What better way to welcome trick-or-treaters and guests than with a wickedly wonderful Halloween wreath on your front door?
In this step-by-step guide, I walk you through how I created this DIY Halloween wreath, and I hope to inspire you to create one of your own.
The supplies I used to make this DIY Halloween wreath came from a variety of sources. I purchased the large black roses and the trailing black flowers at JoAnn Fabrics, the green mossy leaves at Hobby Lobby, and the glow-in-the-dark skeleton hand at a local thrift store. Most of the supplies were repurposed from old Halloween decorations gifted to me by my mom.
If I were shopping for the supplies that I used to make this wreath, I'd start at Dollar Tree and thrift stores. Floral decorations like these can usually be bought at Dollar Tree or thrifted. The items below with an asterisk indicate that I think you might be able to purchase that item or something similar at Dollar Tree. Some of the other supplies, like the grapevine wreath and Halloween specific decorations, can be thrifted if you keep your eyes out.
Pro tip: If you can't find black leaves, you can purchase leaves at Dollar Tree and spray paint them black.
Supplies I used...
Grapevine wreath (24 inches x 16 inches)
Black spray paint
Black roses* (2 large roses | 10 small to medium size roses)
Purple roses* (6 small to medium size roses)
Long black leaves (3 stems)
Short black leaves (1 stem)
Green moss-like leaves (2 stems)
Black hanging flowers (3 stems)
Black mesh fabric (2 yards)
Black spider web* (medium size)
Black rubber spider* (large)
Black rubber snake* (small)
Glow-in-the dark spider (medium)
Glow-in-the dark skeleton hand (small to medium size)
Tools I used...
Hot glue gun*
Hot glue*
Fabric glue
Wire cutters*
Wire twist ties* (or pipe cleaners)
*Indicates that the item, or something similar, can usually be purchased at Dollar Tree and other similar discount stores.
Time commitment...
I forgot to time myself, so I'm estimating that the creation process (steps 3-9 below) will take 90-120 minutes start to finish.
Step 1: Sketch
With any new project, I like to start with a sketch, or if the idea is inspired by an image, I'll sometimes work directly from that image. But in most cases, I create a rough sketch. The sketch is like a road map. It helps me focus my creativity and identify where additional or what kind of supplies might be needed.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
Based on your sketch or inspirational image, gather the supplies and tools you need to create your wreath.
Step 3: Spray Paint
The grapevine wreath I used in this Halloween wreath was originally brown, so I painted the front facing side with black spray paint. To protect the house and avoid inhaling fumes, spray the wreath outside and leave it in the sun for an hour or so to dry before bringing it inside.
If you're spray painting anything else, like the leaves, also do that in step 1.
Step 4: Set Up Workspace
Next create your workspace. For this wreath, I opted to assemble it in my kitchen. When selecting my workspace, I look for a location with bright lighting, at least one electrical outlet for a hot glue gun, horizontal space like a countertop for assembly, and vertical space so that I can lift or hang the wreath to view my progress. Small bits of wire and wood will end up on the floor, just a heads up for those of you with kids and pets. Or for those who like me, are usually barefoot at home.
Step 5: Pre-Assemble
When you're ready to assemble the wreath, start by layering the decorations onto the wreath as you have them drawn in your sketch. I like to do this before I cut, glue, or wire anything. This step helps you notice where you might need to adjust your design. For example, you might notice that you have too many flowers or not enough leaves. You might decide that you no longer want to use two spiders or that you prefer the wreath better without the purple roses, etc.
When creating this Halloween wreath, I layered the decorations starting with mesh fabric. My layers are as follows: mesh fabric, spider web, flat leaves, large roses, medium roses, small roses, spiders, and skeleton hand.
Try not to strive for perfection or an exact replica. Just have fun, enjoy the creative process, and go where your inspiration takes you.
Step 6: Cut
Now it's time to trim the stems to the size you need for your wreath. Unless I do not need the stem, I like to trim stems incrementally. When assembling the wreath, you can trim more if you find the stems are too long. I do this because, if the design allows, I like to stick the stems into the wreath for extra security. Gluing the decorations onto the wreath typically holds them in place. For front door decorations, I try to make the wreath as protected from wind as possible.
Step 7: Prepare to Assemble
After I cut the stems down to size, I assemble the wreath, but I do NOT affix anything with glue or wire, yet. During this step, I want to double check that everything looks the way that I want it to look. If needed, I can make changes, trim stems, add or take away decorations, etc.
Step 8: Assemble
Start by making sure that your hot glue gun is ready to go. Also, make sure that any other glue or wire that you're using is within reach. (When making this wreath, I assembled it in two parts because I was out of hot glue sticks and had to buy more before I could finish the wreath.)
To make this wreath, I first wrapped it with black mesh and left excess at the bottom for a draped effect. I didn't worry about a few tears in the mesh because it adds to the macabre vibe, but it's your call. This is your wreath.
After securing the mesh, I added the spider web and attached it to the wreath with a wire twist tie. Then I layered the leaves and hot glued them to the wreath. Next, I added in the hanging flowers, then the large roses followed by the medium size and small size roses. I paused every now and then to hold up the wreath and gauge my progress. I also stopped and fluffed or adjusted the leaves and roses as needed. I added the Halloween spiders, rubber snake, and skeleton hand last.
Step 9: Hang
The last step is to hang your wreath. Since the wreath I used was repurposed, it already had a loop attached to the back that allowed me to hang it. If the wreath you're using doesn't have a loop like this, you can make one with a wire or pipe cleaner and hot glue. To make this loop, cut a 1-to-2-inch strip of wire or pipe cleaner, bend this piece into a U shape, then hot glue the loop to the back of the wreath. Secure the wreath to your front door using an adhesive hook or wreath hanger.
Step 10: Enjoy
Enjoy your work and don't forget to take pictures!
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