Spring is almost upon us. As the leaves turn green, the fields fill with new life, and the sun pops its head out, what better way to embrace the new season than by creating your own wreath? Spring wreaths are bursting with freshness and color that brightens up the last of the cloudy days. Whether you choose to hang it centerstage on the front door or keep it for the dinner table, a spring wreath is a perfect craft to get working on this weekend.
Before you dive into choosing the flowers you want to feature, consider the size and material for your base. Gone are the days when styrofoam was your only option. Nowadays, you can choose to keep things traditional or opt for grapevine, wire, or a simple metal hoop.
To help you pick the right base for your wreath, consider what other decor will sit nearby. A wire base is helpful for fuller wreaths that will hold heavier items. Wire also lends itself to cool urban or industrial aesthetics. Grapevine can create a more rustic and rural feel.
Think about your home and the colors you're already using. Spring is typically a time for pastel colors before bolder flowers bloom in the summer. Pinks, yellows, purples, and greens are popular for spring wreaths, but the color scheme is totally down to you. Cheerful colors will help to brighten your mood every time you head for the door. Alternatively, you can create a wreath using neutral pieces that can be displayed all year round.
With a better idea of your color scheme, it's time for the fun part: gathering your materials. Make a day of it: visit local craft markets or take a walk in the countryside with the family to pick wildflowers and foliage. Try to collect flowers with different-sized heads to add dimension and combine different greenery for a fuller, textured look. If you want your wreath to last through harsh weather, or if you wish to reuse your wreath every year, look for dried or artificial flowers instead.
Creating a focal point for your wreath is a great way to draw the eye away from the messy, overgrown yard! You could use large flowers, tie a bow with ribbon, or use seasonal decorations like Easter eggs or butterflies for a playful style.
If you're making a more minimalist wreath, like a hoop wreath, create a focal point by grouping all the decorations together into one section. For a more traditional piece, place the focal point at the top or the bottom.
It's best to start with the greenery as a base for your wreath. That way, the bolder pieces can sit on top. Before securing everything in place, experiment with different arrangements on a flat surface. Depending on the type of wreath base you're using, you can combine different types of greenery such as ivy, eucalyptus, or boxwood for a textured look.
Once you're happy with your foundation, it's time to arrange your flowers. Be strategic and space flowers evenly around the wreath, or place them randomly for a more natural feel. Using a mix of different flowers will also help to create variety and depth. If you want to achieve a balanced look, it's best to place larger buds in the center, with smaller flowers around the edges.
To add more texture, use other natural elements like twigs, berries, and grasses. You can intertwine these pieces through the greenery using small snippets of wire. And who says it all needs to be plant-based? You could also add feathers or hessian ties for a rustic feel. Pampas grass has become incredibly popular over recent years, too, and these neutral pieces make great all-year-round decorations.
As a finishing touch, add a bow or ribbon. You can go bright and bold with ruby red or pink, or keep things more natural with a muted shade. Ribbon or a leather belt strap is also a good choice for hanging your wreath or otherwise securing it in place.
To keep every component of your spring wreath in place, floral wire or hot glue works well, as it will help keep the wreath looking its best throughout the season. If you're hoping to use your wreath year after year, it's probably best to use something more permanent like a hot glue gun.
The last thing to do is find the perfect place to hang your wreath. Traditionally, people hang wreaths on the outside of the door, but the decision is entirely yours. You might want to keep it indoors to admire it throughout the day. Another great place for displaying a wreath is the dining table—wreaths make great centerpieces for dinner parties.