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How To Make A Wreath: A Step-by-Step Guide. Instructions for how to make an embellished grapevine wreath to hang on a front door or garden gate.
Over the years, I have received emails from readers who either wanted to buy the wreath off my front door or one just like it. I felt terrible having to tell them that I don’t make wreaths to sell. Here’s the thing…it’s not hard. It just takes time and a little patience. I’m going to teach you all how to make a wreath…right here, right now!
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I’ve been making wreaths seems like my whole life, so I have all of the necessary supplies. If you’ve never made one, there are some things you will need to purchase. Here are easy links to what you will need:
1. Wire cutters
2. Glue gun and glue
3. Green florist wire
I decided to make a garden themed wreath, hoping to hurry spring along. The process is the same no matter what type of wreath you make. First you need to gather your supplies.
How to Make a Wreath
For my garden themed wreath I needed:
- 2 grapevine wreaths. One 20 in. and one 24 in.
- 1 natural looking garland from a craft store.
- A bow (this is optional)
- wire cutters
- florists wire
- glue gun
- glue
- The fun stuff. Things you have collected to embellish the wreath.
In this case I have vintage garden tools, a watering can and a bird’s nest.
Before we go any further I want to explain why I sometimes use 2 wreaths. The most important thing to remember when making a wreath is that it needs depth. It’s crucial for curb appeal. One way to easily achieve that is to layer 2 wreaths…one on top of the other. Wire them together in 4 places. Just stick the wire up through the grapevine and twist.
To get additional depth you can add a garland. Try to choose one that looks as natural as possible. Lay it on the perimeter of the smaller wreath and attach it with wire the same way you hooked the wreaths together.
Honestly, I could stop here and it would be perfectly fine. Look at the depth I’ve already achieved. Of course, I can never leave well enough alone so I always add more layers. I made a blue grain sack bow and attached it, again with wire, to the wreath at about 4 o’clock.
Here is my tutorial on How to Make a Perfect Bow. A bow can be made from anything…burlap, drop cloth or ribbon by the roll. Just make sure it’s at least 4 in. wide and a good thickness. I left long tails on mine but you could make them shorter if you prefer. If you don’t like the bow at 4 o’clock, try 12 o’clock or even 10 o’clock. All look great from the street.
I found these vintage garden tools on Etsy and have been saving them for this project. I love that they still show some blue paint. I tried a couple of different ways to attach them but ended up placing them criss-cross and again used wire to attach.
The last thing I added was the bird’s nest. I had already glued the eggs in the nest so all I had to do was wire the nest to the wreath. I nestled it under the tools and I think the eggs tie all the blues together. Honestly…the tools won’t show up from the street. That’s fine with me because it’s a little surprise when someone approaches my door.
If you remember I had gathered a watering can with my other garden items. After I got the bird’s nest on I decided the watering can would be over-kill. Sometimes less really is more! I used very little glue with this wreath because it just worked better to wire everything. It’s always good to have your glue gun ready to go…just in case.
I have to admit that I adore the bow…I made a red one for my Christmas wreath and I think I like this blue one just as well.
Related:
For the wreath in this tutorial I opted for a garland. Many times I use natural-looking floral stems. I have found that the best way to attach stems is just to stick them right through the grapevine. I never use glue or wire with floral stems.
One important thing to consider when you are choosing wreath embellishments is the color of your door. Try to choose contrasting colors for the elements on your wreath. White always pops from my blue door so I try to use it as often as I can. If your door is white, bolder colors would be better.
I hope I’ve inspired you to make a wreath for your front door. There is no better way to put your personal stamp on your home. It’s the perfect way to welcome visitors and introduce yourself.
Which color and gauge of wreath wire is the best? I’m guessing if your colors are more holiday/Christmasy, use silver. If it’s more rustic or more greenery is wanted, stick w green to blend better?
Hi Sam! I always use green wire because that’s what I have on hand. It would be fine to match your wreath colors though. Have fun!
I’m making a wreath for my Daughter n Law’s Mother’s Birthday. I could really use any help or advice you have to offer. Thank you
Hi Shondee…I have a whole slew of wreath tutorials on my blog. Here is the category link so you can look around: https://www.onsuttonplace.com/category/wreaths/ I hope this helps!
Luved it ! You made it simple, easy to understand. Thanks !
I would love to see directions for the wreath featured on the Sutton place door showing Sherwin Williams naval paint with greens white and blue😊
Hi Christine! I’ve featured so many wreaths over the years that I’m not exactly sure which one you mean. Can you give me a link to the post where you saw it?
So in love with this easy wreath, Ann!
Happy Saturday morning Ann – I featured your gorgeous wreath today! http://www.settingforfour.com/2013/04/5-beautiful-diy-wreaths-and-banners.html I pinned to our group linky board and shouting it out too – thanks so much for sharing your amazing creativity at Project Inspired Linky Party! Have a great weekend :D Heather
Really like the wreaths, especially the first one with the old hand tools and pretty greenery.
Lynnie
Thanks so much for sharing at Project Inspired @ Setting for Four. I pinned your lovely spring wreath to our group linky pinboard!
I hope you are having a fantastic Easter, and can join me Monday evening 8 pm EST for Project Inspired #8! :D
Thank you, Ann. This is a wonderful post! Taught me things I did not know! Thank you!!~~Angela
Thanks for the tutorial.I like your double wreath idea. Your wreaths are always gorgeous. and you’ve inspired me to make one for my “nekkid” front door. :)
I enjoy making wreaths, as well. Especially when we lived in Washington and were surrounded by an abundance of different (and free) types of greenery.
Thanks for the tutorial, Ann.
Fondly,
Glenda
So lovely, Ann.
Your wreaths are always so pretty, Ann. :D I love the one with the garden tools.
Gorgeous wreaths! I also really love that navy blue door. Do you mind sharing the color/brand?
Thank you my friend for showing me how to make a wreath. Would you believe that I’ve never made one that I’ve liked. But now I think I have a much better handle on it. I really want to make a pretty one for my door and one for my friend.
Hugs, Cindy
You are quite the talented wreath maker!!!! I love your newest creation. The little garden tools you added are perfect for Spring. I love the birds nest and of course that grainsack bow too! Thanks for sharing the tutorial. I think making wreaths is fun.
Love it. Looking forward to geting more crafty decorating ideas. Thanks
OMG Ann! I have never stacked 2 grapevine wreaths together but I can see how it adds so much depth to a wreath! Thanks for that tip! You aren’t going to believe this, but I bought some vintage gardening tools at the auction. I haven’t put them up for sale in the shop because I wasn’t sure if someone would want them. Boy, was I wrong!!!
thanks for those tips! I think I am going to try to make one for spring also!
BEAUTIFUL wreath!!! The bow really makes the whole wreath, it’s lovely! A perfectly put together wreath!
Great post on wreaths Ann! You’ve inspired me to get going and make my own for my door for spring!
Beautiful wreath, Ann! I love the layered look, but, unfortunately, can only do so much with the space between my front door and the storm door. I’m going to be trying your bow tutorial soon.
What pretty wreaths. It’s crazy but I’ve never made one myself…and I think I am almost ready! Thanks for sharing your wreath creating tips. I’ve already got some ideas brewing…:) Have a great weekend, Ann!
Your wreath is gorgeous, Ann. The only thing that would make it prettier would be some nice ivy trailing down. LOL. Your blue door is a nice background for showing the wreath at its maximum beauty. Have a great weekend!!
I love your spring wreath! Thanks for the tutorial!
My, oh my, have you ever inspirred me to go make a wreath! Yours are GORGEOUS!!!
Oh Ann – thank you so much for this post! I think I will pick up some supplies tomorrow and attempt to make a gorgeous spring wreath. Yours are all so beautiful. We are supposed to have more cold weather here this weekend… Andrea and I and the girls are going to leave the guys home tomorrow & going shopping in the “city”! Hope you have a wonderful weekend Ann!
Oh, my gosh…that wreath is stunning!
Ann, your wreaths are lovely and I really like the idea of wiring two wreaths together to create a nice full look.
hugs
sissie
It’s so pretty! and great idea with doubling up the wreaths for that depth… I’m pinning. Little Bit
Great tips, Ann. Your wreaths are always so beautiful.
All of your wreaths are gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing your tutorial, lots of great info.! I love the idea of layering two for depth, I will have to give that a try next time. Have a great weekend : )
Thanks so much for this brilliant post! I’ve pinned it and am going to try and make one myself…one day!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Your wreath is so pretty. I especially love the blue tools you used for that element of surprise!
Mary Alice
Thanks so much for the wreath making tutorial. I have been wanting to make one for a long time and you’ve just inspired me to do so. I need a little spring right about now!
Wow Ann, just beautiful! Just pinned! Happy Spring, Jen @ City Farmhouse
I’ve made lots of wreaths, love making them. But I’ve never done 2 on top of each other before for depth, great idea! I love the look of your wreath with the tools & nest. Very springy!
Debbie :)
Great Tutorial Ann! And you can always add wreaths to your etsy shop it sounds like :)
All of your wreaths are so nice and I really love your grain sack bows! Perhaps you could sell your beautiful bows! I would certainly buy one or two of them! Thanks Ann for sharing your Spring Inspiration.
Well, truth be told, I haven’t made a wreath in twenty years. It would be so much easier for me, if you’d just make them to sell….you would have so many buyers. But, I guess I’ll just have to try again! Enjoy your weekend! ;)
Beautiful wreath, and adding the two together is a great idea:) Still snow here, so it is hard to get in the Spring mood even thought it is on my mind constantly. Can’t wait to see how your forsythias turn out. I lost my plant when our well went out. Hubby had to dig it up and it never came back. I may have to stop along the road and get a few cuttings to re-root, they are the easiest plant to start from cuttings.
How beautiful Ann! I love the gardening tools, the perfect touch!
I love how that wreath turned out. I never thought to layer 2 grapevine wreaths. Thanks for the tips.
Well, whatever plans I THOUGHT I had for this weekend just got thrown out the window! I spent all of last weekend searching for this very, exact, perfect THING!!! And instructions? I’m over the moon in love with this post! *sigh* Be. still. my. heart. (who says praying for directions for the perfect Spring wreath doesn’t work, LOL)
Hi Ann! Oh, thank you so much for the tutorial! I’ve never thought of using two wreaths together like this but what a difference it makes! I love the depth. I make my own arrangements for my front doors – I have double doors – but it really does take a talent to make them look like this! You’re one amazing gal!
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I love your creativity. Beautiful!!
I love making wreaths! Thanks for the inspiration!
So pretty! Love using the old garden tools on your wreath!
This is just the idea I need to cure my spring fever! Thank you for sharing your creativity. :)
That’s such a pretty wreath! I love the sweet vintage garden tools :) I have some, somewhere …. Hope you don’t mind if I copy you! Have a great weekend,
Andrea
Ann, your wreaths are beautiful! Thanks for the tutorial.
Your wreaths are so pretty. I used to make wreaths, but mine always looked kind of doofy, so I quit. Maybe I’ll try again after seeing your instructions and how lovely yours turn out. You have a real talent.
love, love, love the wreath…you could sell these for sure! so pretty. thanks for sharing. :-)
Oh, Ann! Such a beautiful and full spring wreath. I make my wreaths the same way,using two grapevine wreaths as a base. It just makes it so full and professional looking!
I adore the bow too!!!! A masterful job indeed!
Love this! That wreath is gorgeous! ANd the tip for the 2 wreaths…I didn’t know?? Picking up my jaw now. And, now I am going to try a wreath again. Maybe now I can achieve wreath awesomeness!
your wreaths are ALL beautiful, I tried forcing the stems like this once and some little bug hatched, beware for bugs!Some lay dormant all winter just as the buds do!