Paper-Bag Fall Wreath + Tips for Using a Glue Gun with Kids

Combining my love for fall crafts, and my passion for repurposing recyclables and cast-offs, I recently made this stunning Autumn wreath, using a paper bag and a few thrift shop finds.

Making a fall wreath with your child provides a great opportunity to discuss the changing of the seasons, and to explore the vibrant colours and textures of Autumn. It's also a wonderful way to spend some creative time together, and to create a lovely seasonal display for your home.

Our fall wreath is super-easy and inexpensive to make, using found materials and items you may already have around your home.

To make your paper bag fall wreath, you'll need:

• large paper bag (a bag with or without print on it is fine)
• artificial fall leaves (thrift shop or dollar store)
• artificial flowers in vibrant, fall colours (thrift shop or dollar store)
• raffia
• pinecones (real or artificial)
• low-temperature glue gun

Start by smoothing out your paper bag, and opening up the sealed bottom of the bag. You can trim the bottom edges if you'd like, but there's really no need to, as they'll take care of themselves.

Starting at the bottom of the bag, gently fold and roll the the edges outward, working your way around the opening as you go. As you're rolling, loosely scrunch the edges, continuing to work in a circular fashion until you get to the top of the bag.

Use your glue gun to secure any loose edges in place.

Using a low-temp glue gun with your child:

If you've used a low-heat glue gun with your child before, you know just how capable kids are when we trust and encourage them to use "grown-up" tools. I've been using low temperature glue-guns with the toddlers and preschooler in my daycare for years. They never fail to amaze me with their skills and abilities.
If this is your first time using a glue gun with your child, you'll want to let them know that both the glue and the tip of the glue gun are hot, and to avoid touching them. Advise them to squeeze the trigger of the glue gun gently as they get a feel for how it works.

TIP: I like to keep a bowl of cold water beside us as we work in case anyone gets glue on their fingers. While the low-heat glue is not hot enough to cause a serious burn, dipping their fingers the water will alleviate any discomfort if your child does happen to get some glue on them. This is also a great tip for you to use when you're crafting with high-heat glue gun.

Assembling your wreath:

Have your child glue the artificial leaves and flowers around the paper bag.

Finish by loosely winding a few lengths of raffia around your wreath.

Voila… a beautiful fall wreath that your child will be proud to display on a door or in a window of your home!