Fall has officially arrived, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by sprucing up your home with some awesome DIY autumn wreaths. They’re a breeze to create, won’t cost a fortune, and add a suitable seasonal charm to your place.
My favorite places to gather cheap supplies are Dollar Tree and Dollar General. Did you know that Dollar General has a whole aisle dedicated to $ 1-only items?! For over ten years, I’ve been creating little wreaths using cheap Dollar Store items or things around our homestead.
Let’s get started on our creative adventure!
You will be able to get most of the materials at Dollar Tree and, hopefully, your own backyard!
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wreath base (grapevine, foam, or wire)
- Assorted faux or real flowers (mums, sunflowers, or autumn leaves)
- Ribbon or twine for hanging
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Floral wire or pipe cleaners
- Scissors
- Optional: decorative accents (pinecones, mini pumpkins, or berries)
1. Mums and Sunflowers Wreath
Choose rich, autumnal hues like deep reds, oranges, and yellows for your mums and sunflowers. Opt for faux flowers with wired stems if you don’t have real flowers to choose from in your yard, which are easier to bend and manipulate into the grapevine base, ensuring a full and lush appearance.
Instructions:
- Choose Your Base: I usually go for a grapevine base because it’s sturdy and gives that rustic feel.
- Arrange Flowers: Start with the larger flowers like mums and sunflowers. Position them around the base.
- Hot Glue: Secure your floral arrangement with hot glue. Be careful, though; hot glue can be sneaky and burn your fingers.
- Add Accents: Attach some mini pumpkins and pinecones with floral wire.
- Finishing Touches: Once everything is in place, add a bow made from ribbon at the top.
- Hang It Up: Use twine to hang your masterpiece. Voila! You’ve got a stunning wreath.
2. Dollar Store Delight Wreath
Look for faux flowers that have realistic textures and vibrant colors, even if they’re from the dollar store. Mixing different sizes and shapes can create a more dynamic and layered look, elevating the wreath’s overall aesthetic without breaking the bank.
Instructions:
- Base Selection: Foam wreath bases are cheap and available at most dollar stores.
- Faux Flowers: Grab some faux mums and leaves or whatever your Dollar Tree has. Trust me, no one can tell they’re fake. When choosing faux flowers, look for ones with wire stems for easier manipulation
- Glue and Arrange: Hot glue the flowers and leaves to the base. ( Glue sticks also at Dollar Tree)
- Ribbon Addition: Tie a ribbon around the wreath for an extra touch.
- Hang: Using floral wire, create a loop for hanging.
3. Recycled Materials Wreath
If you’re using recycled fabric or paper to create flowers, aim for materials with interesting patterns or colors that mimic real flowers. This adds a unique charm and ensures your wreath stands out while remaining eco-friendly.
I like to use old penny savers for craft projects, or you can pick up free penny savers and other magazines from Dollar General.
Instructions:
- Gather Materials: Collect old magazines, newspapers, or even fabric scraps.
- Cut and Roll: Cut them into strips and roll them into small flowers.
- Attach to Base: Glue these flowers onto a wire or foam base.
- Personalize: Add some twine or ribbon.
- Display: Hang using a loop made from ribbon or pipe cleaners.
- This is a great video on how to do it.
4. Pinecone Wreath
Use small, faux berries or sprigs of greenery that complement the natural look of pinecones. Dark red or deep purple berries can provide a nice contrast against the earthy tones of the pinecones, adding depth and interest.
Instructions:
- Collect Pinecones: Head outside and gather a bunch of pinecones (nature’s freebies).
- Base Selection: A grapevine or wire base works best.
- Glue Pinecones: Hot glue the pinecones to the base.
- Add Accents: Sprinkle in some faux berries or small pumpkins.
- Hang: Secure with twine or ribbon.
5. Minimalist Eucalyptus Wreath
Select eucalyptus sprigs with a soft, muted green color for a minimalist vibe. Adding a few white or cream-colored flowers, like small mums, can provide just enough contrast to keep the wreath elegant and understated.
Instructions:
- Choose Base: Wire bases are great for a minimalist look. These are available at Dollar Tree.
- Eucalyptus Sprigs: Attach eucalyptus sprigs using floral wire.
- Simple Accents: Add a few sunflowers or mums.
- Finish with Ribbon: Tie a simple ribbon at the top.
- Hang and Admire: Use twine for hanging.
6. Harvest Bounty Wreath
Choose faux vegetables and flowers that are slightly varied in color to give a more natural harvest look. Earthy tones like ochre and maroon can complement the faux corn and squash, bringing a cozy harvest feel to the wreath.
Instructions:
- Base Selection: Grapevine bases are ideal.
- Attach Faux Veggies: Use hot glue to attach mini faux vegetables like corn and squash.
- Add Flowers: Mix in some flowers like mums and sunflowers.
- Accentuate: Add a burlap ribbon for a rustic touch.
- Hang: Secure with twine or ribbon.
7. Berry Bliss Wreath
Pick faux berries in varying shades for a more authentic and abundant look. Mixed red and purple berries can make the wreath look fuller and more vibrant, capturing the essence of a bountiful autumn harvest.
Instructions:
- Choose Your Base: Foam bases are perfect for this project.
- Berry Good: Glue faux berries all around the base.
- Add Leaves: Scatter some faux autumn leaves.
- Finish with Twine: Use twine for a natural look.
- Display Proudly: Hang using a ribbon loop.
8. Rustic Twine Wreath
Go for flowers with a rustic touch, such as sunflowers with slightly frayed edges or mums in faded colors. These choices will blend seamlessly with the twine wrap and enhance the wreath’s rustic charm.
Instructions:
- Base Choice: Grapevine or foam bases work well.
- Wrap with Twine: Wrap the entire base with twine.
- Add Flowers: Glue on some mums and sunflowers.
- Accent with Pinecones: Add a few pinecones for texture.
- Hang: Secure with a twine loop.
9. Plaid Perfection Wreath
Select flowers that pick up on the colors in your plaid fabric. Coordinating the flower colors with the fabric ensures a cohesive look. Consider using flowers in softer tones if your plaid is bold to balance the visual weight.
Instructions:
- Base Selection: Foam bases are ideal.
- Plaid Fabric: Wrap the base in plaid fabric.
- Glue Flowers: Attach some mums and leaves.
- Add Accents: Add mini pumpkins and berries.
- Finish with Ribbon: Use a ribbon for hanging.
10. Nature’s Garland Wreath
When gathering elements from nature, look for leaves and flowers that are sturdy and won’t wilt quickly. If using faux elements, choose those that closely mimic the colors and textures of real autumn foliage to maintain a natural appearance.
Instructions:
- Base Choice: Wire bases are great for this project.
- Collect Materials: Gather leaves, pinecones, and twigs.
- Attach Nature: Use floral wire to secure natural elements.
- Add Flowers: Sprinkle in some faux flowers.
- Hang: Use twine to hang your wreath.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my wreath base is too flimsy?
If you find that your wreath base isn’t as sturdy as you’d like, consider reinforcing it with additional materials. For grapevine or wire bases, try wrapping extra floral wire around the base to add stability. For foam bases, you can double-up by using two foam rings glued together for added thickness. Alternatively, secure a layer of cardboard backing cut to size, which can provide extra support without altering the wreath’s appearance.
How can I make my wreath weather-resistant?
To ensure your wreath withstands the elements, especially if it’s going to be displayed outdoors, here are a few tips:
- Use Weatherproof Materials: Opt for weather-resistant faux flowers and ribbons that are designed for outdoor use. These materials are less likely to fade or deteriorate in the sun or rain.
- Seal Your Wreath: Apply a clear, weatherproof spray sealant over your finished wreath. This will help protect against moisture and UV damage. Be sure to spray in a well-ventilated area and let it dry completely before hanging.
- Secure Loose Elements: Use extra hot glue or floral wire to ensure all elements are tightly secured to the base. This prevents them from being dislodged by wind or other weather conditions.
- Consider Location: Hang your wreath in a sheltered spot, like under a porch or eave, to reduce exposure to direct sunlight and heavy rain.
Following these tips ensures your beautiful autumn wreaths remain vibrant and intact throughout the season.
Happy crafting! 🍁
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