There's something so satisfying about creating a beautiful decoration with your own two hands, especially when it's made from simple materials like paper. This paper flower wreath is a delightful craft that brings a pop of color to your home and makes a wonderful project for a quiet afternoon.
Whether you're crafting with the kids or enjoying a peaceful moment of creativity yourself, this floral wreath is both relaxing and rewarding.

And the best part? You can customize it with your favorite colors to suit any season or celebration.
Plus, this pretty paper rose wreath makes a lovely craft for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, adding a handmade touch to both celebrations.
This craft takes about 90 minutes to complete, so it's perfect for an afternoon activity. It's best for older children since cutting the rose ribbon templates is pretty intricate.
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A Little Kentucky Derby Inspiration
There's something so satisfying about creating a beautiful decoration with your own two hands, especially when it's made from simple materials like paper. This paper flower wreath is a delightful craft that brings a pop of color to your home and makes a wonderful project for a quiet afternoon.
Whether you're crafting with the kids or enjoying a peaceful moment of creativity yourself, this floral wreath is both relaxing and rewarding. And the best part? You can customize it with your favorite colors to suit any season or celebration.

The Derby is often called "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," but it's also known for its fashion, especially the fabulous hats and floral styles. This paper flower wreath makes a charming decoration for a Derby party, a classroom celebration, or even as a festive nod to the season.
Think of it as your own handmade floral tribute, no horses required!

Supplies You'll Need
Here's a quick list of what you'll need. You can print the complete list in the printable craft tutorial at the bottom of this post.
- Colored craft paper
- Cardstock paper (for the base)
- Craft glue
- Pencil
- Scissors
Template for Roses
To make things simple, you can use the printable template here to get the outline for the rose petals.
Instructions for Creating the Circular Wreath Base
You can choose how large or small you would like to make your wreath. Here's some simple methods for cutting out the base.
Create the outer circle (9 inches in diameter):
You can use one of these three methods to draw the outer circle for the wreath base.
- Use a ruler to measure 4.5 inches from a central point in all directions, or
- Use a compass set to 4.5 inches radius, or
- Trace around a large plate or bowl close to 9 inches in diameter.
Create the inner circle (cut-out center):
Here are three options for drawing the inner circle.
- Measure about 2 to 2.5 inches inward from the outer edge all around.
- Draw a smaller circle inside (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
- Or use a smaller plate to trace the inner circle.
Cut it out:
- Cut along the outer circle first.
- Then carefully cut out the inner circle to create your wreath ring.
Step-by-step Instructions
Here's a simple overview of the steps. Full details are included in the printable instruction sheet.

Step 1: Create Your Spiral Templates
Choose your colored craft papers and draw spiral shapes on them. Each spiral will become one flower, so cut out enough to cover your wreath base.

Step 2: Begin Rolling
Take one spiral and start coiling it from the outer edge, working your way inward.

Step 3: Keep Coiling
Continue rolling the spiral tightly toward the center.

Step 4: Let It Bloom
Once fully coiled, gently loosen the spiral so it relaxes into a rose shape. Add a dab of glue to the center.

Step 5: Secure the Flower
Press the coiled spiral onto the glued center to hold its shape. Your first paper rose is complete!

Step 6: Make More Flowers
Repeat the process to create lots of lovely paper roses.
Then trace and cut a circular wreath base from cardstock.

Step 7: Start Arranging
Glue the flowers onto the wreath base, placing them carefully.

Step 8: Fill Every Space
Arrange the flowers closely together, leaving no gaps. This gives your wreath that full, lush look.

Step 9: Let It Dry
Allow the glue to dry completely before adding a hanger to the back.
Crafting Tips
For a classic Kentucky Derby-inspired look, choose shades of red, pink, and white for your paper flowers, echoing the festive floral style seen at the races.
You can also add a touch of green to reflect the fresh feel of springtime at the track.
To give your wreath a decorative finish, consider attaching it to a ribbon in Derby colors for easy hanging. This craft is perfect for group activities too. Older children can help with carefully rolling the paper flowers, while younger ones will enjoy arranging and gluing them into place.

Find Your Free Printable Instruction Sheet
Here's a printable instruction sheet for this adorable rose wreath to help celebrate the Kentucky Derby. Print it for classroom use, or home crafting.
Plus, you can print it with or without the step-by-step photo instructions.
Homemade Paper Rose Wreath Craft
Equipment
- 1 Scissors
- 1 bottle of glue or glue stick
- 1 compass or use big and small plates for drawing circles
- 1 Pencil. for tracing
Materials
- 6 pages colored craft papers red or pink
- 1 sheet card stock
- 1 hanging hook or twine to hang if desired
Instructions
- To make the wreath base, draw a large circle on cardstock using a compass or by tracing around a large plate. Then draw a smaller circle inside using a smaller plate or compass, and carefully cut out the ring shape to create your wreath base.
- Choose your favorite colored craft papers for the wreath. Trace the spiral templates onto the paper and carefully cut them out. You'll need one spiral for each flower, so be sure to cut enough to fully cover your wreath base.
- Take any one of the spiral patterns and start to coil it from its outer side.
- Continue to coil the spiral towards the center of the pattern.
- Roll the spiral tightly all the way to the center, then gently let it loosen slightly. Add a small amount of glue to the center to hold the shape in place.
- Press the rolled spiral onto the glued center to hold it securely in place.
- Repeat the process to turn the remaining spirals into flowers.
- Take the paper flowers and glue them on the wreath base.
- Arrange the flowers carefully as you glue them on, filling the base evenly. Place them close together so there are no gaps between the flowers.
- Let the glue dry completely before attaching a hanger to the back of the wreath.
A Little Crafting Reflection
Even though this wreath doesn't come from Irish tradition, it connects beautifully to something many Irish families cherish, horse racing, community gatherings, and a love of celebration. Plus my American home is in Kentucky where we simply love Derby Day.
There's something magical about creating a piece like this at home, knowing it can brighten a room or mark a special occasion. Whether you hang it for the Kentucky Derby, gift it to a friend, or simply enjoy the process, this craft is all about simple joys and handmade beauty.
And isn't that what crafting is all about?

Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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