How to Make Dried Flower Wreaths

Dried flower wreaths are a timeless and elegant decorative piece that brings a touch of nature into your home, offering beauty that lasts far longer than fresh flowers. Created using preserved blooms, these wreaths are perfect for any season and can be customized to suit your personal style or complement your décor.

One of the key benefits of making your own dried flower wreath is the ability to tailor it to your preferences, choosing specific flowers or color palettes. Additionally, crafting your own wreath is an eco-friendly option, as it often involves repurposing and preserving natural materials, and it’s more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made versions.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide on how to make dried flower wreaths, covering everything from selecting the right flowers and the best drying techniques to assembling your wreath and maintaining it to ensure it remains a beautiful addition to your home for years to come.

Choosing and Preparing Dried Flowers

Selecting Flowers for Your Wreath 

When selecting flowers for your dried flower wreath, choosing blooms that dry well and maintain their structure and color over time is essential. Popular choices include lavender for its delicate fragrance, baby’s breath for its airy softness, eucalyptus for its bold greenery, statice for a bright pop of color, and roses or hydrangeas for a timeless, elegant touch.

Consider the overall theme of your wreath—either inspired by seasons, such as muted tones for fall or vibrant hues for spring, or by your home décor to ensure the wreath complements your space. 

Drying Flowers for Wreath Making 

There are several methods to dry flowers for wreath-making. The air-drying method is simple and effective, involving hanging flower bunches upside down in a dark, dry area with good ventilation.

Flat wreath designs can be created using pressed flowers by layering the blooms between heavy books or a flower press for a more unique touch. If maintaining the original vibrancy of flowers is a priority, drying with silica gel is an excellent choice, as it preserves colors beautifully. 

Prepping the Flowers 

Once dried, the flowers need preparation to be wreath-ready. This includes removing any excess stems, leaves, or debris to create a neat appearance. Additionally, sort the flowers by size and color, making it easier to plan and arrange them when assembling your wreath. Proper preparation ensures a visually appealing and well-balanced display. 

Gathering Materials and Tools 

Before beginning your wreath-making project, assembling the right materials and tools is essential to ensure a smooth crafting process. Here are the supplies you’ll need to get started:

Essential Supplies 

• Wreath Base: Choose a base that suits your style and needs, such as grapevine, wire, or foam. Grapevine bases offer a natural look, while foam provides a lightweight and versatile option. 
• Floral Wire and Floral Tape: These are indispensable for securing stems and keeping your floral arrangements in place. 
• Hot Glue Gun: Ideal for attaching delicate flowers or decorative elements that may not hold securely with wire or tape alone. 
• Pruning Shears or Scissors: Use these for trimming flower stems, leaves, or other materials neatly and efficiently. 
• Ribbon or Twine: Perfect for adding a finishing touch to your wreath and creating a sturdy hanging loop. 

By gathering these materials and tools in advance, you’ll be well-prepared to craft a beautiful wreath that reflects your personal style and creativity. Each item plays a key role in ensuring your wreath is both durable and visually appealing.

How to Make Dried Flower Wreaths: Choosing the Right Wreath Base

Selecting the appropriate wreath base is essential in ensuring your design is beautiful and structurally sound. Each type of base offers its own strengths, depending on your creative vision and the materials you plan to use.

Types of Wreath Bases

• Grapevine Wreath: This base is made from intertwined natural vines, giving it a rustic, organic look. Its sturdy structure makes it perfect for weaving in stems and adding greenery without needing additional support. 
• Wire Wreath Frame: A wire frame is durable and versatile, making it ideal for intricate designs. It works especially well when paired with floral wire to secure blooms and decorative elements. 
• Foam Wreath Form: Foam bases are lightweight and easy to work with, allowing flower stems to be inserted securely. They’re an excellent choice for creating full, lush designs and are exceptionally compatible with delicate flowers. 

Matching the Base With Your Flower Choice

The type of flowers you select greatly influences the base you should choose. Sturdier flowers, such as sunflowers or roses, pair excellently with grapevine or wire bases due to their robust stems. On the other hand, delicate flowers like baby’s breath or orchids adhere better to foam bases when secured with glue or floral picks.

Arranging and Attaching the Flowers

Step 1: Planning the Layout 

Before securing anything, it’s essential to plan the layout of your flowers. Arrange them loosely on top of your chosen base to visualize how they will look. Start by placing larger, statement flowers first, as these will typically be the focal points.

Then, add medium-sized flowers around them to establish a sense of cohesiveness. Finish by placing smaller flowers and greenery to create movement and balance. This preliminary step ensures that your design feels harmonious and saves time when finalizing the arrangement.

Step 2: Securing the Flowers 

Once satisfied with the layout, it’s time to secure the flowers to the base. For flowers with sturdy stems, wrap floral wire around the base of each stem and attach them firmly to the wreath frame. Floral tape is another excellent option, especially for stems that need extra support.

For more delicate flowers, such as orchids or baby’s breath, a hot glue gun works well to secure blooms without damaging them. Be cautious when using glue to avoid visible residue, which can detract from the wreath’s overall appearance. 

Step 3: Layering and Filling Gaps 

With the main flowers attached, focus on layering and filling any gaps. Incorporate greenery, such as eucalyptus or ferns, to add depth and texture.

Filler flowers, like daisies or wax flowers, are perfect for achieving a natural, complete look. Aim to distribute these elements evenly across the wreath, ensuring consistency in shape, color, and density. This final touch enhances the overall design and makes your wreath appear lush and vibrant. 

Decorating and Adding Finishing Touches 

Enhancing with Additional Elements 

To elevate your wreath’s charm, consider incorporating unique decorative elements. Ribbons can add elegance and a touch of color, whether you opt for satin, burlap, or festive patterns.

Dried fruit slices, such as oranges or apples, bring a rustic appeal and a hint of natural warmth. Pinecones or feathers are excellent additions for creating texture and seasonal flair, making your wreath suitable for any occasion or holiday theme.

For an aromatic touch, apply a few drops of essential oils—lavender or citrus blends work beautifully—on dried flowers or foliage. This subtle fragrance enhances the wreath’s ambiance and adds an inviting sensory element to your decor.

Securing Hanging Elements 

Once your wreath design is complete, preparing it for display is crucial. Use a strong yet decorative material like twine or ribbon to create a secure hanging loop. Attach it firmly to the frame, ensuring it can support the wreath’s weight evenly. Adjust the loop’s length to fit your desired display, whether it’s a front door, interior wall, or centerpiece. Adding these functional and decorative finishing touches makes your wreath a personal expression and a captivating focal point. 

Preserving and Maintaining the Wreath 

Tips for Longevity 

To ensure your wreath remains vibrant and intact for an extended period, it’s essential to follow some key preservation practices. Keeping the wreath indoors, away from direct sunlight and moisture, will prevent fading and deterioration. Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause colors to bleach, while moisture may lead to mold or damage.

To minimize shedding, lightly spray the wreath with hairspray or a floral sealant. This helps to hold delicate elements in place and maintain the structure of dried flowers, foliage, or other materials. 

Cleaning and Refreshing 

Regular maintenance will keep your wreath looking fresh and welcoming. Gently dust it using a soft brush or canned air, especially for intricate designs where dust can easily accumulate. Avoid using water or heavy cleaning tools, which may damage the wreath’s fragile components.

Over time, some wreath elements, such as flowers or foliage, may become worn or damaged. Replace these pieces as needed with similar materials to restore the wreath’s overall appearance. By following these simple steps, your handcrafted wreath can continue to be a charming and elegant addition to your home decor for seasons to come. 

Conclusion 

Creating a beautiful decoration from nature is a fulfilling process, and knowing how to make dried flower wreaths opens the door to endless creativity. Begin by carefully selecting flowers and foliage, and use proper drying methods to preserve their color and shape.

Assemble your wreath thoughtfully, layering elements for balance and texture, and use preservation techniques like a floral sealant to maintain its structure. Experiment with unique flower combinations and seasonal themes to make each wreath truly special. Finally, store your wreath in a dry, cool place to ensure it stays stunning for years to come.