How to Make a Cheap Fall Wreath

When I set out to make a fall wreath for my front door, I figured I would need to spend around twenty to thirty dollars on supplies. I planned on shopping at Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics for my wreath making supplies. Luckily, I happened to stop at a Dollar Tree store first and found all the supplies I needed to make a beautiful fall wreath for under ten dollars!

Here is a list of floral arranging supplies I used on my fall wreath:

1 - Willow wreath base
3 - Fall leaf bush
1 - Fall foliage
2 - Daisy bush
1 - Mum Bush
1 - Fall Flower Bush

Since the wreath base and each bush of artificial flowers was one dollar each, my total was only nine dollars.

I was very pleased with the assortment and quality of the Dollar Tree's flower arranging supplies. I had walked by the store's flower arranging supplies on numerous occasions, but I had never actually paid attention to the large variety and quality of their selection.

Just to be sure I was getting the best deal, I drove to Michael's and JoAnn Fabrics to check out their flower arranging selections. I have to say I actually preferred the selection of leaves and flowers at the Dollar Tree. Plus, it would have cost me at least three times as much to make the same sized wreath using supplies purchased from Michael's or JoAnn Fabrics.

Choosing the supplies was the best part about making this project. I loved going up and down the flower arranging aisle pulling out different colors and types of flowers. You will need to select enough fall leaf bushes to cover the base of the wreath.

Next, choose flowers that coordinate well with the colors of your fall leaves. Choose both large and small flowers to scatter throughout your wreath to give it a more balanced appearance. Think about having a few stand out colors (such as yellow) or larger sizes to act as a focal point in your wreath.

You will need a wire cutter or industrial-strength scissors to cut the wire stems. Do not attempt to use a regular scissors since it will dull the blade and hurt your hands.

Start out by cutting the individual leaves from each bush. Leave about a two to three inch stem on each leaf. Go around the wreath base sticking the stems of the leaves into the woven willow base. Since the stems are wire, you can bend and twist the leaves so they are facing outward.

Once your base is covered with leaves, it is time to start adding the smaller flowers. I recommend hanging the wreath upright so you can see what will be the top and the bottom of your wreath.

Just like with the leaves, cut each flower leaving about two to three inches of stem. Some of the flower bushes will have multiple flowers on each stem. Stick the stems into the wreath base. You may need to move the leaves a bit to find space for each flower.

By now your wreath should be filled in with very little of the wreath base showing through. At this point step back and look at the wreath to make sure everything is spaced out nicely and looks balanced.

Next it is time to add the larger flowers. Cut each individual flower out leaving two to three inches of wire stem. Stick the stems into the woven wreath base. Each time you add a flower step back to check on your progress. You may need to move things around or rearrange some of the flowers.

If your wreath is going to be an outdoor wreath, you may want to use hot glue or craft glue and put a spot of glue wherever the stems are woven into the wreath base.

The easiest way to hang your wreath is to use the plastic price tag hanger that came with the wreath. It is clear colored, strong and won't scratch your door.