A Beautiful Tradition
Wreaths have a special place in history. Farmers have long honored the harvest with wreaths woven of wheat and wildflowers. In the dark of winter, evergreen wreaths symbolize rebirth and eternal life. Traditions like these honor life’s ancient rhythms, something we rarely have a chance to do in our breakneck modern society.
A wreath on a front door signals happiness to guests and passersby, and it also boosts curb appeal, making your property seem more welcoming. While you can easily purchase a wreath, a DIY wreath offers an easy and affordable way to showcase your personal aesthetic. So take this opportunity to strut your style and celebrate your favorite flowers by making one (or more) of these simple, summery wreaths.
Related: 14 Eye-Catching Options for Your Front Door
Subtle Succulents
Succulents make for a sophisticated, easy-care living wreath. Leslie, who blogs at My 100-Year-Old Home recommends using cuttings from larger succulents to make this beautiful, subtly hued wreath. Succulents can be expensive, so shop around, she advises. To keep your living wreath happy and healthy, just hang it in a sunny spot and mist with water every few weeks.
Related: 11 Creatively Stylish Ways to Display Succulents
Hanging Peonies
Seasonal door decor doesn’t have to be circular—case in point, Modern Glam’s homey hanging basket wreath, brimming with colorful peonies. Aside from Ashley’s step-by-step instructions, all you’ll need to create this low-cost yet stylish door (or wall) adornment are a few basic items, including a selection of faux peonies in a variety of shades. Secure the larger flowers first, then layer in smaller blooms. Arrange them in your basket, then tuck in a few sprigs of greenery and add a zesty ribbon.
Sunflowers and Fresh Herbs
In fields, roadside stands, and grocery stores, sunflower season is here. Weave real sunflowers with rosemary and thyme for a wreath that epitomizes summer, colorfully and fragrantly. Watch this short DIY video, courtesy of Jordan Vineyard & Winery, to learn how to assemble this wreath on top of a moss base. A beautiful addition to a late summer wedding, this sunny wreath shines indoors or out.
White Blossoms
Where wreaths are concerned, simple is best. This elegant white blossom wreath requires merely a spray of faux blooms and a basic twig base, available at most craft stores. Lucy at Craftberry Bush documents her process with helpful photos that show how she uses florist’s wire to attach greenery and flower stems to the wreath base, in an asymmetric curve. No ribbons or frills, just natural beauty.
Fairy Toadstools
Joanna Anastasia’s whimsical toadstool wreath helps keep that childlike sense of wonder alive. With a hot glue gun, attach mini paper blooms to a basic rope base. A cluster of pastel mushrooms creates the finishing touch. Coordinate colors (pale blues, pinks, and greens) so your delicate wreath will really pop. This one is best used indoors or on entryways that are sheltered from the elements.
Lemon Zest
Yellow is the perfect summer accent color, drawing the eye and adding a dash of sunny welcome. Bring a little of that cheerful zest to your home with this handmade lemon wreath created by Ashley at Modern Glam. It’s little more than a 14-inch embroidery hoop transformed by the addition of a few ferns and some faux lemons, using a glue gun and florist’s wire. One tip: Add dots of hot glue to any sections of wire on the back of the wreath. Once dry, these glue dots will prevent the ferns and lemons from slipping forward.
Wildflowers Galore
Though this wreath takes just minutes to put together, it makes a big, beautiful impression. If faux flowers aren’t your thing, use real blooms and weave them into a large grapevine wreath base. No glue or wires required! Jo-Anna, blogger at A Pretty Life in the Suburbs, will show you how. She recommends making this wreath big—the bigger the better, in fact.
Related:
7 Things to Know When Growing a Wildflower Garden
Pop of Color
Kelli and Kristi, twin sisters who blog at Lolly Jane, transformed a traditional wreath base by covering it with 2-inch split wood beads (available on Amazon or Etsy, or at hobby stores). They then wrapped faux peonies onto the bottom of the base, using florist’s wire. When hung with Command strips, the wreath appears to hover magically in place. The finished piece is a nod to pop art, 1950s decor, and Scandinavian design.
Set Sail
Summer is a time when sun and surf beckon, so bring a little sea air into your home with a nautically inspired wreath. Jen of Tatertots & Jello picked up a few items from Target’s Dollar Spot (for instance, a tiny sailboat), then wrapped old denim onto a wreath base. With a sign that proclaims “Welcome Aboard,” the wreath now takes pride of place above her fireplace mantel.
Starfish Wishes
There’s nothing as beautiful as nature itself, which is why Danielle, blogger at Finding Silver Pennies, drew her wreath inspiration from starfish. Her coastal New England wreath consists of dozens of white starfish glued to a wire wreath base. The result is simple and stunning. Be sure to buy your dried starfish in bulk—you’ll need at least 50.
Inner Hippie
Christina, who blogs at The DIY Mommy, took a metal hoop, some macramé cord, and a single faux peony, and combined them all with a hot glue gun and an eye for style. Inexpensive but certainly not cheap-looking, her fringe wreath blends sophistication with hippie chic. Be sure to follow her instructions to make the special square knots that secure the bottom fringe.
Summer Memories
Hankering for a little summertime nostalgia? You’re in luck. Melissa, also known as The Happier Homemaker, has found a way to create a charming wreath out of wooden clothespins and some Glidden white and Marine Blue paint. In just about 10 minutes, you’ll transform 160 clothespins into a memorable wreath, with a spot in the middle for your own seasonal greeting.
Moss and Beyond
Have any spare pool noodles? Those foam swimming toys can also serve as a wreath base. Just follow the instructions from My Sweet Home, and with a little sheet moss and burlap ribbon, you’ll be able to turn a length of pool noodle into an unforgettable summer wreath. Top it off with a whimsical sign or other embellishment, and your summer relaxation station is open for business.
Related: 5 Things to Do with… Pool Noodles
Don't Miss!
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
