DIY Wreath Making

Ever wanted to craft your own festive wreath? Check out these popular wreath forms and how to navigate making the perfect wreath you’ve envisioned.

Foam
Foam wreath forms come in either green or white. Sometimes called “extruded foam wreaths,” they’re made up of a very firm dry floral foam. They typically cost around $8 and are easy to find at most craft stores. You can buy them in a round circle shape or in a flat circle shape. They’re lightweight, and are great for wreaths that require the use of floral pins, and work well with hot glue as well. They are somewhat delicate, if they drop, they usually break. So make sure it’s secured well to your door, or use it indoors.

Wire
Wire wreath forms are the most economical way to go, with a nice size available at most dollar stores for $1. They are usually a dark green, and typically have four wires that run around the circumference of the wreath form, and have a few straight wires that run across the width. They have a concave/convex shape to them that can be used either way, depending on the look you’re going for. Traditionally, they’re often used for “live” wreaths, because floral foam can be stuffed and wired into the hollow of the wreath. Wire wreath forms are light and super sturdy, and would definitely hold its shape if dropped. Since wire wreath forms are so bare bones, they can be used for lots of different styles and mediums. Wire wreath forms are what people use to make burlap or deco-mesh wreaths. They can also be used for tie-on styles, like balloons, ribbons or fabric scraps. Hot glue doesn’t work so well with wire wreath forms, since there isn’t much surface area for the glue to grab on to. So unless you’re tying or weaving the décor onto the wreath, you’re going to need floral wire to secure it. They also don’t provide much of a background for your flowers or greenery, so you may need extra supplies to fill in the blank spots.

Grapevine
Grapevine wreath forms are probably the most popular type of wreath form. They are the dark brown woven twiggy wreaths you commonly see as the basis of more “natural” or rustic type of wreaths. They’re sturdy and fairly versatile, as far as the type of look you can achieve. Grapevine wreaths have a nice full base, and still look pretty with sparse flowers or greenery, which means a potentially low-cost wreath project. If you are hoping to make a wreath with an asymmetrical flower arrangement, grapevine wreaths would probably be the way to go. The exposed grapevine is pretty on its own. Since there are lots of woven branches, it’s easy to tuck in flowers, or wire them on, or secure them with hot glue. Grapevine wreath forms are fairly inexpensive (around $5) and come in a variety of sizes that are easy to find in craft stores. They can be spray painted a bit for a frosty-wintry look and are great for a more rustic style. The branches can get kind of poky, and they sometimes leave messes of broken twigs or leaves when you’re working on them.

Straw
The straw wreath form is probably the least commonly used form. It is similar in shape to the foam wreath form, but is definitely more rustic. Straw and mums go hand in hand! Straw forms can be used with floral pins or hot glue, and have a little more “give” than a foam form.

Hoop
These are simplistic wreaths often used for macramé projects, but make a beautiful modern wreath. Usually they are in brass or steel and are fairly inexpensive. Thin and slippery, these wreaths have some limitations because there isn’t much surface area to work with. Consider securing a block of foam or cardboard to the ring and let your imagination take you from there!

Other Wreath Forms Found in Your Home
Pool Noodles
Hula Hoops
Wire Clothes Hangers
Picture Frames
Garden Hoses

Information courtesy of TheHowToMom.com