Incorporating Dried Flowers in Your Fall Wreath Design
As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, I can’t help but get excited about fall decorating. One of my favorite ways to welcome the season is by creating a beautiful fall wreath for my front door. This year, I’ve been experimenting with incorporating dried flowers into my designs, and I’m thrilled to share what I’ve learned with you.
Dried flowers add a unique touch to fall wreaths. They bring texture, color, and a bit of whimsy to your designs. Plus, they’re long-lasting, so you can enjoy your creation throughout the season and beyond. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of selecting, preparing, and arranging dried flowers in your fall wreath. I’ll also share some tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
It you are looking for some fall decor options and DIY supplies, check out these product links.Â
Choosing the Right Dried Flowers for Your Fall Wreath
When it comes to selecting dried flowers for your fall wreath, the options are nearly endless. I love to mix and match different types to create depth and interest. Here are some of my favorite choices:
- Strawflowers: These vibrant flowers come in a range of autumnal hues, from deep reds to sunny yellows. They’re perfect for adding pops of color to your wreath.
- Baby’s Breath: While not typically associated with fall, dried baby’s breath adds a delicate, cloud-like texture that complements bolder elements beautifully.
- Lavender: The soft purple hues and sweet scent of dried lavender bring a touch of elegance to any fall wreath.
- Hydrangeas: Large, dried hydrangea blooms make a statement and can serve as a focal point in your design.
- Wheat: Nothing says fall quite like golden stalks of wheat. They add height and movement to your wreath.
- Lotus Pods: These unusual dried pods add interesting texture and a natural, rustic feel to your design.
- Statice: Available in a variety of colors, dried statice is durable and adds fullness to your wreath.
When choosing your flowers, consider the overall color scheme you want for your wreath. I like to stick to a palette of 3-4 complementary colors. This year, I’m loving the combination of deep burgundy, soft orange, and muted green.
Preparing Your Dried Flowers
Before you start arranging, it’s important to prepare your dried flowers properly. Here’s what I do:
- Inspect each stem: Look for any damage or mold. Discard any flowers that aren’t in good condition.
- Trim the stems: Use sharp scissors or wire cutters to trim the stems to the length you need. I usually leave about 4-6 inches, depending on the size of my wreath base.
- Group similar flowers: I find it helpful to sort my flowers by type and color. This makes it easier to create a balanced design later.
- Fluff and shape: Some dried flowers can become compressed during storage. Gently fluff them out to restore their natural shape.
- Spray with fixative: If you want your wreath to last for multiple seasons, consider spraying your dried flowers with a clear fixative. This helps prevent shedding and fading.
Choosing Your Wreath Base
The base of your wreath is just as important as the flowers you choose. Here are a few options I’ve tried:
- Grapevine wreath: This is my go-to choice. The natural, twiggy texture provides a great backdrop for dried flowers.
- Straw wreath: These offer a smooth, even surface that’s great for creating a more uniform look.
- Wire frame: If you prefer a more modern, minimalist design, a wire frame allows you to create an airy, open wreath.
- Foam wreath: These are perfect if you plan to cover every inch of your base with dried flowers.
Whichever base you choose, make sure it’s sturdy enough to support your dried flowers. I typically use a 14-18 inch wreath for my front door, but you can go larger or smaller depending on your space.
Arranging Your Dried Flowers
Now comes the fun part – arranging your dried flowers! Here’s the process I follow:
- Start with a base layer: I like to begin by attaching larger, fuller flowers or foliage around the entire wreath. This creates a foundation for your design.
- Create focal points: Next, I add my showstopper flowers. These might be large hydrangea blooms or dramatic sunflowers. I usually place these at regular intervals around the wreath.
- Fill in the gaps: Use smaller flowers and interesting textures to fill in the spaces between your focal points. This is where elements like baby’s breath or statice come in handy.
- Add height and movement: Incorporate taller elements like wheat stalks or long grasses to add dimension to your wreath.
- Layer and overlap: Don’t be afraid to layer your flowers. Overlapping creates depth and makes your wreath look fuller.
- Step back and assess: As you work, take frequent steps back to look at your wreath from a distance. This helps you spot any bare patches or imbalances in your design.
Securing Your Dried Flowers
Keeping your dried flowers securely attached to your wreath base is crucial. Here are a few methods I use:
- Floral wire: This is my preferred method. I wrap thin floral wire around the stem of each flower and twist it securely to the wreath base.
- Hot glue: For lighter elements or if you want a more permanent attachment, a dab of hot glue works well.
- Floral picks: These are great for securing heavier flowers or if you want the option to rearrange elements later.
- Tuck and weave: If you’re using a grapevine wreath, you can often tuck stems directly into the twigs for a natural look.
Whichever method you choose, make sure your flowers are attached securely. You don’t want them falling off when you hang your wreath!
Adding Extra Fall Touches
While dried flowers are beautiful on their own, I love to incorporate other fall elements to really make my wreath pop. Here are some ideas:
- Pinecones: These add a natural, woodsy feel to your wreath.
- Acorns or nuts: Scatter a few throughout your design for a touch of whimsy.
- Ribbon: A beautiful ribbon bow can serve as a focal point or finishing touch.
- Faux berries: These add pops of color and can fill in any gaps in your design.
- Miniature pumpkins: Small gourds or faux pumpkins can be wired onto your wreath for a classic fall look.
- Cinnamon sticks: Bundle a few together and attach them to your wreath for a spicy, autumnal scent.
Remember, less is often more. You don’t need to include every fall element you can think of. Choose a few that complement your dried flowers and overall design.
Preserving Your Fall Wreath
One of the great things about using dried flowers in your fall wreath is that it can last for months, or even years, with proper care. Here are my tips for preserving your creation:
- Avoid direct sunlight: Hang your wreath in a spot that doesn’t get too much direct sun to prevent fading.
- Keep it dry: If you’re hanging your wreath outdoors, make sure it’s protected from rain and snow.
- Dust regularly: Gently dust your wreath with a soft brush or use canned air to keep it looking fresh.
- Store properly: When the season is over, store your wreath in a cool, dry place. I like to keep mine in a large plastic bin with a lid to protect it from dust and pests.
- Refresh as needed: If any elements start to look worn, you can easily replace them without redoing the entire wreath.
Final Thoughts
Creating a fall wreath with dried flowers is a wonderful way to welcome the season and express your creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of flowers, colors, and textures. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to design your wreath – it’s all about what you find beautiful and what fits your personal style.
I hope this guide has inspired you to try incorporating dried flowers into your fall wreath design. It’s a process I find incredibly rewarding, and I’m always excited to see how my wreath turns out each year. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or trying this for the first time, I encourage you to have fun and let your imagination run wild.
Happy crafting, and enjoy your beautiful fall wreath!
 If you love fall as much as I do, check out these other articles.Â
Fall Coffee Station Styling Ideas: Create Your Cozy Autumn Oasis
Fall-Themed Kitchen Decor Ideas: Cozy Up Your Culinary Space
Modern-Inspired Fall Wreath: 7 DIY Ideas for Your Front Door
Autumn Decorating with Vintage Finds: Guide to Timeless Style
September 30, 2024 @ 2:44 pm
[…] Incorporating Dried Flowers in Your Fall Wreath Design […]
Farmhouse-Inspired Fall Wreath: Tips and Inspiration
October 4, 2024 @ 1:57 am
[…] Incorporating Dried Flowers in Your Fall Wreath Design […]
Fall Table Lighting Ideas: Creating the Perfect Ambiance
October 5, 2024 @ 1:22 pm
[…] Incorporating Dried Flowers in Your Fall Wreath Design […]
Fall Decor Ideas for Minimalists: Embracing Autumn with Simplicity
November 16, 2024 @ 2:26 am
[…] Incorporating Dried Flowers in Your Fall Wreath Design […]