How to Make a Wreath in Any Style, From Grapevine to Metal

Creating a stunning wreath is straightforward when you have the right tools, seasonal decorations, and an abundance of holiday cheer. Wreaths beautifully capture the essence of each season: crisp pinecone wreaths in fall and evergreen wreaths in winter. Summer brings opportunities for creativity with beachcombing treasures like shells. Our editors have experimented with numerous materials, from Christmas ornaments to cranberries, one of Martha's preferred designs. We've gathered some of our most effective wreath-making tips to inspire your seasonal decorations, making it easy to beautify your front door or mantel.

What You'll Need

Why not keep a container filled with wreath-making supplies, which makes it convenient to experiment with seasonal materials? Our editors use a variety of tools to craft these loops. For attaching materials to your wreath's form, use floral wire of various gauges on paddles (in the color green if using greenery or other wire such as copper or brass). You can also use floral tape in various colors, twine, floral pins and straight pins in different sizes, and craft glue.

For shaping greenery, use pruning shears or miniature snips. Wire snips are, of course, the sharpest for cutting wire. Needle-nose pliers are ideal for reaching into tight crevices. To hang your wreath, you will need monofilament (also known as fishing line) for a seamless, no-show look. Or try raffia and ribbon for a bold, bright display. Hanging hardware, including picture hooks, D rings, screw eyes, and nails are all handy to have for your project. A final necessity: work gloves to avoid sticky sap and prickly needles from evergreen.

• Floral wire (in various gauges)
• Floral tape
• Straight pins
• Craft glue
• Pruning shears
• Needle-nose pliers
• Monofilament
• Hanging hardware
• Work gloves

How to Make a Grapevine Wreath

A grapevine wreath form is made of entwined bundles of twigs and is a popular, sturdy base with natural charm.

1. Using shears, cut embellishments (pictured here: juniper sprigs, eucalyptus pods, caspia, and snowberries) into 6- to 8-inch pieces.
2. Cluster them into bunches, attaching to the base of the wreath with wire.

How to Make a Wire Wreath

A wire wreath form is the most versatile support for wreaths. Widely available in a variety of shapes, they're sturdy enough for heavy materials like evergreen boughs and citrus fruits. A single-wire frame is best for a thin, delicate wreath; for a lush-looking wreath, start with a double-wire frame.

1. Lay a small bundle of greenery on the form, and wrap floral wire on a paddle tightly around the stems three times. Do not cut the wire.
2. Add another bundle, overlapping the previous one by half; wrap wire around the stems.
3. Continue adding bundles until you reach the starting point. (For this wreath, we used sprigs of bay or eucalyptus, but you can use other evergreen cuttings. We also used a pair of bolt cutters to remove a portion of wreath form and closed off the ends with wire.)
4. Tuck wire under the form, secure with a knot, and cut using wire cutters.
5. When the entire form is covered, tie off the wire, leaving a few extra inches before cutting the end.

How to Make a Styrofoam Wreath

A Styrofoam wreath form is lightweight with a smooth rounded form—ideal for a wreath that you want to cover that will not hold weight on it's own. It can be covered with fabric, yarn, and any other material.

1. Spray-paint the form or cover with fabric.
2. Then, use straight pins to adhere embellishments (as shown here with crystal pieces) by pressing a pin through the embellishment into the soft base beneath.
3. Repeat, placing embellishments as close together as you can and using smaller ones on top to fill in gaps. (Don't worry if they are not all flush—this creates dimension.)

How to Make a Straw Wreath

A straw wreath is made with padded natural straw or hay to create a full, rounded base that can support a variety of materials. Leaves, dried flowers, or even clamshells can then be pinned or glued onto the soft form—although a straw wreath is so beautiful, you may want to hang it on its own.

1. Use floral pins to attach embellishments (near their stems) to the straw form in tight clusters.
2. Continue until the form is completely covered.

How to Make a Craft Ring Wreath

A craft ring is a circular cardboard base that's thin yet sturdy and easy-to-use in all kinds of wreath projects.

1. First spray paint it in a new color, if desired. (We spray-painted ours shown here in silver to match the appliqués.)
2. Then, adhere lightweight embellishments to the front with heavy-duty glue or by drilling into its base.