DIY Wreaths Using Natural Materials

I love incorporating natural materials into any DIY project for two reasons. 1) You cannot replicate nature and its beauty; 2) Natural products are free and do not cost anything. Good quality faux branches and flowers are expensive. And even though they are pretty, they are not genuine or unique as Nature provides. Have you ever made a wreath using natural materials?

Materials You will Need

Currently, I am still at our cabin in the mountains and resources and supplies are very limited. There is a Walmart about a 25 minute drive from here and often, they are low on inventory. The only wreath frames available are 2 18″ grapevine wreaths for $4.74 each. In addition, I needed a wire cutter for $4.88 and floral wire for $1.47. Any kind of wreath frame will work.

Walmart’s faux floral section is so depleted and what is left, well, let’s just say it isn’t my taste. However, I was recently very inspired by a blog post written by Christine from Designs and Events. She made a wreath using roadside plants and greens. Since I’ve never made a wreath using natural materials, I thought I’d give it a try. Don’t you just love it when someone or something inspires you?

Foraging for Plant Material

The mornings here are crisp and cool now which is a great time to scavenge and hunt for just the right foliage. I do not know the names of these plants and they could be weeds for all I know. But I am looking for different textures, colors and sizes to make sure the wreath is interesting.

Wreath #1

Prep Your Work Space

Armed with my straw basket I set out looking for a variety of cuttings. The oak and aspen trees provide good material for the backdrop of the wreath. When I return home, I spread out a plastic tablecloth to assemble the wreath. Be prepared for a few bugs too.

Fill in the Background

I cut the oak leaves into manageable sizes and wire them to the grapevine wreath. Then I add the aspen greens, tucking them among the oak.

Here is what the wreath looks like at this stage.

Add Different Elements

Next I add this very fall looking flower (not sure the name), tucking the stems in with the greenery.

Using an odd number of sprig groupings, I sprinkle them around the wreath.

Next I add this soft, tubular shaped grass (?) with its sage green tones.

Since I don’t have a glue gun up here, I am tucking the stems in the wire used to secure the oak and aspen leaves. With the grapevine structure, it is easy to slip the stems into that as well.

These dark, rusty red branches already have dried leaves on them. Placing them on the bottom of the wreath, will lead your eye to the center. Another option would be to break them into smaller pieces and scatter them through the whole wreath.

Finding fresh thistle with its purple spikes was a painful delight. They are SO thorny and prickly. Wearing gloves is important while working with them.

So here is Wreath #1. Ribbon would be a great addition however, I failed to buy one.

Wreath #2

With the second wreath I decide to do something a bit loose and less complicated. Using the leftover grasses, I wrap them with the floral wire around the second grapevine form.

Isn’t this just pretty as is?

Using a few pumpkin and amaranthus picks from Walmart for $0.97 each, I only decorate one side. Here are some autumn picks from Amazon.

Here is how Wreath #2 looks!

The fun part of this project is that you can create whatever you want. This is a very cost effective way to make your very own wreath with natural materials for under $10.

Neccesity is the Mother of invention here at the cabin. Not having lots of material available is forcing me to think out of the box. I put the second wreath up by our front door and it looks just perfect there!

Wishing you a fabulous weekend!

If you love wreaths and follow Pinterest, I have a Wreath Board you can find here. As always, if you enjoyed this post, please share with others.

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