St. Patrick’s Wreath

Last updated on March 13th, 2023 at 08:03 pm

Cover a recycled cardboard circle with a crepe paper streamer to make the base for this cheerful, homemade St. Patrick’s Day wreath.

After that, you may use whatever St. Patrick’s day stickers or doodads that you have left over from last year or add whatever tickles your fancy.

I added homemade chenille stem leprechauns, a Happy St. Patrick’s Day pin, and glittery shamrock stickers.

by Jane Lake

Project Instructions:

You’ll only need a few basic tools to do this project: a ruler, pencil and scissors.

I placed a large pie plate on top of box cardboard and traced around it. Then, I measured and centered a smaller plate in the middle of this circle and traced it as well.

Alternatively, if you know how to scribe a circle using a pencil, string and thumb tack then you can draw both circles in that way.

Once you’ve drawn the two circles go ahead and cut out the large circle then cut out the hole in the middle. You’ll end up with a cardboard wreath base shaped like a donut.

Create a Padding Layer

Cover the cardboard wreath with a padding layer made from strips of newspaper, plastic bags or thin fabric. Cut strips about two or three inches wide from your choice of material, then wind them evenly around the cardboard circle, temporarily fastening any ends into place with small pieces of adhesive tape. You only need a thin layer to soften the inner and outer edges of the circles.

Complete the Base

Beginning and ending at the top of the wreath, begin winding a layer of dark green crepe paper streamer all around the wreath. You can pull the crepe paper slightly as you work to ensure a snug, secure fit. Secure the end with adhesive tape.

Optional: Beginning and ending at the top and back of the wreath, wind green glitter rope around the wreath as shown.  Twist the ends of the glitter rope together at the back of the wreath, then rearrange the loops if needed so they lie evenly all around.

The floral lei that I used was conveniently just the right size to frame and encircle the wreath.  I pushed some of the fabric flowers underneath the loops of glitter rope to keep it in place.  If you aren’t using the glitter rope, just secure the leaves as needed with a dab of glue.

If your silk floral lei is larger, cut it and secure one end at the top of the wreath, then work your way all around, pushing flowers under the glitter rope loops, or securing with glue, until you get back up to the top.  Cut off any extra length and secure the remaining end in place at the back of the wreath with glue or adhesive tape.

Add Leprechauns and Shamrocks (and Doodads!)

Place two leprechaun figures on the wreath; one on the left side and the other on the right. 

Different St. Patrick’s Day doodads can also be used:  try cute leprechaun top hats; a teddy bear sporting a St. Pat’s Day outfit; a rainbow or pot of gold. Use what you have and whatever makes you happy with the way it looks!

Add a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” pin or sign to the top of the wreath.

Finally, add as many glitter shamrocks or theme embellishments to the crepe paper base as you can. Fasten larger pieces at the bottom and medium or small shamrocks on the upper half for a well-balanced, homemade St. Patrick’s Day wreath.

There you have it: a one-of-a-kind, homemade dollar store St. Patrick’s Day wreath for you door or wall.