How do I Make a Harvest Wreath?

A harvest wreath can be used to decorate for the fall with bright fall colors and themes which are meant to be reminiscent of the harvest. It is very easy to make a harvest wreath, and wreath making can be a great craft project for people of all ages. For people who prefer to leave wreath making to the professionals, numerous firms sell harvest wreaths in a variety of shapes and styles, but it can be more fun to make a harvest wreath at home with specially-chosen decorations and ornaments.

To make a harvest wreath, a number of supplies will need to be assembled. The first is a wreath frame. It is possible to find reusable metal frames along with grapevine wreathes, which are made with vines which have been twisted and woven into a wreath shape and then dried. Foam wreath frames can be utilized to make a harvest wreath, and people can also make their own wreath frames with bent wire or branches. Florist's wire and tape are also necessary, and it can help to have scissors for snipping, along with pliers for bending wire.

A variety of objects can be used to decorate a harvest wreath, including dried flowers and grasses, fall foliage, fruits like apples and pumpkins, dried red berries, ribbons, nuts, cones, and metal or plastic ornaments. When selecting things to put in a harvest wreath, it is a good idea to think about how long the wreath will be on display. Apples and pumpkins, for example, can start to wither or rot after a week or so, unless they are sprayed with a fixative. Fake fruits may be a good replacement for a wreath which will hang for an extended period.

Wreathmaking starts with establishing a foundation, using the wreath frame as a guide. Fall foliage and grasses can make a great base after they are woven through or wired to the wreath frame. It is a good idea to create a base which is as even as possible, with no sections which jut out or mound up, which may require some snipping with scissors. It is also possible to make a floral autumn wreath with dried fall flowers like chrysanthemums.

Once the base of the wreath has been created, ornaments can be wired to the wreath. Some people find that less is more, with a few objects peeking out from the foliage. Others prefer to make elaborate layers of decorations, packing the harvest wreath full of symbols of the season so that the foliage of the base is barely visible. The choice is up to the individual, and it can be a good idea to temporarily place decorations before wiring them on to get a feel for how the wreath looks.

Once the harvest wreath making is complete, the wreath can be hung or presented to someone as a gift. A harvest or autumn wreath can make an excellent ornament for the front door, welcoming guests and making a home feel dressed for the season.