How to Make an Autumn Wreath: A Step-by-Step Guide

One of the best ways to celebrate the autumn season is by making a beautiful wreath, so get into the crafting vibe and make your own!

An autumn wreath is the ultimate door decoration for this time of the year. 

As far as DIY projects go, it’s not that difficult to achieve a stunning result, and the possibilities for using different materials are endless.

Making an autumn wreath is a perfect project for a rainy afternoon in October or November.

Prepare a large mug of pumpkin-spiced latte and get ready to source your materials.

There is a shopping list involved in this project, but it doesn’t have to be very expensive.

However, depending on your design, you will need: 

Selecting Materials for Your Autumn Wreath

Selecting Foliage

Here are some popular foliage choices for autumn wreaths.

You may have some of these options growing in your garden around your home.

If not, it could be a chance to don your wellies and go out on a foraging expedition with the kids.

However, if foraging is not an option, then Amazon is a wonderful source for getting whatever you need: 

using wheat on your autumn wreath
Image Credit to donwhite on Pixabay

Considerations for Wreath Frame

Finally, you will need to choose a frame on which to build your wreath.

You can use a pre-made wreath ring or create your own using cardboard or wire.

A willow wreath frame or twisted grapevines are popular choices for lovely country-living style autumn wreaths.

You can also buy sponge foam frames if you are wanting to embed the stalks of your chosen foliage.

When choosing your wreath frame, consider the size and shape of your wreath.

A larger wreath will require a sturdier frame, while a smaller wreath may be able to be built on a cardboard base.

Be sure to choose a frame that is appropriate for the size and weight of your wreath.

Struggling for Inspiration? 

Then you should definitely check out this post:  https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g1988/fall-craft-projects/ .

Reading through this post, you’ll find wreath ideas using all sorts of different materials, including paper, fabric, and even candy corn. Some of the designs are easy to construct, and some are way more ambitious, but enjoy a good scroll through and see what ideas particularly appeal to you.

If it’s Halloween wreath ideas you’re looking for, then check out this post too: 

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g1951/diy-halloween-wreaths/

You’ll find 44 ideas for easy diy Hallowe’en wreaths to inspire you. Hey, before you know it, you’ll be planning to make a wreath for Christmas, too!

Wreath Tutorial:

Constructing the Wreath

Time to get started! If you’ve chosen, or made, a plain cardboard ring then your first step is to cover it with moss to give it that beautiful country living vibe. 

Fasten it on tightly with your florist wire. Don’t worry too much about the wire showing, as you are going to cover it with all your beautiful foliage. 

making an autumn wreath
Create for image t =o maxmann on Pixabay

Step 1: 

Before you start to attach your foliage, trim the stems to around 8-15 centimetres in length and create some bunches; fastened together with your florist wire. You’ll find that this makes your more brittle items more sturdy.

Step 2: 

Lay your items around the wreath ring before you commit to fastening anything on.

You will see then whether you have enough flowers and foliage to build up an attractive display, and how you wish to arrange them around the ring. 

Step 3: 

Time to get busy fastening everything on now- the exciting bit! Work clockwise around your wreath ring.

Try to use one continuous piece of wire, if you can.

The trick is to use more foliage and flowers to hide the wire and stems of those you’ve already attached, building up the display. Use a zig-zag pattern as you go around the ring. 

Add the most delicate items, such as dried flowers, last, to prevent them from being damaged in the construction process.

You may want to use a hot glue gun to stick nuts, faux fruit and berries into place. 

beautiful autumn wreath
Credit for image to monika1607 on Pixabay

Adding Finishing Touches

Some finishing touches you may wish to consider: 

Glitter

This magic stuff takes me back to making Christmas cards at school: magical! However, it’s probably a case of ‘less is more’ with the glitter on your autumn wreath: don’t go crazy!

However, glitter can add an extra dimension if applied sparingly.

I prefer the spray-on glitter that comes in a can.

It’s a good idea to experiment with it on some leftover foliage before committing yourself to using it on your wreath, then you can see what effect you can achieve.

Spray Paint Details on Your Autumn Wreath

You may wish to use acrylic spray paints to add some autumn colours to your wreath.

Spray painting leaves, nuts and berries in red and golden colours can be extremely effective.

It’s best to spray them before attaching them to your wreath and allow them to dry properly.

Light Up Your Autumn Wreath

I love twinkly lights in autumn when the daylight hours are shortening. Battery-operated strings of lights can be bought very cheaply.

All you need to do is twist them around your wreath and switch them on when the light outside is fading.

The little sparkles of light will really illuminate the shapes and textures of your wreath.

If you want to conserve the batteries, you may just want to switch on the lights when you know you have special visitors coming to your door. 

Create a Message for Your Autumn Wreath

You may wish your autumn wreath to have a special message, such as ‘Happy Autumn’, or ‘Welcome to Our Home.’

It’s easy to purchase wooden lettering if you want to hang a message inside your wreath.

The letters can be suspended using twine for a country living look, or coloured cord or ribbon.

Ribbons

Ribbons and bows can be a beautiful finishing touch to your autumn wreath, really enhancing your chosen colour scheme.

You can use a loop of your ribbon to create a hanger.

Finally, don’t forget to take plenty of photos to show your family and friends- not forgetting your Instagram page, of course! 

step by step guide to creating an autumn wreath
Credit for image to Tingeling on Pixabay

Your Autumn Wreath

I really hope you have found some inspiration from my article and will go ahead and create a beautiful decoration.

Amongst all the seasonal crafts, making wreaths is definitely one of my favorites.

There are many people who earn commissions for creating beautiful autumn and Christmas wreaths: perhaps you could, too!

Recommended reading

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Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase as a result of clicking on my links, then I will receive a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you but will help to fund my expensive coffee habit.

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