most is usable and has a surprisingly pleasing scent. There are many other types of material children can use to build a wreath at almost any time of the year.
Baler Twine Wreaths
It may be hard for you to find baler twine unless you live near a farm. It can be ordered online if you look around for it. If you order online purchase twine made of natural materials. Twine comes in a variety of colors with yellow and green being the most common. This project will require your help to get started. First you cut out a wreath shape out of sturdy cardboard in which ever size you wish to use. You will then want to cut strips of baler twine in the appropriate length. For an average sized wreath you will want the length to be 1 and half to two feet long. Baler twine is tough material so you may need to use utility scissors to cut. Once you have some cut you can begin to build the wreath.
Fold each piece of twine by bringing the ends together. You then loop the twine around the cardboard base. Lay the folded string under the cardboard and pull the two loose ends through the other end of the string so the loose ends hang from the outside of the wreath. Tug lightly to be sure it is secure. Then repeat this for the entire wreath getting the twine as close together as possible. Once this is done you can fray the ends with your fingers and then trim around the outside to be sure it is even all the way around. You can decorate these by adding just about anything you like with a hot glue gun.
Nature Wreath
You can find wreaths made from twigs at almost any craft store. You can make these yourself but it can be hard to do. Gather any materials your child finds on a walk or other outdoor excursion. This can be pinecones, shells or colorful rocks. Leave the choice up to them. Simply glue the treasure onto the wreath base and hang on the wall. This project is simple enough for preschoolers but they should remember to have an adult help them with the hot glue gun.
Pine Tree Wreath
These are extremely popular at Christmas time but can be made throughout the year. A great place to find pine branches is a Christmas tree lot. They may have branches cut from their trees lying around that would otherwise go waste. Look for softer pine varieties that won’t poke your child’s hands. The branches can be bent and tied with string to form the wreath shape. They can be decorated with a bow for Christmas or whatever your child can dream up. These won’t last very long but they will add a great outdoors aroma to your home while they last.
Ribbon and Candy Wreaths
These wreaths are great fun to make and to eat! All you need is a wire clothes hanger, colorful curling ribbon and candy. When purchasing candy buy the kind that is individually wrapped and can be tied to a ribbon easily (like Tootsie Rolls). To form the wreath shape pull the bottom of the wire clothes hanger until you have a circle shape. Cut strips of ribbon in slightly varying lengths and tie them to the hanger all the way around. Using scissors (or Popsicle sticks for the kids) curl the ribbon by laying the flat edge up against the ribbon and pulling the ribbon across that edge quickly. When you have curled the entire wreath you can then tie the candy of your choice to the end of a fourth of the ribbons. This works best if you trim the ribbons shorter where you plan to attach the candy.
Tissue Square Wreaths
These are fairly simple and will have a very unique look when they are finished. The best bases to use for these wreaths are the Styrofoam bases that are generally used for flower wreaths. You will want to buy many different colors of tissue paper and cut them into two by two inch squares. To construct the wreath have your child chose a square of tissue paper and put the four corners of it together. This will leave a flat spot in the center of the tissue paper piece. They child can then add a drop of glue to the flat spot and stick it to the wreath. The less glue they use the quicker the project will dry. Repeat until the entire wreath is covered. They can make designs with the colors if they wish.
Holiday Themed Wreaths
These wreaths are very easy to make and can be made for any holiday. Cut out a wreath shape using poster board or cardboard. Using pieces of white paper draw something that goes with the holiday. You can make hearts for Valentine’s Day, pumpkins for Thanksgiving or flags for Independence Day. Have your child color these in and glue them to the wreath base.
Photo Wreath
You can use any type of wreath base you wish for this project. Then choose a frame that will fit the size of the wreath. You can attach the frame to the wreath to hold a picture. Decorate the wreath by gluing on objects to go along with the theme of the photo. For example, if you are using a school photo you might add little apples or pencils to the wreath. You could also buy small frames to attach all over the wreath. This is a great idea for displaying small school photos that children often exchange at school.
Jigsaw Wreath
Jigsaw wreaths are fun to make and no two turn out the same. Simply cut out a wreath shape using cardboard and glue puzzle pieces to the frame. They can be stacked up in any design you wish. Old puzzles can be found at yard sales and thrift stores or you can use one you may have that is missing a few pieces. After the glue dries the pieces can be painted. You can spray paint the wreath one color and have your child paint over that. They can add glitter, ribbons or anything else they wish.
