There is something about the festive season that really makes us want to get artsy and crafty—maybe something to do with all those paper chains and snowflakes we had to make as children? So, if you’re looking for some festive arts and crafts to get stuck into, why not have a go at making a Christmas wreath?
Making Christmas wreaths is a super fun project that you can do with the family or all on your own, and it’s a craft that you’ll be able to pull out every Christmas for years to come! So, to help you get started, we’ve pulled together a guide featuring step-by-step instructions plus plenty of design inspiration.
Just quickly before we dive into how to make homemade wreaths, if you’re planning on making one for a friend or a family member, why not pick up one of our wonderfully festive Christmas cards to go with it?
How to make Christmas wreaths
Image source: Unsplash
When it comes to arts and crafts projects, we like to be as prepared as possible, which is why we’ve created this handy step-by-step guide on how to make Christmas wreaths the whole street will be envious of. Ready to dive straight in? Well, the first step involves gathering a bunch of essentials.
What you’ll need:
- Gloves (we recommend thick ones like gardening gloves)
- Wire frame, or thin wire bent into a circle shape
- Twine or gardening wire
- Gardening scissors (or a pair of gardening shears)
- Foliage such as moss, eucalyptus leaves or holly
- Ribbons
- Decorations – berries, pinecones, additional foliage, glitter, ornaments, anything you would like to add on!
Making Christmas wreaths: step-by-step instructions
So, once you’ve gathered the above, it’s time to crack on with building your very own homemade Christmas wreath.
- You’ll need to begin by either creating your circular frame or prepping a pre-made wreath frame with some twine (or wire). This involves securing your twine to the frame with a couple of twists, with the twine still attached to the reel and on the outside of the frame.
- Next, you will take your base foliage (we recommend moss because it is really dense and has a lot of moisture to sustain the foliage you will add in later) and attach it to the frame by wrapping the twine around it and the frame.
- Once the frame is covered in the base foliage and you have a green circle, you can collect a bunch of your preferred decorative foliage (we like to use eucalyptus leaves for their matte green softness, and pine branches to add some wintery texture) and attach these to the wreath frame on top of the base foliage with the twine.
- Continue adding bundles of foliage around the wreath, overlapping them until the base foliage is evenly covered. Cut the twine once everything is secured by twisting it a few times at the back and (carefully) cutting with gardening scissors.
- Next, you’re going to take your twine and wrap it around the individual decorations you want to tie on, creating two long strands which you will use to attach them to your wreath.
- Attach your decorations at random intervals around the wreath, making sure to separate them fairly evenly but at natural gaps.
- Attach a thick ribbon to the wreath by looping it through the back of the frame and tie it in a pretty bow at the top.
- Use the ribbon to hang your wreath on a door or suitable place, and enjoy your fancy new Christmas wreath!
Decorating Christmas wreaths
Now, we’ve given a pretty basic overview of making a Christmas wreath, but it’s important to keep in mind that those steps are for a simple wreath, and you can decorate your wreath however you like! If you want to opt for fancy leaves and spray paint the whole thing gold, you go for it! In fact, we have some pretty great style inspiration for you to try out if you’re stuck for ideas.
Styling homemade wreaths
Image source: Unsplash
You could make Christmas wreaths extra Christmassy by adding in some lovely smelling decorations like dried oranges or cinnamon sticks. Alternatively, buy some tiny baubles to add some playful elements to your wreath – you could even try a small string of battery-powered lights around it to add some warmth to your front door in the dark evenings.
For a wreath that probably won’t last until next year, but will look stunning, use fresh flowers like thistles, wallflowers, and winter berries. Or add a cute and cheap modern flair to your wreath by using pom poms as decorations – this colourful craft can easily be done just using hot glue too!
Alternative Christmas wreaths
Image source: Unsplash
There are a few different ways you can create alternative Christmas wreaths if you want to depart from tradition. Go for earthy tones, using dried flowers, pinecones, and pheasant feathers to create a wreath that can be used not just at Christmas, but for autumn and New Year too. Alternatively, go for a really fun look by creating a wreath out of red, green, and pink balloons to add some whimsy to this year’s Christmas decorations.
Gold glitter leaves can create a truly decadent wreath for those looking to step up their Christmasdécor, and this design is sure to last forever if you make sure to pack it carefully after Christmas is over. Another chic way to make your own wreath is by using twigs and driftwood as the base, and adding seashells and coastal ornaments, for the perfect Christmas by the coast décor!
Well, there we have it: our insights on how to make a Christmas wreath you’re proud of! From twinkling lights to gold leaves and colourful berries, there are a variety of ways in which you can add a unique touch to your front door this Christmas.
Once you’ve got your wreath sorted, it’s time to get a head start on the Christmas shopping by checking out our gifts section. Then, head over to the thortful blog for tons more DIY ideas and crafting tips, during Christmas and across the rest of the year!
We’ve got plenty of winter craft ideas, including tips on how to make your own Christmas decorations as well as DIY Christmas stockings.
