How to make a fall DIY wreath with wire frame

I made this fall DIY wreath with wire frame from scratch with extremely affordable supplies. It’s perfect for the front door this fall season. Here’s a step by step tutorial with all my tips and tricks to create a gorgeous wreath with a wire wreath form. The best part, I’ve included a link to my png in this post if you would like to use my Cricut text design for free! 

Step 1. Apply wood stain with a rag

I picked up a wood plaque from Walmart. Then gave it a quick sand to prep for staining. I used a piece of cardboard to protect my work surface from the stain. To be honest, I could have spent more time sanding but it’s my least favorite part of DIY projects. In the end, no one will notice that I didn’t sand it much. I wiped on Saman water based stain in the colour dark walnut with a paper towel. Let it sit for about 30 seconds before wiping away the excess with another dry paper towel. I decided to add some  Rustoleum Chalked in the colour Charcoal. Using a small sponge brush – with very little paint on it – I worked it into the stain with brush strokes going in the direction of the woodgrain. I liked the look of the varying wood tones on the plaque. I let that dry while I worked on my graphic in Cricut Design Space.

Step 2. How to stencil on wood with Cricut stencil vinyl

Applying the stencil

I used removable vinyl to cut the stencil with my Cricut machine. Then, I weeded it and applied transfer tape overtop of my design. I peeled the backing off the vinyl and applied it to my (now dry) wood plaque. Make sure to smooth your stencil down with a credit card or the Cricut scraper tool before peeling off the transfer tape. Before I started painting my stencil, I dabbed on a coat of mod podge over the text with a makeup sponge and let it dry. This helps seal the stencil lines to avoid any bleed through with the paint. I bought a pack of makeup sponges from dollar tree that I use just for vinyl stenciling. 

Painting the stencil

Using a fresh makeup sponge. I dabbed on two thin coats of paint. Thin coats prevent any paint from leaking under the vinyl. When I apply the paint I try to keep dabbing it in an up and down motion. Avoid spreading the paint around in brush stoke motions, this might push paint under the stencil. Once dried you can peel off your vinyl and reveal your beautiful wood sign!

Protecting wood signs for outdoor use

I applied a coat of this exterior clear coat to the whole sign. This step isn’t necessary but does help protect all your hard work from rain and sun damage. I now recommend applying a coat of protection after step 1. This is because I peeled up some of the stain when I removed the vinyl, and I think if it was sealed before hand this might not have happened. Either way, it isn’t noticeable in the end! I’ll remember for next time. You’ll also notice there was a bit of seepage under the stencil with the white paint, which I touched up later on (after I noticed!). 

Step 3. How to attach a sign to a wire wreath frame

Now was the time I finally got to plug in my hot glue gun! I used popsicle sticks and zip ties, because that’s what I had on hand. However, you can use pipe cleaners or floral wire if you have those instead. I also purchased the wire wreath form from Walmart. It has a 12″ opening and my wood plaque fits perfectly inside. I glued 8 popsicle sticks – evenly spaced- to the back of the wood sign to create the structure to attach the sign to the back of the wreath frame. I used two zip ties per popsicle stick to attach them to the frame securely. If you’re using pipe cleaner or floral wire you can simply weave and wrap it to the wreath base. I used wire cutters to clip the excess off the zip ties. 

Step 4. Chalk paint some pumpkins!

When I brought out my chalk painted pumpkins the project instantly started making me smile. I originally picked up these plastic pumpkins up from Michaels, but you can find them anywhere during the fall season. Crafts stores and dollar stores, and even Walmart have affordable options. I coated them with chalk paint I already had in different colors. I brushed it right on to the pumpkins, remembering to paint the stems too! This step gives your wreath a fun twist, but isn’t necessary. If you love the original colors of the pumpkins, go with that.

Step 5. Layout and attach pumpkins to the wreath

I laid out the pumpkins first when constructing my wreath, to get an idea where they were going to live on my wreath. This is the easiest way to take the first step in decorating any basic wreath. Work from the largest items (pumpkins!) to the smallest. As you continue with your wreath making, it starts to fill in you can add in the small items towards the end. I grouped some pumpkins together and spaced some out around the wreath. I wanted an organic look but the pumpkins could also be placed evenly around the wreath if you like. This creates a different look but would be equally as beautiful. I was sure to spread out the various colors of pumpkins throughout the wreath so they weren’t bunching in one particular area. Once I had the layout of the pumpkins how I liked it I began setting them in place. I did this by hot gluing more zip ties to the bottom of each pumpkin and securing it to the wire frame. Then, I used my wire snips to clop off the extra plastic once they were attached. If you don’t have zip ties on hand, pipe cleaner, floral wire or even twist ties will work. It gets windy around here and the last thing I want is pumpkins blowing around my front lawn!

Step 6. Add greenery for a layered look

Typically, when making a wreath I would move to the second largest item next, which in this case is the artificial flowers. However, I had some gorgeous dark green leaves left over from another floral wreath I made. These were so old, I can’t remember where I purchased them. However, I’m sure it’s easy to find something similar any time of year. In my opinion, the most fun part about these projects is getting to use what you already have. I get to be resourceful, creative, and crafty. So, instead of attaching my florals next I decided to add this greenery next. In the end, it created a interesting base and added detail to my fall wreath. I wove the greenery into the wire frame and secured them with hot glue. I made sure to have some reaching into the center of the wreath and  around the outer edges.

Step 7: Add large fall florals

I chose two fall florals to add to my wreath. The coral colored flowers were thrifted, and found the faux sunflowers at a local flower shop. I highly recommend searching your thrift stores for faux plants! A lot of times they have some unique pieces and you will feel less guilty taking apart an old, used arrangement opposed to buying one brand new. It also saves extra cost. Typically, faux florals will have a wire stem coated in plastic. I clipped the stems so the piece of wire was roughly 5″ from the base of the flower. I wrapped the stem around the wire wreath form in at least two different places to make sure they were secure. Using the same process as with the pumpkins, I made sure to spread the colors evenly throughout the wreath, but also make it look organic. The florals helped fill out the wreath a whole lot, at this point I saw very few exposed bits of wire. I used a little bit of hot glue on some of them to hold them in the exact place I wanted. 

Step 8: The final step! Filling gaps with small florals and greenery. 

I simply used what I had for this step. I had purchased the lambs ear and cotton stems on amazon a long time ago. If they are no longer available, amazon has plenty of other affordable options if you search “lambs ear” or “cotton stems”. I also had some fall colored bits and bobs from other projects I could use. So went around filling any gaps in my wreath with these. I was using the glue gun at this stage, gluing these little pieces to whatever I could to secure them. I urge you to get creative and use what you have first when it comes to making your own fall DIY wreath with a wire frame. 

My favorite thing about this fall DIY wreath with a wire frame, was being able to use florals and greenery that I’ve had for years. It’s easy to think that you have to go out and spend a lot of money on supplies, and then your DIY costs you more than buying a brand new pre-made one. Not only is it less expensive but it’s also an easy way to be eco-friendly. I’m so happy with the end result, and I don’t think I could feel this level of excitement had I just gone out and purchased one. Now I have a wreath that’s truly unique. I hope this blog post has inspired you to create a special fall wreath for yourself and your family, or any type of DIY wreath for that matter! It is an easy project for any skill level. Pick colors you enjoy. As an interior designer I can tell you it’s not easy to pick a color palette that truly clashes. Almost anything goes when it comes to wreaths!

Here is my Cricut text graphic (hello pumpkin)!

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Check out some of my other home decor projects