How to make Paper Leaves: DIY Paper Banana Leaf Wreath

Learn how to make paper leaves and turn them into this cute DIY paper banana leaf wreath. This tropical leaf is perfect for summer and sunny days! I originally shared this post at Darice, and it may contain affiliate links, which help to support this site. 

Can we talk Troop Beverly Hills for a minute? It was my favorite movie as a kid, and I’m still kind of obsessed with it. As evidenced by that one time my daughter had a summer camp birthday party, and I couldn’t help but throw in a bunch of Troop Beverly Hills references even if no one appreciated them but me.

Just in case you are not familiar with this amazing piece of film, part of the film takes place in the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, which means I have always had a soft spot for it’s pink and green stripes and banana leaf wall paper. I think that’s why I’ve been so excited about the tropical foliage trend going on lately. I wanted to try a crafty take on the trend, and this DIY tropical wreath made from crepe paper leaves is what I came up with.

DIY Paper Banana Leaf Wreath

Paper Leaf Wreath Supplies:

• Crepe Paper Sheets in a couple of colors (this is what I used)
• Floral Tape
• Stem Wires
• 18″ Wire Wreath Form
• Glue
• Wire Cutters
• Hot Glue Gun

The first step in putting together your wreath is to make a whole bunch of crepe paper banana leaves.

How to Make Paper Leaves

I made my banana leaves out of crepe paper sheets, which are one long piece of crepe paper. The ones I used were 20 inches wide by 7.5 feet long. The crepe paper gives the leaves a nice texture, and you can stretch the paper to give your leaves a natural curve as well.

Step One – Cut Out Leaf Shapes

I cut four leaves at a time by first cutting out an oval shape and then clipping out little triangles along the sides. Make sure to cut your leaves perpendicular to the lines in the paper to make the leaves look more realistic.

Step Two – Glue in Stems

Fold the leaf in half lengthwise and put a line of glue along the bottom half of the leaf in the crease. Place a stem wire into the glue and fold the paper in half over the glue. Let it dry like this.

When the glue is dry, you can open up the leaf.

Pretty soon you will have a big pile of leaves. I made a wreath with mine, but a garland would be really pretty too. Or maybe a few big ones stuck in a vase?

I decided to make some in black as well to add some dimension and depth to the wreath. They kind of act like shadows I think.

How to Assemble the Wreath

To attach the leaves to the wreath form, wrap the stem wires around the wires of the form. Try to vary the size and color of the leaves as you attach them to the wire. I liked the look of the folded leaves too, so I left some that way.

Cover the wire and the bottom of the leaf with floral tape. Pull the floral tape slightly as you wrap to activate the adhesive.

When you have the leaves all in place, use small drops of hot glue to keep the leaves on your wreath in place.

And that’s it! Hang your new wreath up and enjoy!

What do you think? Fun and summery right? These DIY crepe paper leaves would also be great for a tropical themed party or other summer celebration. What would you use them for?

Until next time, Happy Making!

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