Every Christmas, I promise myself I’ll slow down, enjoy the little things, and spend more time with crafts that make my home feel warm and personal. 

This year, I’m finally doing a project I’ve bookmarked (pun fully intended) for years: a DIY Book Page Wreath. 

If you’ve never seen one before, imagine the soft, aged beauty of a book you love turned into something that greets your guests at the door – or hangs over your mantel – all while giving a nod to your bookish heart.

I’ve read so many tutorials, watched countless videos, and talked to other book lovers who’ve done it, so I’ve collected the best tips.

These are the ones that make the difference between a nice wreath and a wow-that’s-amazing wreath. 

And yes, I’m planning to do all of these this Christmas.

What You’ll Need (and Why)

Before we get into the steps, here’s my carefully thought-out list of materials. 

1. An old book: preferably one that’s falling apart or has missing pages. I always say: never rip apart a book you love unless it’s already unreadable. Old encyclopedias, thrift store finds, or duplicate copies are perfect.

2. Wreath base foam, wire, or cardboard cut into a circle. I like foam because it’s easy to stick things into, but cardboard is budget-friendly and works fine.

3. Hot glue gun & glue sticks: your best friend for holding pages in place quickly.

4. Scissors: for trimming pages or cutting out shapes.

5. Pencil: for rolling pages into cones.

6. Ribbon: I’m using a rich, deep red velvet ribbon for Christmas, but gold, forest green, or plaid also look amazing.

7. Christmas embellishments: mini pinecones, holly sprigs, small ornaments, faux berries, or even tiny fairy lights. These make the wreath look festive without hiding the book pages.

8. You can also get tea or coffee for aging pages if you want a vintage look.

Step-by-Step How to Make Your Book Page Wreath

Here’s the basic process I’ll be following, so you can do it right alongside me.

Step 1: Prepare your book pages

Gently tear out 50–80 pages, depending on the size of your wreath base.

If you want an aged look, brush each page lightly with tea or coffee and let them dry.

Smooth them out to remove wrinkles (or leave them wrinkled for extra charm).

Step 2: Shape your pages

Wrap each page around a pencil to create a cone shape.

Glue the edge so it stays in shape. I usually let the narrow end stay tight and the open end flare out.

Step 3: Create the first layer

Glue the cones around the outer edge of your wreath base. 

The tips should point inward, and the open ends should face out like flower petals.

Step 4: Build the second and third layers

Overlap cones so they fill the gaps of the layer below.

Keep gluing until you reach the center.

Step 5: Decorate for Christmas

Add your ribbon as a bow at the top or bottom.

Tuck in holly sprigs, berries, or ornaments between cones.

If using fairy lights, weave them gently through without crushing the pages.

Step 6: Hang and admire

Use a sturdy hook or ribbon loop. Stand back and admire your handiwork and maybe brag to your book club.

This is a YouTube video about how to make wreaths at home that I tweaked and modified before I settled on my method. It’s beginner-friendly and super easy to understand. 

My 7 Refined Tips for a Perfect Christmas Book Page Wreath

Now, here’s the part I’m most excited to share.

These are my most unique tips I’ve gathered (and will be doing this year) that really elevate this wreath. 

These are little touches that I’ve either tried in other crafts or seen from crafters I trust, and I can already tell they’ll make my wreath feel magical.

1. Mix Page Shades for Depth

When I first saw book page wreaths, I noticed the most striking ones weren’t just flat white or beige; instead, they had a mix of shades. This trick gives your wreath depth and a soft gradient effect.

How I’m doing it:

I’m using some naturally aged pages from an old paperback, plus a few I’ve tea-stained myself.

I’ll alternate between lighter and darker cones when layering.

This works because it mimics the way petals on real flowers vary in shade, which will make the wreath look more natural and eye-catching.

2. Curl Page Edges for a Softer Look

Most tutorials keep the cones stiff, but I’ve learned that curling the top edges outward slightly makes the wreath look fuller and softer.

How I’m doing it:

After gluing each cone, I’ll gently roll the top edge outward with a pencil or my fingers.

I won’t overdo it – just enough to add movement.

This will keep the wreath from looking too rigid and adds that romantic, well-loved book vibe.

3. Add a Layer of Mini Cones in the Center

Here’s a tip I’ve seen only in a few advanced tutorials: add a final layer of tiny cones in the very center.

It fills that awkward hole and makes the wreath look complete.

How I’m doing it:

I’ll cut book pages in half and roll them into smaller cones.

I’ll glue them tightly in the middle, almost like the center of a sunflower.

It creates a focal point and hides the wreath base completely.

4. Choose a Ribbon That Feels Luxe

I’ve learned that cheap ribbon can ruin the look, even if your wreath is gorgeous. 

A deep velvet, satin, or wired ribbon makes a huge difference.

How I’m doing it:

I’m using a rich crimson velvet ribbon with wired edges so it holds a big, dramatic bow.

I’ll fluff the loops and let the tails drape elegantly down the sides.

This instantly says Christmas and makes your wreath look like something from a boutique window.

5. Hide a Few Secret Christmas Elements

One crafter I follow hides tiny details in her wreaths – things you only notice if you look closely. 

I’m obsessed with this idea because it feels like a little treasure hunt.

How I’m doing it:

I’ll tuck in a few mini bells, a small gold charm, and maybe even a hidden word from a book page that says joy or noel.

These will make your wreath more personal and gives guests something to discover up close.

6. Use Scent for a Cozy Surprise

We always think about how a wreath looks, but what about how it smells? 

A subtle scent can make your Christmas entryway feel even warmer.

How I’m doing it:

I’ll lightly spray the pages (from a distance) with a cinnamon or pine room spray.

You can also tuck in dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks as part of the decor.

It engages more than one sense, and it will turn your wreath into a full experience.

7. Make It Last for Years with a Sealant

One worry I’ve always had with paper wreaths is how they’ll hold up. 

I don’t want mine to yellow too much or fall apart after one season.

So, I’ll spray the finished wreath with a clear matte sealant to protect it from moisture and dust.

I’ll then store it in a large, flat box away from sunlight.

I can already imagine hanging this wreath on my door.

This is the kind of project that’s more than just decoration.

If you make one too, don’t rush. Put on your favorite Christmas playlist, sip something warm, and enjoy the process.