Growing up, I watched my mom create wreaths for every room in our home, a true testament to the 80’s country aesthetic. While I’m not one for decorating every space with a wreath, my love for wreath-making comes from her influence. I enjoy finding new and creative ways to adorn my front door each season.
When my mom saw this particular wreath, she tried to convince my husband to take it away for her—her high praise is a testament to how beautiful this Fall wreath is! Even if you’re not a seasoned wreath maker, you can easily create this stunning wreath. I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process to make your own version that’s sure to be admired!
This post contains affiliate links which might earn me a small commission at no cost to you. THANK YOU for supporting me and the quality items I promote!
Using a Picture Frame as a Wreath Form
Did you notice that this wreath base isn’t a typical grapevine or foam ring? Instead, it’s an antique wall frame that I thrifted for just $10! Inspired by Pinterest images featuring picture frames as wreaths, I decided to put my unique spin on this idea.
While a rectangular frame will work, I recommend sourcing an oval or circular one for this project. Whether you have one at home or grab one at your local thrift store, you’ll be giving something old a beautiful new life, and here at The Rural Legend that’s what we’re all about!
Fall Floral Picture Frame Wreath
Materials
-
- picture frame of your choice – opt for something old and ornate for character!
-
- optional – paint or rub’n buff to change the color of your frame if desired
-
- floral stems of your choice – see the list below for what I used!
gray ruscus / dark eucalyptus / red berries / hanging rosemary / acorn pick
brown eucalyptus / aspen leaves
-
- ribbon of your choice – this is my favorite
-
- scissors
How to Make Your Antique Picture Frame Wreath
1. Paint your frame if you want to change the color. I started with a deep chocolate brown, but once it was hanging on my door I realized it just wasn’t quite right. It didn’t take me long to repaint without even having to remove my florals. If you want to achieve the aged gold look like in mind, see the steps at the bottom of the instructions!
2. Trim all of your floral stems so they only have about a 1-2 inch stem. Pro Tip: separate stems even further into pieces instead of one bunch to give you more control on how everything is arranged!
3. Start by taking your largest stems (leaves) and arranging them at an angle in the bottom left quadrant of your frame. I started with 2 stems pointing opposite directions with the ends pointing toward each other. Glue these in place with your hot glue.
4. Next add in your hanging rosemary in the same fashion – some pointing upward, some facing downward.
5. Add in the dark eucalyptus next, continuing to layer and change the angles of your stems slightly to ensure you can see each layer.
6. Next add in the red berries. I broke this stem down into small clusters so that I could scatter them throughout the other greenery. If you’re nervous to glue them all down at once, start by sticking them in without glue, stand back, and make adjustments before gluing them in!
7. Lastly, I added in the acorn picks and brown eucalyptus. I added these in individual pieces wherever I saw a bare spot.
8. Assuming you don’t dislike the frame color of your freshly made wreath, you’re ready to hang!
How To Give a Frame an Aged Gold Look
My normal go-to for an antique brass finish is gold spray paint and rub’n buff. You can see the magic of this duo in this post. But after these 2 steps, this particular frame just felt too bright.
I grabbed some black acrylic paint and began to dab it on with my finger on the raised, ornate portions of the frame. Using my hand I rubbed the paint in to create a shadowy effect giving a more rustic look. I continued this process until the frame looked weathered and worn but still luxe. (if that makes sense?!)
Hang your Wreath without a Wreath Hook
1. To hang your wreath with a ribbon, start with a long ribbon about twice the length of the distance from the top of your door to where you want the top of your wreath to rest. Then add on an additional 3 inches to accommodate for a knot.
2. Find the center of your length of ribbon and hot glue that to the top back of your frame. You will have two loose lengths of ribbon to now tie in a knot at the top.
3. To secure everything, wrap long pieces of floral wire around your florals and twist together in the back tightly.
4. Add a command hook to the inside top of your front door UPSIDE DOWN. Hang your knotted ribbon on the hook so that your wreath is hanging on the front side of the door.
5. After hanging your wreath, stand back and assess if everything is secure and arranged the way you like it. Fluff or adjust stems, add more glue, etc.
Additional Fall Wreath Ideas
Simple Wreath Making Tips for Beginners
-
- Before attaching anything to your wreath form, start by “staging your pieces and stems to get a general feel for the look that you want to achieve.
-
- Even after you glue something onto your wreath, it can easily be pulled off and rearranged! Mistakes are okay and easily fixed!
-
- Go with your gut. Want your wreath to look fuller or add indifferent colors to compliment your space? Select stems that speak to you!
-
- Step back from your wreath from time to time. Even hang it up! Getting some distance and seeing it hanging up can give you a better sense of what to do or add next!
This Picture Frame Wreath coordinates so well with the other DIY pieces I made for our Fall front porch this year! Click here for a full tour!
I would be SO excited to see your version of this beautiful Fall Wreath! Share it on social media and tag me @TheRuralLegend or email me a photo at therurallegend@gmail.com !
Don’t miss a single opportunity to be inspired! Sign up for our weekly newsletter for exclusive content, sneak peeks and a recap of the week’s events! Scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe – it’s free!
xoxo, L
