Featuring pine branches, berries, ornaments, and bows

Watercolor wreaths are a classic way to celebrate the holiday season through art. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through three different wreath designs—each with its own festive flair. Whether you're creating cards, prints, or seasonal décor, these loose, painterly wreaths are beginner-friendly and packed with charm.

🖌️ What You'll Need

• Watercolor paper (cold press, 140 lb or higher)

• Watercolor paints (greens, reds, blues, metallics)

• Round brushes (sizes 2–8)

• Pencil and eraser for sketching

• White gel pen or gouache (optional highlights)

• Gold ink or metallic paint (optional accents)

✨ Wreath 1: Pine & Berries

Sketch a light circle with a pencil to guide your composition.

• Paint pine needles with quick flicks of a pointed brush using cool and warm greens.

  

• Layer additional greens for depth.

  

• Add red berries in small clusters for a classic look.

  

• Finish with touches of gold ink or white for snow sparkle.

  

✨ Wreath 2: Ornaments & Holly

Start with a round layout and alternate between ornament shapes and holly leaves.

• Use bright colors for baubles: reds, blues, and golds.

  

• Add holly leaves with dark green and veins using a liner brush. Add more berries and baubles if you like.

  

• Sprinkle in small star or snowflake details around the circle.

  

✨ Wreath 3: Ribbon & Pinecones

This wreath is fuller, with earthy tones and texture.

• Build a base of overlapping pine branches in loose layers.

  

• Use burnt sienna and sepia to paint tiny pinecones.

  

• Finish with a ribbon at the bottom or top—loose strokes with a rich red or gold wash.

  

🎁 Creative Uses

• Frame your finished wreath as a seasonal print

• Turn into a card or holiday invitation

• Use the design on gift tags or wrapping paper

• Print as a December calendar cover or journal page

🧑‍🎨 Pro Tips

• Try wet-on-wet for soft foliage or wet-on-dry for crisp shapes

• Rotate your page as you work to keep symmetry

• Mix in unexpected hues like indigo, magenta, or teal for a modern twist

💫 Final Thoughts

Painting watercolor wreaths is a joyful way to celebrate the season and flex your creative muscles. With just a few materials and a bit of layering, you can create festive designs that radiate holiday cheer. Whether you love a classic pine-and-berry look or a modern ornament theme, these wreaths are sure to impress.