Want to learn how to make a dried flower wreath? It’s a lovely project that brings a piece of your garden indoors all year round. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process. You don’t need to be an expert crafter. With a few materials and some patience, you can create a beautiful, lasting decoration.
How to Make a Dried Flower Wreath
This section covers the core process. We’ll start by gathering everything you need before moving onto the hands-on steps. The key is to work slowly and enjoy the creative process. Your wreath will be unique to you.
What You’ll Need: Tools & Materials
Having everything ready before you start makes the project smoother. You can find most of these items at craft stores or online.
- A Wreath Base: Grapevine, straw, or a simple wire ring. Grapevine is my favorite for its natural look and easy attachment points.
- Dried Flowers & Foliage: A mix of textures, sizes, and colors. Think lavender, statice, strawflowers, baby’s breath, eucalyptus, and rose buds.
- Florist’s Wire: A spool of paddle wire (like 24-gauge) is essential.
- Wire Cutters or Strong Scissors: For trimming stems and wire.
- Florist Tape (Optional): Helps bind stems together neatly.
- Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks: For securing fragile pieces or adding final touches.
- Ribbon (Optional): For making a bow to finish your wreath.
Preparing Your Dried Flowers
You can buy pre-dried flowers or dry your own. If using garden blooms, hang small bunches upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area for 1-3 weeks. Ensure they are completely dry before using them. Any moisture can cause mold.
Before assembling, prep your materials. Trim all your dried flower stems to a manageable length, about 2-4 inches. This makes them easier to attach. Sort them into piles by type or size. This helps you visualize your design as you work.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
Now for the fun part! Find a comfortable workspace with good light. Lay out your wreath base and all your prepared materials within reach.
Step 1: Secure Your Starting Point
Take your paddle wire and attach the end to the back of your wreath base. Wrap it around a few times to secure it firmly. Don’t cut the wire from the spool yet. You’ll be using it continuously.
Step 2: Create Small Bunches
Start by making small, mixed bunches of your dried materials. Combine a few sprigs of foliage with a couple of flower heads. This is more effective than adding single stems. Wrap the stems of each mini-bunch tightly with florist’s wire or tape to hold them together.
Step 3: Attach the Bunches to the Base
Place your first bunch onto the front of the wreath base. Hold it firmly in place. With your free hand, wrap the attached paddle wire around the stems and the base 3-4 times. Pull the wire tight to secure. The stems should not wiggle.
Step 4: Continue the Pattern
Place your next bunch so that it overlaps the stems of the first, hiding the wire and creating a full look. Wrap with wire again. Repeat this process all the way around the wreath base. Each new bunch covers the previous one’s stems.
Step 5: Finish the Circle
When you get back to the start, tuck the final bunch under the flowers of the first bunch. This creates a seamless circle. Secure it with wire, then wrap the wire a few extra times on the back for safety. Cut the wire and tuck the end in.
Step 6: Final Embellishments
Look for any sparse spots. You can use your hot glue gun to add individual flower heads or bits of foliage to fill them in. This is also the time to attach a pre-made ribbon bow if you want one. Let any glue dry completely.
Design Tips for a Beautiful Wreath
A thoughtful design makes all the difference. Here are some tips from the garden.
- Work with Color: Choose a cohesive color palette, like soft pinks and whites or warm yellows and oranges. Add a few contrasting sprigs for interest.
- Vary Texture: Mix fluffy elements (like ammobium) with spiky ones (lavender) and round shapes (peony roses). This adds depth.
- Consider Scale: Place larger blooms evenly around the wreath, using smaller flowers and filler to connect them. Don’t put all the big pieces on one side.
- Add Movement: Let some longer pieces, like dried grasses or vines, trail slightly outside the main circle. It gives a natural, graceful feel.
Caring for Your Dried Flower Wreath
With proper care, your creation can last for years. Hang it indoors, away from direct sunlight, which will fade the colors quickly. Also, avoid places with high humidity, like bathrooms, or spots above radiators.
Dust it gently with a hairdryer on a cool, low setting or with a soft brush. If a piece becomes loose, a dab of hot glue will fix it right up. Remember, dried flowers are fragile, so handle your wreath with care when moving it.
FAQ: Your Dried Flower Wreath Questions
What are the best flowers for a dried wreath?
Choose flowers that dry well and hold their shape. Excellent choices include statice, strawflowers, lavender, globe amaranth, cockscomb, and yarrow. Herbs like rosemary and sage also work wonderfully.
How long does it take to make a dried flower wreath?
The assembly itself can take 1-2 hours for a beginner, depending on the size and complexity. This doesn’t include the time needed to dry the flowers if you’re doing that yourself, which can take several weeks.
Can I use a hot glue gun instead of wire?
You can, but wire is more secure for the main construction. A glue gun is perfect for adding last-minute embellishments or repairing pieces. Relying solely on glue for the whole wreath can make it less durable over time.
How do you attach dried flowers to a grapevine wreath?
The wire method works perfectly. The twigs and crevices in a grapevine wreath provide excellent anchor points for wrapping wire. You can also tuck very sturdy stems directly into the vines before securing with wire for extra hold.
Where should I hang my finished wreath?
Hang it on an interior door, a wall above a console table, or as a centerpiece on a wall. Just ensure it’s in a dry place and not in a high-traffic area where it could be bumped and broken. A wreath hook or a sturdy nail is best for hanging.
Creating your own dried flower wreath is a rewarding way to preserve the beauty of your garden. It allows for personal expression and results in a timeless piece of decor. By following this guide, you’ll have a beautiful handmade wreath to enjoy for seasons to come. Remember, there’s no single right way to do it—your personal touch is what makes it special.