How to Make a Last-Minute Fall Wreath (Under $5)

Finished square fall wreath made from cardboard, burlap, paper flowers, and painted leaves hanging on a wall

This last-minute fall wreath started as a pile of cardboard scraps, burlap, and leftover cardstock, and turned into one of my favorite things on the wall.

The square shape with gently rounded corners is what makes it look more considered than a typical round wreath, and it takes about the same effort. I filled mine with paper flowers in warm fall shades, a few painted dry leaves, and some faux pearl beads tucked in between. The whole thing came together in under an hour.

If your supplies bin is overflowing (and whose isn’t by fall?), this is the perfect project to use it up.

Last-Minute Fall Wreath at a Glance

Difficulty: Beginner
Time: 45 to 60 minutes
Cost: Under $5 (mostly leftover supplies)
Ages: 10+
Best for: Fall home decor, Thanksgiving displays, quick weekend project

DIY fall wreath made from cardboard and burlap decorated with paper flowers, painted leaves, and pearl beads

What You Need to Make a Last-Minute Fall Wreath

Materials

Cardboard — the firm outer frame of the wreath. A cereal box, shipping box, or any stiff cardboard works.
Styrofoam sheet or scraps — sandwiched between cardboard layers to give the base depth and a better grip for gluing.
Colored cardstock in fall shades — orange, red, mustard, and brown for cutting out the paper flower petals.
Printed craft paper — adds texture and pattern to the flowers for a layered look.
Burlap fabric strip — roughly 2 to 3 inches wide and long enough to wrap the full base. Pre-cut burlap ribbon works perfectly.
Dry leaves — collected outdoors or artificial. Paint them with gold acrylic paint for a richer finish.
Faux pearl beads or small embellishments — optional filler to tuck between the flowers.
Craft glue or low-temp glue gun — craft glue works fine; a glue gun speeds things up.

Tools

Scissors — for cutting fabric, cardstock, and paper.
X-Acto knife — makes cleaner cuts through thick cardboard than scissors.
Cutting mat — protects your surface when using the X-Acto knife.
Ruler — for marking straight cuts on the cardboard.

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How to Make a Last-Minute Fall Wreath

Step 1: Build the Square Wreath Base

Cutting a square cardboard frame with rounded corners and layering it with styrofoam to build a fall wreath base

Cut two identical frames from cardboard: a square with gently rounded corners on the outside and a smaller square removed from the center, like a thick picture frame. Then cut a matching piece from styrofoam and sandwich it between the two cardboard layers. Glue everything together and press it flat under a heavy book while the glue sets.

The styrofoam layer is what gives this wreath its rigidity. A single layer of cereal box cardboard flexes and sags once the flowers are on; with the foam filling, the base stays flat and holds decorations firmly. It should feel solid before you move on to wrapping.

Step 2: Wrap the Base with Burlap

Wrapping a square cardboard wreath base with burlap strips at a slight angle for even coverage

Start at any corner and wrap the burlap strip around the base at a slight angle so each round overlaps the last by about half an inch. You don’t need to glue as you go. The wrapping tension holds the strip in place until you reach the end, where a small dab of glue under the tail keeps it flat.

Trim any loose threads along the edges once the glue dries. Rustic twine works as a substitute, but it takes much longer to cover the surface evenly, so burlap strips are the faster option here.

Step 3: Arrange and Glue the Flowers and Leaves

Gluing paper flowers, gold-painted dry leaves, and pearl bead accents onto a burlap-wrapped fall wreath

Cut petal shapes from the cardstock and craft paper and layer them into small flowers. Paint the dry leaves gold and let them dry completely before you start gluing. Then lay everything out on the wrapped base without gluing anything down first, so you can try different arrangements before committing.

The instinct is to cover every inch of burlap, but leaving some showing through gives the arrangement room to breathe. Glue the larger flowers down first, then tuck the painted leaves in between at different angles, and finish by pressing the pearl beads into any remaining gaps as small accents. Work in sections so the glue doesn’t skin over before you position each piece.

Step 4: Add a Hanging Loop

Completed square cardboard fall wreath with paper flowers, painted leaves, and pearl beads, ready to hang

Cut a 12-inch length of twine, thread both ends through a gap in the burlap wrap at the top back of the wreath, and tie them in a tight knot. Give it a firm tug before hanging to make sure it holds.

If you’d prefer a cleaner finish on the back, hot-glue a small D-ring or sawtooth hanger to the cardboard instead. Either way, hold the wreath up by the loop and check that it hangs level before putting it on the wall.

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Tips for Your Fall Wreath

Gold paint is the detail that pulls the whole wreath together. A quick coat of gold acrylic on the dry leaves makes them look intentional rather than scavenged from the yard.
Mix petal shapes for more visual interest: pointed petals for dahlias, rounded petals for roses, and small punched circles as filler. The contrast between them makes the arrangement look fuller without needing more materials.
For a door-sized wreath, aim for a 12 to 14-inch outer edge on the base. For a small wall grouping or tabletop display, keep the base under 8 inches.

Square DIY fall wreath decorated with colorful paper flowers, gold painted leaves, and pearl beads, made from leftover supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a glue gun to make this fall wreath?

Regular craft glue works fine for every step of this wreath. A low-temp glue gun speeds things up and holds a little more firmly once dry, but it is not required. If you’re making this with a child under 10, stick with craft glue.

Can I hang this fall wreath outside?

This wreath is best kept indoors. The cardboard base and paper flowers will not hold up to rain or extended humidity. On a sheltered porch it might last a season in dry weather, but bring it inside if rain is expected.

What kinds of paper flowers work best for a fall wreath?

Layered cardstock flowers work really well because they hold their shape and the layers add depth. Pointed-petal dahlias, rounded-petal roses, and simple star-shaped blooms are all easy to cut freehand and look great together in warm fall shades.

How long does it take to make this wreath?

About 45 to 60 minutes from start to finish. Most of that time goes into making the paper flowers, so the total depends on how many you make and how detailed you go with the petals.

Can I use a round base instead of square?

Yes, a round cardboard ring with the center cut out works just as well. The square shape with rounded corners is just one option and gives the wreath a more modern look. Use the same layered cardboard and styrofoam approach either way.

How to Make a Last-Minute Fall Wreath from Cardboard