DIY Back to School Wreath Using Pool Noodles

Create a colorful DIY back to school wreath using pool noodles and duct tape! This pencil-themed wreath is perfect for decorating your front door or classroom.

If you loved my pool noodle pencil and pencil garland crafts, you're going to love this new twist—a pool noodle pencil wreath!

This fun DIY is perfect for adding a pop of back-to-school cheer to your front door or classroom.

It’s colorful, creative, and comes together with just a few simple supplies—plus it’s a great way to build excitement for the first day of school.

DIY pool noodle pencil wreath

Here's how easy it is to make this wreath for the first day of school!

Supplies you’ll need:

• Yellow pool noodle
• Serrated knife + cutting board
• 2" Pink duct tape
• 1" Silver duct tape
• Brown paper snow cone cups
• Black paint pen
• Hot glue tool
• 12" foam wreath form
• 1.5" wide yellow ribbon – 6 yards total
• Rainbow pom poms (optional)
• School-themed ribbon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the pool noodle pencils

Start by cutting your yellow pool noodle into 4" sections using a serrated knife on a cutting board.
You’ll get about 12 pencils from a standard 50" noodle.

Wrap one end with 2" pink duct tape to make the eraser.
Then wrap a strip of 1" silver duct tape where the pink and yellow meet to form the metal band. Since these pencils are short, I tried to keep the silver tape overlapping the pink tape as much as possible.

Trim the rim off a brown paper snow cone cup, cut the edge in a zig-zag shape, and glue it to the untaped end with hot glue.
Color the pencil tip using a black paint pen.

Set aside all 12 pencils once completed.

2. Wrap the wreath form

Use a 12" foam wreath form and wrap it with 1.5" yellow ribbon, securing the ribbon with hot glue every 3–4 inches.
You’ll use about 5 yards to wrap the wreath and saved 1 yard more to create a hanger at the end.

3. Attach the pencils

Add hot glue to the silver duct tape section of each pencil and attach them to the wreath form, with the points pointing outward like a starburst.

Start with 4 pencils at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, then add 2 more between each for a total of 12 pencils.

4. Add pom poms (optional)

For an extra pop of color, glue rainbow pom poms into the gaps between each pencil. It gives the wreath a fun and festive touch!

5. Create a hanger and bow

Lay out the remaining yellow ribbon and glue a piece of school-themed ribbon centered on top. Add a dot of hot glue every 9 inches or so to hold it in place.

Loop and double-knot it around the wreath to hang, and if you have extra ribbon left over, tie a cute bow!

This wreath is a playful and colorful way to welcome in the school year.

Whether it’s hanging on your front door or brightening up a classroom wall, it’s sure to make back to school feel a little more special.

🎒 Want even more ways to make the first day of school feel special?
Grab my Back to School Printables Bundle filled with fun activities, signs, and traditions your kids will love—perfect for kicking off the school year with excitement!