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How to Make a Homemade Wreath

If you’re inspired to learn the art of wreath-making, all you need are a few tools and some foraged greenery. Follow these five steps exactly and you’ll have a professional looking wreath in a couple of hours. 

long table of wreath making supplies and women gathering what they need

The Wreath-Making Tradition

If you’re like me, growing up, making wreaths was something the matriarchs did–my mother and my grandmother. So naturally, when my church encouraged us to forage greenery and berries for a homemade wreath making party, I was ecstatic. It was time for me to learn how to make this magic for myself. 

My first attempt at wreath-making was a few years ago, and it did not go so well. Learning how to make wreaths step by step changed the game for me. Rather than wiring individual branches and brambles and wasting tons of time, you need to create 10-12 bundles, and then attach the bundles to a wreath base. 

Is it cheaper to buy or make a wreath? 

The cost of a homemade wreath is, without a doubt, cheaper than a purchased wreath. If you forage your own greenery and purchase the wire and wire frame, you’re looking at about $5 per homemade wreath, compared to $50+ for a wreath from the store, or even a local tree farm. 

Speaking of tree farms, the best place to “forage” for greenery and berries in an urban or suburban context is a tree farm, or even a Home Depot or Lowes around the holidays. Since these places are constantly trimming down trees, they usually have a pile of free scraps somewhere that are perfect for making wreaths with. 

Can I use fake greenery on my wreath? 

Absolutely! Although we love the look, smell, and beauty of real greenery and foraged berries (especially once winter hits), you can use faux plants and arrangements and follow this tutorial. Plus, your wreath will never dry out!

three mini grapevine wreathes

Grapevine Wreaths Vs. Wire Wreaths 

Grapevine wreaths are assembled from twigs and branches, and can be found at most craft stores. If you would prefer to use a grapevine wreath as a wreath base, you will simply weave greenery and decorations into the brambles and use wire to secure it. This method can be a bit tricker if you desire to assemble a hearty looking wreath. 

If you are wondering how to make a wreath for a beginner, we suggest the wire wreath method. The wire frame allows you to weave in and out with your wire with ease and create a full, hearty wreath with no gaps. Plus, you can reuse this wire frame time and time again. 

Some folks will utilize styrofoam wreath bases, straw wreath bases, or even cardboard wreath bases. These are most often utilized for faux wreaths and require hot glue. We suggest starting off with a metal wreath base so that you can fill it with fresh, fragrant greenery and flowers. 

foraged items for wreaths against a wooden background

Ideas for Wreath Decorations

There are so many wondrous decorations in the natural world. When creating a winter wreath, walk around your neighborhood to get inspired. Popular greenery to utilize in your wreath are: cedar, pine, blue spruce, fir, juniper, and eucalyptus. For the details, look for foraged foods like juniper berries, holly berries, and elderberries. Then consider gathering some cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, pinecones, and acorns. Discover more ideas for how to thrive in winter, not just survive.

For autumnal harvest wreaths, consider collecting fallen leaves, or small gourds and prairie grasses. For spring and summer wreaths, consider materials like eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, daisies, and wildflowers. 

wreath base, pliers, floral wire, foraged goods

Tools You’ll Need

  • wire wreath frame or a grapevine wreath
  • 22 gauge floral wire
  • wire cutters 
  • greenery
  • decorations

How to Make a Grapevine Wreath 

The beauty of a natural grapevine wreath is it hardly needs any decorating–these wreath bases are stunning on their own. To make a grapevine wreath, you’ll need to follow just two simple steps. 

Step 1: Adorn the Wreath with Greenery and Decorations

Place the greenery and decorations around the wreath. Depending on the size of the wreath, you can cluster pieces of greenery together, or spread them out. 

Step 2: Secure Attachments with Wire

Carefully secure the attachments with wire, making sure to hide the wire underneath the greenery. 

Pro tip: consider making miniature grapevine wreaths as toppers for presents. 

How to Make a Wreath–Step by Step 

Commit yourself to a patient process of learning how to make a homemade wreath, step by step. Clear your schedule and a big table, and get started. 

pliers, wire, and strand of wire against wooden background

Step 1: Cut 6-8-inch Wire Pieces

Use your wire trimmers to cut six-inch strands of florist wire. Make 10-15 strands. Set these aside. 

wreath base connected to wire

Step 2: Attach Wire Strand to Wreath Frame 

Take the wire strand and wrap it around the metal wreath base. Do not trim the wire, but keep the strand attached to the base. 

bushel of foraged greenery held together with wire

Step 3: Create 8-10 Bouquets

Create 8-10 bushels of greenery and flowers (the foundation of the wreath) and secure the bushels with the 6-inch wire pieces you created. 

Step 4: Attach the Bouquets to the Wreath Frame

One by one, attach the bouquets to the wreath frame, using the strand of wire to weave in and out of the frame, like you’re threading a needle. Repeat this step until the wreath is covered. Be careful to stagger the greenery bundles so that they cover up any gaps or exposed wire. 

christmas wreath held above white wall

Step 5: Add Additional Decorations + Snip the Wire

Once your wreath is covered, add decorations like pinecones, berries, dried oranges, or acorns. You can use the wire pieces to secure these adornments, or you can use hot glue. 

Voila!

How to Make a Homemade Wreath

How to Make a Homemade Wreath

Yield: 1 wreath
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Learn how to make a gorgeous wreath in just five easy steps.

Materials

  • 1 wire wreath frame
  • floral wire
  • wire cutters
  • fresh, dried, or faux greenery + florals
  • decorations (optional)

Instructions

    1. Cut 6-8-inch wire pieces. Use your wire trimmers to cut six-inch strands of florist wire. Make 10-15 strands. Set these aside. 
    2. Attach the wire strand to the wreath frame. Take the wire strand and wrap it around the metal wreath base. Do not trim the wire, but keep the strand attached to the base. 
    3. Create 8-10 bushels of greenery and flowers (the foundation of the wreath) and secure the bushels with the 6-inch wire pieces you created. 
    4. One by one, attach the bouquets to the wreath frame, using the strand of wire to weave in and out of the frame, like you’re threading a needle. Repeat this step until the wreath is covered. Be careful to stagger the greenery bundles so that they cover up any gaps or exposed wire. 
    5. Once your wreath is covered, add decorations like pinecones, berries, dried oranges, or acorns. You can use the wire pieces to secure these adornments, or you can use hot glue. When finished, snip the wire strand. 

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