Five years ago, I posted a simple video of myself drawing a holiday wreath on the window of a local business… and to this day, it is still the most-viewed, most-stolen, most-asked-about thing I have EVER put online.
Every year it goes viral again, and every year I get flooded with the same questions — even though I explain everything right there in the video!
So this post is the definitive step-by-step tutorial with every tool, every detail, and every answer you need if you want to draw your own window wreath this holiday season.
Let’s do it.
Supplies Used
Here’s exactly what I use:
- Water-Based Paint Pen (Sharpie or Posca) – this is my go-to for window projects. It’s easy to use, doesn’t smudge once dry, comes off with water or Windex, and is still durable enough for day-to-day contact.
- Look for a water-based paint pen (Sharpie = blue band).
- Posca is also a great option.
- If you want something more durable, use an oil-based paint pen (red band). It won’t scratch off as easily, but you’ll need alcohol or acetone to remove it.
- Avoid chalk markers unless it’s all you have — they wipe off way too easily for a project like this.
- Stabilo All Pencil (Glass Pencil)
- Perfect for sketching guidelines on the window before painting.
- Comes in white, red, blue, etc. and wipes off easily.
- String or Ribbon – for a DIY compass to draw your circle! A phone charger even works in a pinch. 😅
- Q-tips – for carving out crisp details once the paint dries.
- Paper Towel + Windex – for cleanup and removing guidelines.
Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!
Let’s Get Started!
Grab your supplies, and let’s go!
Step 1: Clean Your Window
Start with a clean window so you’re not fighting fingerprints or smudges while you work.I draw on the inside of the window so it stays protected and clean — but it looks perfect from the outside.
Step 2: Draw Your Circle (The Easy Way!)
Grab your Stabilo All and your ribbon/string.
- Wrap the string around your pencil.
- Hold the other end at the center point of where you want your wreath.
- Pull the pencil around in a circle like a compass.
It doesn’t need to be perfect — the branches will hide any wobbles.
Step 3: Trace the Circle in Paint
Shake your paint pen well, pump it until it’s flowing, and then trace your circle using the wide chisel side.
Don’t stress about imperfections. The branches will cover everything later.
Step 4: Add Your Branch Stems
Using the chisel tip:
- Add short branches pointing inward and outward from the circle.
- Space them randomly — nature is not symmetrical!
- Keep the paint nice and opaque. Pump the pen as needed.
This is just the structure; the details come next.
Step 5: Add the Small Circles on Each Branch
Switch to the thin side of your marker and add a tiny dot at the end of every branch.
It’s a tiny detail, but it makes the final wreath look intentional and polished.
Step 6: Draw the Pine Needles (The Fun Part!)
Again using the thin side, add your pine needles:
- Short, straight or slightly curved lines
- Some pointing inward, some outward
- Varied lengths and overlaps
- Keep them opaque, but don’t overthink it
Messy is good. Messy looks natural.This is where the wreath suddenly starts to look like a wreath.
Step 7: Add Accent Branches
For extra texture, add little rounded “fluffy” clusters.
They could be pine cones, berries, pussy willow — it doesn’t matter.
They just make the design feel fuller and more detailed.
Add as many as feels right!
Step 8: Add Bark Texture to the Main Stem
This is another small detail that makes a huge difference. Use the narrow side of your pen to add tiny triangle-like marks along the main circle. It gives the illusion of a real branch.
Step 9: Let It Dry — Then Carve the Details
Once everything is fully dry, grab your Q-tip.
Now “carve” away a strip of paint:
- Around the entire circle
- Down every single branch
Press firmly and drag the Q-tip to lift the paint. This creates a super crisp highlight that makes the wreath pop.This step is magic.
Step 10: Clean Up Any Guidelines or Smudges
Use Windex + paper towel to gently clean:
- Stabilo pencil marks
- Fingerprints
- Any drips
Be gentle — the paint won’t come off unless you scrub, but you don’t want streaks.
That’s a Wrap – The Final Display!
From the inside, it looks pretty…
but from the outside? It looks PERFECT.This is why window wreaths are so fun — they look 3D, crisp, and welcoming.
And yes, I absolutely did notice I missed carving one branch while taking photos… and fixed it immediately. 😆
I’d LOVE to see your creations. Tag me on Instagram: @thehappyevercrafter
Want to Learn More About Big Signage?
All the markers and tools I mention in the video are included in the downloadable checklist from the signage course Mabz and I created — you can find that HERE.
If you love projects like this and want to learn how to letter on:
- Storefronts
- Menu boards
- Mirrors
- Chalkboards
- Glass
- Wood
- Large-scale signage
Mabz and I created a full Signage Course together that covers EVERYTHING we know.
And we included the full tools checklist in there, too.
And finally, your dad joke…
Why did only the letter “E” get a Christmas present?
The other letters were “not E“…
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing and inspring. Love your work. Happy Holidays.