There’s something timeless about decorating your front door with a festive Christmas wreath. This year, why not ditch the plastic shop-bought version and create a stunning, handmade wreath to welcome visitors to your home for the festive season.
Using a natural vine or copper base, binding moss, and lush evergreen leaves, you can craft a wreath that celebrates both nature and the spirit of Christmas. Not only will it make your home feel extra welcoming, but it’s also a wonderful project for those chilly afternoons when you want to embrace the seasonal cheer.
Here’s how to make your own.
Materials You’ll Need:
• Natural Vine wreath or Copper wire wreath frame: You can buy this from a floral supply or craft shop.
• Fresh moss: This will form the base of your wreath, adding texture and volume.
• Evergreen leaves: Go for traditional varieties like fir, pine, or holly, but you can also add eucalyptus and rosemary for texture and scent.
• Floral wire: To secure everything in place.
• Pruning shears or Floral scissors: For cutting your foliage and branches.
• Decorative elements: Pine cones, berries such as Ivy berries or Haws, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and ribbon for a festive touch.
Step 1: Preparing the Base
Start by laying out your copper wreath or Vine frame. These frames come in a variety of sizes, so choose one that fits your door or wall space. I usually go for 12 Inch circle it will look much bigger once everything is attached.
Next, add the moss. You can find moss at craft shops or florists or forage it from your garden if you have it. Make little balls out of the moss and lay the moss balls all around the copper frame, ensuring an even spacing of balls all around. The moss will give your wreath a full and soft foundation. Using your floral wire, wrap the moss tightly around the copper frame. Start from the back and work your way around the frame, securing the moss in place by wrapping the wire at intervals of about two inches. Ensure that the moss is snug and well-attached—this will help the rest of your materials stay in place.
Step 2: Adding Evergreen Leaves
Once your moss is secured, it’s time to add your greenery. Evergreen leaves are a classic choice for Christmas wreaths because they are long-lasting and visually striking. Cut small branches of your chosen evergreen leaves, about 6-8 inches long, with your pruning shears. Bunch about 3-5 mixed stems together and lay as a bunch over the base. Secure by wrapping the wire around the bunch and wreath 3 times. Lay another bunch over the base of the last, overlapping the stems so the leaves create a lush, full effect. Start at the top of your wreath frame and work your way around, layering the branches in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). Make sure the wire is tight enough to hold the greenery in place,but be mindful not to flatten the leaves. Continue until your wreath is covered with beautiful evergreen foliage.
Step 3: Add Festive Elements
Now that you have the base of your wreath—moss and evergreens—it’s time to add those personal, festive touches. You can go as minimalist or maximalist as you like.
• Pine cones: Attach small pine cones by wrapping wire around the base and securing them to the wreath.
• Dried orange slices: These add a rustic, natural touch and a pop of colour. Pierce an orange slice with wire and attach it directly to the wreath.
• Cinnamon sticks: For a seasonal scent, wire bundles of cinnamon sticks into the wreath.
• Ribbon or bow: Go traditional with a large red or tartan ribbon at the bottom of the wreath, I favour a velvet ribbon which looks rich and beautiful. You can also add lights by weaving a strand of battery-operated fairy lights into the foliage for an extra touch of sparkle.
Step 4: Fluff and Finish
Once everything is attached and secure, take a step back to assess your wreath. Are there any gaps in the greenery? Are the decorative elements balanced? Adjust any branches or decorations as needed to create a full, cohesive look. Give your wreath a gentle shake to ensure nothing comes loose. You want it to withstand winter winds without losing its charm.
Step 5: Hanging the Wreath
To hang your wreath, you can use a sturdy wreath hanger or a piece of decorative ribbon looped around the top to match your bow. Copper wreath frames are generally lightweight but strong enough to hold the moss and greenery, so you shouldn’t need more than a standard hanger. Place it on your front door, above the fireplace, or anywhere that could use a touch of Christmas magic.
Most of your wreath is compostable, so come January all you need to do is remove the foliage and keep the base for next year or put it somewhere safe and make a Spring Wreath.
Happy crafting!
Happy Christmas from all at Periwinkle Barn
Deborah Simpson Boston
Photographs Georgina Harrison
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