How to Create a Beautiful Autumn Wreath

Wreaths are a lovely way to celebrate the changing seasons, whether it’s spring, autumn, or Christmas. Crafting your own autumn wreath is a fun and creative way to bring the beauty of the season into your home. Here’s a simple guide to making your own autumn wreath, along with tips on how to decorate it with seasonal flair.

What You’ll Need for Your Autumn Wreath

To begin, you’ll need a wreath base. These are readily available at craft shops or online, but you can also create one from scratch if you prefer. You don’t have to limit yourself to the traditional round base, experiment with different shapes such as square, heart, or even star-shaped wreaths for a more personalised look.

In addition to your base, gather the following:

• Florist’s wire
• Ribbon
• Glue (a hot glue gun works best for many craft projects)
• Decorations like berries, leaves, pinecones, and any other autumnal treasures you’d like to include.

3 Ways to Make a Wreath Base

If you’d like to make your own wreath base, here are three simple ideas:

1. Cardboard Wreath Base
   A cardboard base is quick and easy to make. All you need is sturdy cardboard (why not recycle those delivery boxes?) and a pen. Draw two concentric circles, one smaller inside a larger one, then cut along the lines to form a ring. Wrap the base in ribbon, and you’re ready to decorate!
2. Shrub Stems
   Certain shrubs, like willow or dogwood, have flexible stems perfect for wreath-making. Cut several long stems, twist them into a strand, and bend the strand into a circle to form your wreath base. This natural look is perfect for an autumnal feel.
3. Wire Wreath Base
   You can also use wire to shape your wreath base. Whether you want a circle, heart, or star shape, wire is versatile and easy to work with. If you don’t have wire on hand, an old wire coat hanger can be a great substitute, simply unwind it and reshape as desired.

Decorating Your Autumn Wreath

Once you have your base, it’s time to start decorating! Begin by attaching larger items like pinecones to the wreath with florist’s wire, securing them in place. From there, fill in the gaps with seasonal foliage and berries, using glue or more wire to attach them.

You can buy artificial berries and autumn leaves from craft stores, but collecting natural materials from your garden or local park can add a personal and rustic touch to your wreath. Here are some ideas for autumn wreath decorations:

• Pinecones
  Pinecones are abundant in autumn and make a great focal point for your wreath. To clean them, soak in a solution of 2 parts warm water and 1 part white vinegar for about 30 minutes, then air-dry for 2-3 days or bake them in the oven at 200°F (95°C) for about 1.5 hours, checking regularly to prevent burning.
• Conkers (Horse Chestnuts)
  Thread conkers onto wire or glue them directly onto your wreath base for a beautiful autumnal touch. To help them last longer, soak them in vinegar or paint them with clear nail varnish before using.
• Bright Autumn Leaves
  Vibrant autumn leaves bring that perfect seasonal touch. Gather fallen leaves and press them between sheets of paper, weighed down with heavy books for a couple of days. Once pressed, spray them with hairspray to preserve their colour and prevent them from drying out too quickly.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve arranged your decorations, step back and assess your wreath. You can add more ribbon, berries, or other small details to fill any gaps or create more balance. Don’t be afraid to get creative—autumn is all about embracing the natural beauty of the season!

Visit Polhill Garden Centre for All Your Autumn Needs

Ready to craft your own autumn wreath? Polhill Garden Centre has everything you need to get your home and garden ready for the season. From plants and homeware to all the craft supplies for your wreath-making project, our store is full of autumn inspiration.

Visit us today and see what’s in store!