Christmas Paper Plate Wreath

Easy Christmas Art Activity for Preschoolers

This Christmas paper plate wreath is an easy process-based art activity for preschoolers and toddlers. Like any paper plate wreath, just some simple changes in materials and you can make this fit with any theme during the year.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I like a good reindeer craft, snowman craft, Santa craft, or Christmas tree craft–whatever kind of Christmas craft you can think of–but there’s something to be said about this really simple, sparkly, (and a little messy) Christmas paper plate wreath.

You’ll find this is a fun craft for toddlers, too. Since it’s based in process art–meaning the act of creating overrides the expected outcomes–there’s no right or wrong way to do this activity. With a few basic supplies, these wreaths will bring holiday cheer to anyone.

Be sure to read to the end of the post to learn all the different ways to display them, too!

And if you’re wondering about process art for Christmas, you’ll love these super simple sparkly Christmas paintings (because everything at Christmas or in the winter needs to sparkle, right?), or try these pine bough Christmas paintings. You might want to read about all my process art activities below.

Preschool Art Activities

Paper Plate Wreaths for Christmas

This festive Christmas craft for preschoolers is so easy that toddlers can enjoy making them, too. The best part about this Christmas wreath is that there’s no right way to create it because it’s process art!

Materials

• paper plates
• washable tempura paint
• paint brushes
• holiday confetti
• red, green, and gold glitter

Grab your Christmas crafting materials from the dollar store!

Now, I’m a huge fan of ordering on Amazon for convenience, which is why I’m always linking to Amazon for you. That said, many Christmas art activities can be done with the supplies you might find at your local dollar store.

Remember, you don’t have to have the exact materials to make a beautiful paper plate Christmas wreath. Any craft materials that are Christmas themed will be fun!

If you do like to order from Amazon, here are the materials and supplies similar to what I used in this craft.

Remember, your art supplies don’t have to be exactly like mine. You can make these wreaths using tissue paper, pom poms, and even glitter glue!

How to Make This Easy Christmas Craft for Preschoolers

This Christmas wreath craft is so easy to prepare for preschoolers and toddlers. First, an adult will need to cut out the center of the paper plate to make the wreath shape.

Next, set out a tray of green and red washable tempura paint. With some paint brushes, let your preschoolers paint the paper plate wreaths however they want.

Your preschooler might mix up the colors, which is not a problem. They will be adding so much confetti and glitter that the paint just adds a base layer of color.

Once they are finished painting and while the paint is still wet, set out a bowl of holiday table scatter or confetti. Instruct your preschoolers to sprinkle the table scatter or confetti all over their Christmas paper plate wreaths.

Technically, you don’t need to add glue to make the confetti stay in place, but you can use liquid glue for good measure. The glue will add even more texture to the wreaths, and squeezing the glue is a good hand strengthening activity, too.

Finally, it’s time to add the glitter! Set out some green and red glitter and let your preschoolers add some sparkle to their Christmas wreaths.

When the Christmas wreath has dried you can use it to decorate your home or classroom for the holidays!

Tips for Doing Art Activities with Preschoolers

Don’t shy away from doing art activities with your preschoolers, especially around the Christmas holidays. Try some of these tips for doing art with preschoolers:

• Cover your table surface with old newspaper, a vinyl table cloth, brown paper, or even a cheap plastic shower curtain for easy clean up.
• Use an art smock or old shirt on your child to prevent their clothes from getting messy. See our favorite art smocks below.
• Use a tray to contain paints, confetti, and glitter. This will help reduce waste and prevent messes.
• Only place one art supply on the table at a time. For example, when painting only have the paint and brushes on the table.
• Don’t stress about having the right supplies, just use what you have available.

Once your preschoolers have completed making the Christmas paper plate wreaths, you can use them to decorate!

One idea is to hang them up on a bulletin board or in the windows. If you use mini paper plates you can use them to make garland to hang on the wall.

Another idea is to give it away as a gift. Grandma will love it!

Don’t Forget Christmas Picture Books!

Looking for Free Christmas Printables for Preschoolers?

Here are some free Christmas printables for you! Just click the image and download each one from the post.