How to paint a holiday wreath

Looking for a fun and eye catching winter-themed painting to do this holiday season? Check out this step by step wreath painting. I paint mine on a wooden round, but this could also be done effectively on canvas. This blog post features guided photos with directions and recommend material list. I hope you enjoy!

Materials list:

• 12″ inch Small Wood Circles Round Wood Discs from Amazon *recommended*
• Pencil
• *Optional* Drill for hole to hang
• Acrylic paint (white, lt. green, green, dark green, red, black)
• *Optional* Paint marker for lettering. I always use this Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker from Amazon.
• Hot glue gun
• Ribbon for bow

*Disclaimer* I am an Amazon Associates member and may earn a small commission if you purchase an item I recommend on my blog. I only recommend items I’ve personally used and loved 🙂

Step 1– Use pencil to lightly draw two circles, one larger and one smaller. I suggest tracing two round objects if available.

Drill a hole at the top of the wooden round if you wish to hang.

Step 2– Paint the inner circle white. You may wish to use 2-3 coats if you want a smooth, flat finish.

Step 3- On the outer circle, begin painting the wreath with a mid tone green. Use ‘V’ shaped brush strokes all along the circle.

Step 4- While the paint is still wet, add expressive strokes of light green and dark green paint. For this step, aim to work quickly and don’t overly blend your paint. You want thick, impasto style paint application to create a textured look.

Step 5- Use a q-tip with globs of red paint to create holly berries on the wreath. Then, use a small brush with white paint loaded to add specks of white highlights on the berries to give “shiny” texture.

Step 6- *Optional* Add a few more wreath leaves to provide some extra details around the wreath.

Final step 7- Once all paint is dry to the touch, add final details to finalize your painted wreath. Consider adding your choice of a bow, candy canes, holiday decor, poinsettia onto the wreath. Attach using hot glue.

Next, use pencil to lightly sketch your choice of lettering in the white circle. Consider a holiday phrase, your family’s letter, or a favorite holiday song lyric. Go over your sketched lettering with a black sharpie, black paint, or a black paint marker.

Finally, if you with to hang your painted wreath, tie a small string or ribbon through the drilled hole.