How to make a homemade, earth-friendly wreath for free (Using materials from around your home)

These instructions will teach you how to make a home-made, earth-friendly wreath for free. All of the materials can usually be found in your backyard or a park. Because the wreath uses recycled and natural materials, it is a better option than expensive, store-bought wreaths that often use non-recyclable materials like Styrofoam. The instructions will guide you in assembling a basic wreath that you can customize for any occasion. You can hang your wreath on your front door or use it on a table as a centerpiece. The wreath should last for several weeks; however, when using fresh flowers they might need to be replaced every week or so. Any level of expertise can effectively use these instructions and end up with a great result. Below you will find a list of materials, followed by the instructions for the basic wreath, as well as optional steps for customizing the wreath. We also recommend that you create your wreath outdoors for easier clean up. This activity will take approximately an hour and a half.

Note about recycling the wreath: When you are ready to recycle your wreath simply cut it in half (through the vines and cardboard) and slide off the natural, biodegradable materials and take the cardboard to a designated recycling facility.

Materials
• Large piece of cardboard at least 36inches x 36inches.
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Large Circular object for tracing (mixing bowl)
• Smaller Circular object for tracing (saucepan lid)
• Vines (vinca, grapevines, wisteria) enough to fill a 13 gallon trash bag
• Leaves with stems (i.e. Mountain Laurel)


Optional Materials for customizing your wreath
• Fresh-cut flowers (i.e. 6 large roses or Gerber daises)
• Poinsettias
• Large Maple Leaves
• Holly berry twigs (with berries)
• Twine or raffia
• Seasonal fruit

Safety
• While picking the vines, be cautious of thorns, poison ivy, and insects.
• While cutting the cardboard, be careful with using the scissors, and cut away from your body.

Step 1:

Find a large piece of cardboard

Comments

[Pavlovafowl]

Very pretty! We always make our own wreaths (even funereal ones). They are much more personal and have much more consideration for the environment. You could also break off little sections of succulent plants and add them to the wreath. Over the Christmas period they would stay alive and probably even start to root and you could then replant them when you come to compost the wreath. Best Wishes from France, Pavlovafowl aka Sue.

[scoochmaroo]

These are lovely! What a great project - customizable and compostable!

[mareyconnolly]

Thank you :)