Rustic Fall Wreath Made From Paper Towel Rolls
Turn empty paper towel rolls into a simple rustic fall wreath with just a few basic craft supplies. The cardboard rings are shaped into leaf-like pieces, layered around a simple backing, and decorated with jute twine and colorful felt balls.
It’s an inexpensive seasonal craft that’s easy to make in an afternoon and works beautifully on a front door, mantel, or wall.
Materials
- 8 empty paper towel rolls
- 1 bottle tacky craft glue, about 4 fluid ounces
- 1 spool jute twine, 8–10 feet
- 1 pair scissors
- 12 mini wooden clothespins, 1 inch each
- 6 felt balls or small pom-poms, 1 inch each
- 1 sheet kraft paper or lightweight cardboard, at least 12 x 12 inches
How to Make It
- Flatten each paper towel roll gently.
- Cut the rolls crosswise into rings about ½ inch wide. You should have roughly 80–96 rings.
- Pinch each ring into a pointed leaf or petal shape.
- Cut a cardboard backing ring about 10 inches across, with a 6-inch center opening.
- Glue the folded rings around the backing, pointing outward and slightly overlapping them.
- Add a second layer between the first pieces to create a fuller wreath.
- Use the mini clothespins to hold pieces in place while the glue dries.
- Glue the felt balls or pom-poms in small clusters around the wreath.
- Make a hanging loop with about 12 inches of jute twine and attach it securely to the back.
- Let the wreath dry completely for at least 30 minutes before hanging.
Easy Variations
- Paint the cardboard: Add cream, rust, mustard, or brown acrylic paint for a richer fall look.
- Keep it neutral: Use natural cardboard, tan twine, and cream decorations for a softer farmhouse style.
- Make it fuller: Use additional rolls and add another layer of leaf shapes.
- Change the decorations: Replace pom-poms with buttons, wooden beads, small bows, or other lightweight fall decorations.
Helpful Tips
- Reshape the cardboard rings after cutting if they become too flat.
- The pieces don’t need to be perfectly identical; slight differences can give the wreath a more natural appearance.
- Use clothespins to hold loose pieces while the glue sets.
- Older children can help shape the cardboard pieces or organize the materials.
Final Thoughts
This rustic fall wreath is a simple way to turn cardboard rolls into seasonal décor. With inexpensive supplies and a little patience, you can create a warm handmade decoration for your door, wall, or mantel.