Tissue paper wreath ornaments: a fine-motor Christmas craft for toddlers and preschoolers that is simple, colourful, and fun to make with little hands.
These bright tissue paper wreath ornaments are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Children are drawn to the vivid colours and soft texture of tissue paper, and the materials are inexpensive and easy to prepare. In group settings or at home, this project invites creativity, sensory exploration, and fine motor practice. The technique is simple enough for young children to enjoy, yet the finished ornaments look charming and festive.
The “crumple and glue” method used here is an excellent fine-motor exercise. Crushing and squeezing small squares of tissue paper helps strengthen the tiny muscles in little hands and fingers, improving dexterity and grip. Beyond the developmental benefits, the vibrant colors and layered texture make even the simplest cardboard ring look polished and joyful. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you make these wreath ornaments with children.
Tissue paper wreath supplies:
Gather a handful of basic supplies. The list is short, which makes this a great spur-of-the-moment craft idea.
- Squares of tissue paper, about 2–3 inches (cut in advance)
- Cardboard from a cereal box or similar weight
- Green paint (several shades if available for variation)
- Ribbon for bows and hanging
- White glue or school glue
- A stapler or strong tape for securing the ribbon
- Thread or ornament string for hanging
How to make your wreath ornament:
Start by preparing the cardboard base. Paint a large piece of cardboard green, or let children decorate it with different shades of green for a more textured look. Painting can become a playful sensory activity: children often enjoy sliding brushes through paint, pressing their fingers into it, or making handprints. If painting becomes messy, that’s part of the creative process—just spread a sheet or newspaper beneath the project to protect surfaces.
To speed drying, use a fan or wait in a warm, dry spot; if needed, a hairdryer on low heat can help finish the base faster. Once the paint is dry, create a small wreath shape by tracing a circular template on the cardboard. A CD or any round object works well as an outer and inner guide—trace two circles and cut out the ring to form a mini wreath base.
Trace around a CD for a mini wreath:
A CD is a convenient template for making a small ornament-sized ring. Trace a few and cut them out so multiple children can work at once.
Next, invite your child to crumple tissue paper squares and press them onto the glued cardboard ring. For young children, it’s easier if an adult brushes glue onto the cardboard and the child presses the tissue pieces into the wet glue. This keeps the rhythm flowing and avoids frustration with glue bottles. Encourage children to experiment: some will compact the paper tightly, others will scrunch it lightly, and some may prefer to flatten and lay the squares. All methods create attractive texture and color.
Model the crumpling motion if needed, but allow each child to explore and decide how to apply the tissue. This open-ended element develops creativity and gives children a sense of ownership over their work. Continue adding tissue until the cardboard ring is covered and the wreath looks full and lush.
When the wreaths are complete, choose a ribbon to match and tie a small bow. Attach the bow and a loop of hanging thread or ornament string to the top of the wreath. Use a stapler to secure the ribbon and loop through the cardboard, or use strong tape if a stapler isn’t available. Work together with the child when using tools like staples so safety is maintained.
These small wreaths make lovely ornaments to hang on a tree, attach to gift packages, or display in a window. The activity is quick to set up, flexible for different ages, and produces a satisfying keepsake that shows off each child’s individual style.
If you’d like a larger version for doors or windows, the same method works on a bigger scale: use a larger cardboard base, more tissue squares, and a wider ribbon for hanging. Enjoy crafting with the children in your care and celebrate their creativity with these bright, textured wreath ornaments.