Simple Holiday Wreath Made from Vintage Hymnal Music

Do you want the honest truth? When I saw this “angel” sitting on the shelves of a thrift store in Kansas City, my first thought was, “I have my sheet music/hymnal project for the Handcrafted Society half done.”

I’m an admitted less than crafty gal. I was going to take the head off the angel, wrap the book cover around to the back cover, to create a tree, maybe gild the edges with gold paint and call it a day.

Once I took the pitiful head off the book and really looked at the pages of this hymnal from The First Baptist Church in House Springs, Missouri, I realized I had something truly special. Published in 1975 the book is now 50 years old. I couldn’t help but imagine the hands that once turned these pages and the voices that lifted them in songs of praise!

Once I had a story of this hymnal in my head, I wanted to honor it in a special way. Having rescued it from the shelf of that thrift store, I was determined to turn its page into something beautiful for the season. A wreath that celebrates both the music and the memories. With just a few simple supplies and a little time, you can create your own piece of heartfelt holiday decor, too.

On my blog Living Large in A Small House, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. You can find my full Disclosure Policy HERE

I’m joining a group of incredibly talented creators in The Handcrafted Society, where each month we reimagine a specific item with our own crafty twist.

This month’s challenge? Sheet Music or Hymnals!

Be sure to check out the inspiring projects from the rest of the ladies— you’ll find all their links at the end of this post!

🎶 How to Make a Vintage Hymnal Sheet Music Wreath

This wreath while simple to make, is rich with history and heart. Here is how I created mine using pages from a 1975 church hymnal, a few berries and greens, for a touch of Christmas sparkle.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Vintage hymnal or sheet music
• Leaf-shaped template (find it in my free resource library)
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun or glue stick
• Foam or grapevine wreath form
• Velvet ribbon (I choose cranberry)
• Optional: Faux berries and greenery
• Optional: distress ink or tea for aging pages

✂️ Step 1: Prepare Your Pages

Carefully remove the pages from your hymnal. If they’re in good shape, you can leave them as-is for that authentic patina. For a softer, aged tone, brush the edges with distress ink or lightly brush them with steeped tea and let dry.

🍃 Step 2: Cut Out the Leaves

Trace the leafs using a template. I cut my template out of thin cardboard. You could also use card stock. Once I drew all the leaves on the pages, I set about cutting them out while I caught up on some TV shows. If you don’t want to use a template, you can freehand cut your leaves and vary the size to give your wreath more depth and movement.

Fold the leave in 1/2 for depth.

🌿 Step 3: Attach the Leaves

Starting at the top of your wreath, glue the leaves in overlapping layers, working in the same direction all the way around. Alternate angles (and sizes if using more than one) for a natural, full look. Continue until your wreath is completely covered on the top and sides. Go around the wreath and check for wholes and fill them in.

🎀 Step 4: Finish with A Ribbon

Create a simple bow with ribbon and attach it to the wreath. You can put it where ever it feels most balances to you. I like to use velvet as it adds a rich texture the perfectly complements the softness of the paper.

🍒 Step 5: Add Greens and Berries (optional)

I originally was going to tuck small sprigs of greenery and clusters of berries between the paper leaves, securing them with hot glue. I decided not to do this because I loved the simplicity of the plain wreath. However, these touches could bring the wreath to life and tie beautifully into your holiday decor.

Final Thoughts

This wreath was more than just a craft for me. Growing up, I was in a pew at least once a week from birth. As I cut the leaves from pages of hymns that I remembered all the words to from singing in church, it brought back a flood of memories.

Now this wreath sings a new song in my home. Whether you use an old hymnal, vintage sheet music or even copies of your favorite carols, this simple project brings both nostalgia and grace to your holiday decor.

I’ve hung this wreath in several places and I love it in all of them. It’s fun on a hook in my entryway, on an end of hall vignette, and on a white wall in my kitchen.

If you love this projects, you might also enjoy Vintage Book Page Pumpkins or Blue and White Chinoiserie Christmas Ornaments – two more ways to turn ordinary paper into something beautiful and meaningful.

📌 Don’t forget to pin this project to your Holiday DIY or Christmas Craft board to save it for later!

Peace and Love,