Make a Colorful DIY Pride Paper Wreath
This DIY Pride paper wreath is a colorful handmade decoration made with folded paper strips and a foam wreath form. It is a good craft project for Pride Month, parties, classrooms, craft rooms, handmade gifts, or bright seasonal home decor.
You can make this wreath with classic rainbow Pride colors, or you can change the colors for another theme. The same folding and wrapping method also works for birthdays, spring decor, fall decor, Christmas, or party decorations.
Project Details
- Time needed: About 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Difficulty level: Easy to medium
- Best for: Adults, teens, and supervised kids
- Main skill: Cutting, folding, taping, and wrapping paper
- Finished look: A full paper wreath with a folded accordion texture
Materials You Will Need
Before you start, gather your supplies in one place. This will make the project easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Supplies
- Foam wreath form: A round foam wreath, about 9 to 10 inches wide
- Decorative paper: Rainbow-colored paper or cardstock
- Paper cutter: A slide cutter or guillotine cutter works best
- Scissors: For trimming extra paper
- Double-sided tape: For joining and securing paper strips
- Straight pins: About 14 pins with ball heads
- Ribbon or wire: Optional, for hanging the wreath
For this tutorial, you can use seven colors for a rainbow-inspired Pride wreath. You can also use the classic six Pride colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. For a Progress Pride-inspired version, you may add pink, white, light blue, brown, or black.
Before You Start
Cutting the strips evenly is important. If the strips are different sizes, the folded paper may look uneven on the wreath.
For a 9 to 10 inch foam wreath, start with:
- 20 to 30 strips of each color
- Each strip should be about 1 inch wide and 12 inches long
The exact number of strips depends on your wreath size, paper thickness, and how tightly you wrap the folded paper.
How to Make a DIY Pride Paper Wreath
Follow the steps below one color at a time.
Step 1: Cut the Paper Strips
Cut your decorative paper into strips.
Each strip should be:
- 1 inch wide
- 12 inches long
Try to keep all strips the same size. A paper cutter will give cleaner and faster results than scissors.
Step 2: Start the Accordion Fold
Take two paper strips of the same color.
- Place the first strip vertically on your work surface.
- Place the second strip horizontally across the top end of the first strip.
- Overlap the ends slightly so they form an L shape.
- Use double-sided tape to secure the two strips together.
This will be the starting point for your folded paper section.
Step 3: Fold the Paper Strips
Now fold the two strips over each other to create an accordion-style paper chain.
Use this pattern:
- Fold the vertical strip up over the center.
- Fold the horizontal strip left over the center.
- Fold the vertical strip down over the center.
- Fold the horizontal strip right over the center.
Keep repeating this pattern until the strips become too short to fold.
Press each fold gently with your finger so the shape stays neat. Try not to crush the paper too hard, because the wreath looks better when the folds have some volume.
Step 4: Add More Strips
When one strip becomes short, attach a new strip of the same color with double-sided tape.
Continue folding until you have one long accordion paper strip, also called a paper snake.
Repeat the same process for each color.
By the end, you should have one folded paper snake for every color you want to use in your wreath.
Step 5: Attach the First Color to the Wreath
Take your first folded paper snake and place one end on the foam wreath form.
Secure it with a straight pin. Push the pin deep enough into the foam so the paper does not move.
Start with red, or use any color order you like.
Step 6: Wrap the Paper Around the Foam Wreath
Begin wrapping the folded paper snake around the wreath form.
Keep each wrap close to the previous one. This helps cover the foam and gives the wreath a full look.
Do not pull too hard. The paper should be snug, but it should not tear or lose its folded shape.
When you reach the end of the first color, secure it with another straight pin.
Step 7: Continue With the Remaining Colors
Repeat the same wrapping process with the next color.
Work around the wreath until all colors are attached and the foam is fully covered.
Check the front, sides, and inside edge of the wreath. If you see white foam, gently push the paper folds closer together.
Step 8: Add a Hanger
To hang the wreath, attach a small loop of ribbon or wire to the back.
You can secure it with:
- A straight pin
- Strong tape
- Hot glue, with adult supervision
Make sure the hanger is strong enough to hold the wreath before placing it on a wall or door.
Tips for a Better Finish
Use Strong Paper
Thin paper may tear while wrapping. Very thick paper may be hard to fold. Medium-weight craft paper or light cardstock usually works well.
Keep the Folds Even
The wreath looks cleaner when the folds are the same size. Take your time when folding the first few strips.
Hide the Pins
Place pins on the back or side of the wreath when possible. This keeps the front looking neat.
Adjust Gaps at the End
After wrapping all colors, look closely for gaps. Gently slide the folded sections together to cover the foam.
Make It Your Own
You can use this same method with different colors for other occasions:
- Red, white, and blue for patriotic decor
- Orange, brown, and yellow for fall
- Red, green, and gold for Christmas
- Pastel colors for spring
- School colors for classroom decor
Where to Buy Craft Supplies
You can find decorative paper, foam wreath forms, scissors, tape, and other craft supplies at local craft stores, stationery shops, or online stores.
This post may include partner links. Use them only if they are helpful for your project.
You can also check craft and home decor offers here:\ Craft supply and home decor deals at CouponBre
Final Thoughts
This DIY Pride paper wreath is a bright and meaningful craft that you can customize in many ways. Once you learn the folding and wrapping method, you can reuse the same idea for many seasons, events, and celebrations.
Hang it on a door, place it on a wall, or use it as a handmade decoration for your creative space.
For more creative ideas, visit: Explore more HB Handicraft blogs
You can also connect with us here: Go to the Social Hub