Handprint Fall Wreath Craft for Kids: A Keepsake Handprint Craft

Fall is the season of crunchy leaves, cozy colors, and crafty afternoons, and nothing captures that magic quite like this handprint fall wreath craft for kids. It’s simple, sweet, and makes for a beautiful seasonal decoration that doubles as a keepsake of those little hands before they grow too fast.

This easy handprint fall wreath craft uses nothing more than construction paper, a paper plate, and your child’s handprints to create a one-of-a-kind piece of fall art. It’s a great activity for preschoolers, toddlers, and early elementary kids, whether you’re decorating for Thanksgiving, creating classroom displays, or just embracing the fall crafting spirit at home.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Handprint Craft

No fancy supplies needed – Just paper, glue, and scissors.
Great for fine motor skills – Tracing, cutting, gluing, and arranging.
Seasonal and sentimental – You’ll want to save it for years.
Perfect for home or classroom – A go-to fall wreath craft for kids.

And the best part? Each wreath is a little different, just like the hands that made it.

Supplies for a Handprint Fall Wreath Craft

To get started with this fall craft for kids, you’ll need:

Construction paper in fall colors (red, orange, yellow)
Pencil
Scissors
Paper plate
Glue or glue stick
Black marker or crayon
Optional: Ribbon or string for hanging

Tip: You can always add extras like glitter glue, googly eyes (for a silly leaf face), or even a touch of cinnamon to make it a sensory Thanksgiving craft for kids.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make a Handprint Fall Wreath Craft

Step 1: Trace the Handprint

Start by placing your child’s hand near the bottom edge of one sheet of construction paper. Use a pencil to trace around their hand. This first handprint will be your template.

Step 2: Stack and Fold

Choose a few sheets of fall-colored construction paper like yellow, orange, red, or even brown for a little variety. Stack them together, fold the pile once or twice so the traced handprint fits, and you can cut multiple leaves at once.

Step 3: Cut Out the Handprints

With the paper still stacked, carefully cut out along the traced line. When you unfold the paper, you’ll have a handful of handprint “leaves” ready to decorate your wreath.

Note: You can repeat the folding/cutting process to make as many handprints as you’d like. The more leaves you use, the fuller the wreath is.

Step 4: Add Leaf Details

Use a black marker or crayon to draw a simple line down the center of each handprint. Then add small lines branching off to mimic leaf veins. This step really brings the fall leaves to life.

Step 5: Create the Wreath Base

Take a standard paper plate and cut out the center to create a ring shape. This is your wreath base. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and easy for kids to handle.

Step 6: Glue the Leaves

Now the fun starts. Kids love arranging and gluing. Start gluing your handprint leaves all the way around the paper plate ring. Overlap them slightly to create a full, layered look.

Step 7: Add a Hanger (Optional)

Want to hang your wreath? Tape or glue a loop of ribbon or string to the back of the wreath. It’s the perfect finishing touch if you plan to hang it on a classroom bulletin board, bedroom door, or above the mantle.

Ideas to Customize Your Handprint Autumn Wreath

Want to add your own twist to this fall craft for kids? Here are some fun ideas to make each wreath a little more personal:

Add names or ages to each handprint to mark the moment in time.
Include other shapes like paper acorns or pumpkins for extra detail.
Make a family wreath by using handprints from every family member. Yes, grown-up hands too.
Incorporate fall writing prompts like “What are you thankful for?” and glue them onto the back.

This makes a sweet and educational fall activity for classrooms. Pair it with books about leaves or gratitude, and you’ve got a whole thematic lesson wrapped into one crafty afternoon.

Fall Learning Through Crafting

This fall handprint craft is a cute decoration and a powerful learning-through-play activity. Here’s what kids are developing as they snip, glue, and create:

Fine motor skills through cutting and gluing
Color recognition by identifying and choosing fall hues
Pattern making by arranging handprints
Creativity and confidence as they see their own hands turned into art

It’s also a wonderful way to celebrate the changing seasons and get kids excited about nature, color, and tradition.

Displaying Your Fall Handprint Wreath

Once your handprint fall wreath is complete, don’t just tuck it away. It would be a shame not to let it shine. Here are some sweet and creative ways to put this fall craft for kids on display:

Hang it on the front door to greet guests with a burst of fall color and a homemade touch. It’s a great way to show off your child’s hard work and set a cozy seasonal tone.
Use it as part of your Thanksgiving decor. Whether it’s on the wall behind the dinner table, hanging above the mantel, or even sitting flat in the center of your table with a flameless candle in the middle. This Thanksgiving craft for kids adds a personal, heartfelt touch to the holiday.
Create a fall wreath wall in your classroom by having each student make one. It turns the whole space into a celebration of autumn and helps kids feel proud of their contributions.
Gift it to grandparents or other loved ones, especially if they live far away. Handmade keepsakes like this are the kind of treasures that melt hearts and get hung up year after year.
Want to go to the next level? Start a new tradition by making a fresh wreath each fall. Label it with the date and your child’s age, then display them side by side to create a growing gallery of handprints through the years. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the changing seasons and your child’s journey.

Whether you hang it or gift it, this wreath is a keepsake worth showing off.

Final Thoughts on This Handprint Fall Wreath Craft for Kids

This fall handprint wreath craft is a memory in the making. It captures a season, a moment, and a little hand that won’t stay that way. Plus, it’s an easy way to keep kids entertained on a crisp fall afternoon while bringing some autumn beauty indoors.

Whether you’re prepping for a fall festival, setting up a homeschool unit, or just looking for a way to slow down and spend time with your family, this easy fall craft for kids is the perfect project to try.

So grab some paper, round up those tiny hands, and let fall creativity take shape, one handprint at a time.