Wreaths add a nice finishing touch to your home, and make a great look on your front door, living room or entryway. This wreath guide will give you all the information you need to get started creating your very own wreath, as well as how to take care of your wreath masterpiece so they last for a long time!
WREATH TOOLS
Our Wreath Tools Buying Guide post lays out all of the essential tools you will need for your wreath project. You can use this as a shopping list to bring to your favorite craft store or choose from the featured products online.
Some of the essential wreath tools that you will need are:
- Wire Cutters
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Floral wire
- High temperature glue gun
- Glue sticks
- Bow maker
- Floral picks
- Floral tape
- Staple gun
- Chenille pipe cleaners
HOW TO MEASURE A WREATH
Most people are not familiar with how to measure a wreath size. Wreaths come in the following sizes:
- 24-inch – good size for a standard 36-inch wide front door
- 36-inch – this will fit flush to the full width of a standard size front door
When measuring the length of a wreath, there are two measurements you can refer to:
Depth: The distance from the front of the wreath to the back. This is a helpful measurement when you want to hang a wreath on a door with a screen or storm door in front of it. Checking the wreath depth will ensure that you wreath will fit well between both doors and will not get crushed.
Some wreaths have wider depths and some of the decorations that go on the wreath will extend its width. It’s good to keep this in mind and to leave space for bows, flowers or other decorations that will go on your wreath.
Diameter: The measurement of distance from one end of the wreath to the other. The wreath diameter listed does account for some space for the florals or decor that will go on it. Keep in mind the diameter size when deciding where the wreath will be placed. For your diameter, measure your wreath from side to side across the front.
HANGING A WREATH – WREATH HANGER OPTIONS
There are a few options of wreath hanging accessories to choose from. Most hangers hook around the top of your door and then hooks around the wreath.
- Over-the-Door Wreath Hanger – great for front doors, inside doors and won’t damage the door.
- Double Magnetic Wreath Hanger – used for metal surfaces or windows, can be hung with a magnet hanger.
- Plastic Hooks – good for smaller, indoor wreaths that are not too heavy.
If you have a glass door, try using a clear hook with a back suction that sticks to the door.
If you have a metal door, use a magnetic hook that is made for metal surfaces.
If you are using a wooden door, you can use nails by hammering one in and hang with a heavy duty fishing line.
If you are hanging your wreath on brick indoors, use a brick hook that can hold up to 25 pounds and fastens to the edges of the brick to hold. For brick outdoors, you can use a masonry bit and drill into the mortar, but not the brick.
How long will a wreath last on my front door?
How long a wreath will last will depend on where it is placed. In a sheltered location away from heat, wind and moisture will keep it preserved longer. Also, the materials used will definitely be a factor. Silk flowers will hold up much better than the dried or natural flowers. Fabric wreaths tend to wilt a bit if kept in cold temperatures.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR WREATH
Fabric wreath – Try to keep this wreath in a dry environment. If the fabric starts to wilt, you can spray it some starch to keep it fluffy. Check out my St. Patrick’s Day Fabric Wreath Tutorial.
Dried flower wreath – Dried flowers are delicate and should be handled with care. A cool, dry environment is best for a dried wreath, so most dried flower wreaths should be hung in an indoor, well ventilated area.
Live flower wreath – First, plumb some of the extra foliage, and mist your wreath with water every few days (if you keep indoors). No misting is necessary if your wreath is outdoors if the weather is cool. Avoid direct sunlight and keep away from any heat sources.
Silk wreaths – Silk wreaths are pretty durable and easy to take care of. Hang this type of wreath in an area without direct sunlight if possible to keep from fading and dust with a paper towel or duster as needed to keep clean.
ACCESSORIES & ACCENTS
I think it’s fair to say the possibilities are endless, but here is a breakdown:
Ribbons and Bows – types of ribbon are silk or fabric, burlap and deco mesh. I made an Easter Deco Mesh Wreath using items from the dollar store which made it super cheap to create!
How to Choose Ribbon for Wreaths – A wreath bow isn’t necessary, but gives it a nice touch. If you don’t know how to make a bow you can use a bow maker. You can find all kinds of pre-made bows at your local craft store. You can make a bow using more than one ribbon, such as a solid and a patterned bow.
Flowers – dried, real or faux (silk) flowers. Types of flowers are endless, but popular flower types are roses, tulips, hydrangeas, sunflowers, daisies and succulents. Speaking of succulents, here is an easy tutorial for a Succulent Wreath I made.
Moss & Greenery – types of greenery include moss, pine, spruce, magnolia, holly and pine cones.
Signs – these can be any type of sign you wish to use for a particular holiday or special occasion.
Feathers – popular types of feathers are peacock, pheasant, feather boa and cocktail feathers. Here are some great Feather Wreath ideas that you can check out for some inspiration.
Lights – you can use LED, pre lit lights, Christmas lights or incandescent lights.
CHOOSING A WREATH FORM
Wire Wreath
Wire wreaths are the most durable option to create and reuse a wreath for years. Easily decorated, wire wreaths are adorned with everything from burlap to ribbon to silk flowers making them ideal for almost any season.
Sturdy as they are, most wreaths use a wire form, the weight of the branches would be unlikely to work well with any other type of wreath. It is a low-cost option and a good option for a reusable, seasonal wreath.
Decorating these wreaths is not difficult and often simply an artistic eye is required to beautifully arrange and attach flowers and/or ribbons. Burlap is also often a popular choice to decorate such wreaths.
Grapevine Wreath
A lovely, rustic choice of wreath, grapevine wreaths are often slightly different in style, similar to a bunch of twigs twisted into a circular shape. While a wire wreath covers the whole frame with decorations, a grapevine wreath often opts to leave a large portion of the wreath exposed while decorated tastefully with a one to three seasonal bows, perhaps a bouquet of flowers, or even a spray of foliage or plants.
Up to half of the wreath is decorated (though often less) with whatever decoration fits the season. Found usually under $10, they are less durable than wire wreaths, but create a beautiful and natural look. I used a grapevine wreath to create my Crescent Moon Wreath using lights and features.
Styrofoam Wreath
Styrofoam wreaths are made from a simple, light, Styrofoam base. Ranging from $2-10 and can be decorated in some ways similar to a grapevine wreath.
Though a spray of flowers, bows, or foliage can be attached to a portion of the wreath, they are often more simple and stick mostly to ribbon for a smoother, more modern and less natural look.
They are much less sturdy than other types of wreaths and do not hold decorating pins very well. Hot glue is the tool most used to decorate a Styrofoam wreath.
Straw Wreath
Straw wreaths are similar to grapevine wreaths in the fact that they often embody a more rustic style than their Styrofoam and wire counterparts.
Also similar to the grapevine style, they usually leave a large portion of the wreath frame exposed while decorating a part with a few tasteful ribbons, a spray of foliage, or a bouquet of flowers.
Per their ‘straw-like” look, these wreaths are especially perfect for a seasonal fall wreath, with a spray of orange and red leaves, small pumpkin decorations, or an autumn ribbon. They can, however, be made beautiful for any season. A simple twisting vine decoration or ribbon can also be quite effective.
Wreath Storage Options
Don’t forget to think of storage, too! Look for durable accessories that keep your wreaths and garlands safe from damaging elements. Storing them properly will maintain their condition for years to come.
Here are 2 methods for storing your wreaths:
Wreath storage box – after selecting the best size wreath box, place your wreath in the box and secure with two chenille ties, going up through the bottom of the box and around the wreath frame.
Clear trash bag liners – Insert the hook of the hanger through the top part of the frame. Next, cut a hole in the top of the bag, then pull the hook off the hanger through the hole. The bottom will be the open end of the bag, so grab all sides at the bottom and tie a knot.
We hope you find this wreath guide helpful! There are so many different types of wreaths that you can create that the possibilities are endless. I have so much fun making my own wreaths and hope you do as well!
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