DIY Magazine Fall Wreath

The window display I mentioned was a large heart created out of individual leaves. When I got up close, I saw that they had used pages from magazines and catalogs to make leaves. These leaves were then painted various fall colors!

Gather materials

The only item I purchased for this tutorial were some new paints. I had a paintbrush from testing wall paints, the wreath form, foam sheets, butcher paper, and a stack of catalogs and magazines. Not pictured is my glue gun. When choosing paints, I went for acrylics and chose colors that feel like fall! Acrylic paints are so versatile; I'm sure I'll find many ways to use them in the future.

Wrap wreath in butcher paper

My wreath frame is only twelve inches, so in order to add some extra bulk I left the rope on. After brainstorming a way to attach the paper leaves, I decided to wrap the wreath in butcher paper and then use glue.

Paint wreath paper

To prevent the bright white paper from standing out against the leaves, I painted he butcher paper in one of the colors used to create the leaves.

Paint magazine\catalog pages

After painting the wreath paper, paint some pages torn from magazines. I wasn't sure how many pages to start with. I painted six and it ended up being perfect for the twelve inch wreath frame. One thing that I found helpful while painting was using a damp brush. This helped spread color.

Let paint dry

I painted outside on a fairly warm day, so the paint dried pretty quickly. Usually when I paint, my son likes to paint too. Sometimes I set him up with a random cardboard box and some paints. If your kiddos like to paint they could help paint catalog pages!

Trace leaf pattern on foam sheet

While waiting for paint to dry, I made my leaf stencil. A friend gave me some foam sheets and they made the perfect stencil! I drew free hand to make a very loose interpretation of an oak leaf. No need to be precise or too detailed since you will have to cut out many leaves to fill a wreath!

Cut leaf pattern

This is another step where kids can step in. My little guy is just learning to use scissors. While I use scissors, I give him his pair and let him practice by cutting up paper scraps. That is an activity that I need to be in the mood for as he can create quite a mess ha ha.

Use leaf pattern to trace leaf shapes on painted paper

With the leaf pattern cut out, trace onto the painted pages. This is another step for kids to contribute to.

Cut the leaves you traced

One more step that kids can help with!

Apply glue to wreath

The only glue I had in my house was in the form of glue stick and glue gun. I'm sure other types would work just fine. In this photo you can see that the butcher paper isn't perfectly painted. I didn't worry about coverage too much since I would be gluing leaves down.

Press leaves on glue to adhere to wreath

That is my little one's hand in the photo. This was the one picture I could snag with him. He wasn't cooperating with photos that day- oh well.

Gluing the leaves, I followed a pattern of alternating between the oranges and reds. I also laid the leaves with the pointed ends going in the same direction.

Hang your wreath

I chose a gold tone ribbon I had in my stash to loop around the wreath. You could use a wreath hanger too. I place my wreath on our front door that is covered and protected from the elements. The leaves have started curl a bit, which is a nice touch. However, I didn't paint the back of the paper! In my case I will touch up with some glue, but you may like to paint both sides of your pages. This would also allow for extra leaves to be used in windows.

Hope you enjoy this craft! Please let me know if you give it a go, or if you have any other favorite uses for old magazines and catalogs! Thanks for reading.

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