Welcome the Season with a Handmade Wreath
A spring wreath is one of the simplest ways to refresh your home's exterior and signal the change of season. Best of all, making your own means you can customize it to perfectly match your style and color palette — no two will ever be alike. This guide walks you through making a lush, full spring wreath using easily sourced materials.
Materials You'll Need
- Grapevine or wire wreath form – 12 to 16 inches is a good all-purpose size
- Floral picks or stems – faux or dried florals in spring colors (tulips, daisies, ranunculus, eucalyptus)
- Ribbon – wired ribbon holds its shape best for bows
- Wire cutters
- Floral wire or hot glue gun
- Optional: butterflies, birds, or other decorative picks
Choosing Your Color Palette
Spring wreaths typically feature soft pastels, but don't be afraid of bolder choices. Some popular palettes:
- Classic pastel: blush pink, lavender, soft yellow, sage green
- Garden fresh: coral, peach, cream, with lots of greenery
- Bold and bright: sunflower yellow, hot pink, cobalt blue
- Neutral botanical: white, ivory, dried grasses, eucalyptus
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your base. If using a grapevine wreath, it's ready to use as-is. If using a wire form, you may want to wrap it with floral tape or sheet moss first for a fuller base.
- Add your greenery first. Tuck eucalyptus, fern fronds, or other foliage stems throughout the wreath form to build a lush base layer. This gives your florals something to nestle into.
- Place your focal flowers. These are your largest, most eye-catching blooms. Position them asymmetrically — often a cluster on one side or at the bottom looks more natural than perfectly centered.
- Fill in with secondary florals. Smaller flowers and textural elements (berry sprigs, dried lavender, baby's breath) fill gaps and add depth.
- Add a bow. Make a multi-loop bow with wired ribbon and attach it using floral wire. A bow near the top or bottom adds a finished, polished look.
- Secure everything. Check that all stems are secure. Use hot glue sparingly for anything that won't stay put with wire alone.
Using Faux vs. Fresh vs. Dried Florals
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh flowers | Most beautiful; fragrant | Last only 1–2 weeks |
| Dried flowers | Long-lasting; natural look | Fragile; fade over time |
| High-quality faux | Season after season use; weather-resistant | Quality varies widely |
Hanging and Caring for Your Wreath
Use a wreath hanger over the top of your door to avoid putting holes in the door. For longevity, bring the wreath inside during rain and intense sun. Even high-quality faux florals can fade with prolonged UV exposure — a wreath hook that allows you to move it easily is a worthwhile investment.
A handmade spring wreath takes about an hour to assemble and brings months of joy every time you come home. Once you learn the basics, you'll want to make a new one each season!