Easy Christmas Wreath Painting Tutorial for Kids

Updated at: 26/05/2025

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by creating your own beautiful Christmas wreath? This easy Christmas wreath painting tutorial is perfect for kids of all ages, requiring minimal supplies and offering maximum creative fun! Forget expensive store-bought decorations; let your little ones unleash their inner artists and design a unique, personalized wreath to hang proudly on your door or anywhere in your home. You'll be amazed at the festive masterpieces they can produce with a little guidance and a whole lot of holiday cheer.

This simple step-by-step tutorial will guide you and your children through the process, from preparing the base to adding the finishing touches. Get ready to gather your supplies, put on some festive music, and dive into the delightful world of Christmas crafting; let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • mop brush
  • sea sponge
  • medium round brush
  • detail brush
  • white paint
  • tan paint
  • burnt umber paint
  • Christmas green paint
  • darker green paint
  • bright red paint
  • dark red paint
  • dark yellow paint
  • blue paint
  • glitter paint
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required at all times. Young children should not handle paints or sharp objects unsupervised.
  • Use non-toxic paints designed for children. Ensure good ventilation to minimize exposure to paint fumes.
  • Protect your work surface with newspaper or a drop cloth to avoid spills and stains.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wreath Base

    • Paint the wreath base using a mop brush with white, tan, and burnt umber paints. Use up and down strokes without mixing the paints to create a wood grain effect.
    • Dry the base. Then, use a sea sponge with Christmas green and darker green paints to create the wreath shape by bouncing the sponge in a circular motion.
    Dry the base. Then, use a sea sponge with Christmas green and darker green paints to create the wreath shape by bouncing the sponge in a circular motion.Dry the base. Then, use a sea sponge with Christmas green and darker green paints to create the wreath shape by bouncing the sponge in a circular motion.
    Prepare the Wreath Base

  2. Create the Wreath

    • Fluff and fill in the wreath with the sponge until it reaches the desired thickness and is not see-through.
    Fluff and fill in the wreath with the sponge until it reaches the desired thickness and is not see-through.
    Create the Wreath

  3. Make the Bow

    • Dry the wreath. Create a bow using a medium round brush and white paint. Make a circle at the top, two bunny ears, and two tails.
    • Once dry, paint the bow your desired color (bright red in this example). Add more coats if needed for opacity.
    • Add highlights to the bow with white paint.
    Add highlights to the bow with white paint.Add highlights to the bow with white paint.Add highlights to the bow with white paint.
    Make the Bow

  4. Add Ornaments

    • Use round spouncers with various colors (dark yellow and blue in this example) to create ornaments, varying sizes for a more natural look.
    • Add glitter paint to the ornaments for a sparkly effect. It may appear milky initially but dries clear.
    Add glitter paint to the ornaments for a sparkly effect. It may appear milky initially but dries clear.Add glitter paint to the ornaments for a sparkly effect. It may appear milky initially but dries clear.
    Add Ornaments

  5. Refine and Decorate

    • Add shading to the bow using dark red paint and highlights with white paint.
    • Use a detail brush and white paint to add squiggly lines resembling tinsel or streamers for extra festiveness. Add half-C shapes to the ornaments for shine.
    Use a detail brush and white paint to add squiggly lines resembling tinsel or streamers for extra festiveness. Add half-C shapes to the ornaments for shine.Use a detail brush and white paint to add squiggly lines resembling tinsel or streamers for extra festiveness. Add half-C shapes to the ornaments for shine.
    Refine and Decorate

Read more: Reverse Silhouette Painting: Underwater Scene Masterclass

Tips

  • Don't mix the paints when creating the wood grain effect on the wreath base.
  • Fluff the wreath to achieve the desired thickness and prevent see-through areas.
  • Bows can be designed in various shapes; experiment with different styles.
  • Use different sizes of ornaments for a more realistic look.
  • Glitter paint will appear milky when wet but will dry clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using too much paint at once

Reason: Thick paint layers take longer to dry and can cause smudging or dripping, ruining the wreath's neat appearance.
Solution: Apply thin coats of paint, allowing each to dry before adding another.

2. Not letting the paint dry completely between layers or before adding details

Reason: Smudging and muddy colors occur when wet paint is layered or detailed, resulting in a messy finish.
Solution: Ensure each paint layer is fully dry before applying another or adding any details.

FAQs

What kind of paint is best for kids to use?
Tempera or acrylic paints are great choices for kids. They're easy to clean up and provide vibrant colors. Watercolor paints can also work, but might require more layers for vibrant results.
What can I use as a wreath base if I don't have a pre-made one?
A sturdy cardboard circle, a paper plate, or even a foam ring from a craft store can all serve as excellent bases for your painted wreath.
How do I make the painted wreath last longer?
Once the paint is completely dry, consider sealing your wreath with a clear sealant spray to protect the artwork and make it more durable. This is especially helpful if you plan to hang it outdoors.