This week I’m sharing how to mix lots of woodsy goodness into a DIY RUSTIC MIXED MOSS WREATH. It’s the PERFECT project for those who want to level up their wreath game this season!
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HOW TO MAKE A RUSTIC MIXED MOSS WREATH
I’m not gonna lie to you, lovely readers. Today’s tutorial is a messy one! But, it also promises to be a really creative project you can do one afternoon – preferably outdoors! – when you’re in the mood for a rustic, textured, and – may I say – very ‘woodsy’ DIY.
Let’s get started!
Supplies Needed
- SMALL BRANCHES (½ – 1 inch thick, pre-cut to approx 5-8 inches)
- TWIGS (pre-cut to approx 5-8 inches)
- MOSS (various kinds) – You can find moss at your local craft store (I purchased mine at Michaels and at the Dollar Store) and online.
- METAL WIRE WREATH FORM (concave shape, 14-16 inches).
- There are loads of 14 inch wreath forms on Amazon. You can even find a wreathmaking kit like this one (which includes a 14 inch wreath frame, clippers, wire, etc).
- Mine is 16 inch and it’s hard to find just one online, but here is a variety pack that might appeal to you wreath-makers out there! You might have to go into your local craft store (like Michaels) to find a 16-inch metal wreath form before checking online.
- 22 GAUGE WIRE
- GLUE GUN (low temp is suitable) and GLUE STICKS
- CLIPPERS (to snip your wire – not pictured above)
- Optional: RAFFIA (not pictured above)
STEPS: RUSTIC MIXED MOSS WREATH
Step 1: Turn Wreath Form Upside Down
Typically, a wire wreath form like this one is used with the curve side out.
But, for this project, I turned mine upside down, so that the curve side is down and you are left with a ‘trough’ that you can fill up with your moss.
Step 2: Attach Moss To Base
You might be surprised that you can attach even the most dry and crumbly moss (which mine happened to be) to a wire wreath form, but it IS possible!
Place your moss into the ‘trough’ of your wreath.
Attach one end of your 22 gauge wire to the wreath form.
Pulling on the paddle, begin winding the wire around the moss. Move the paddle over the moss from right…
…to left.
And then back under the wire frame towards the center, so that the wire creates a complete circle.
If your moss is as dry and messy as mine was, simply do as I did: grab that clump, add it back to the wreath, and continue wrapping.
TIP: Keep the wire on the paddle until you’ve either run out of wire (as I did) or until you have completed the entire project. This will ensure that the elements on your wreath are tightly secured onto the wreath form.
Continue winding the wire around the moss and wreath form until you reach the end.
I spaced my wire approximately 4-5 inches as I wound it around the wreath form.
It’s difficult to see, but here is the general distance and direction of my wire, wrapped around the wreath form and moss base.
You may need less space between your wrapped wire or more, depending on just how dry your moss is.
Step 3: Attach Moss to Pre-Cut Branches
For this part, I suggest using the moss that comes in clumps (or the least crumbly). These will stay on more securely and are often the ‘prettiest,’ too.
Using your hot glue gun, attach moss to your pre-cut branches. Just one side (not all the way around).
I left bare those branches that had some interest and texture.
Step 4: Attach Pre-Cut Branches to Wreath Base
Just as you attached the moss, now attach your branches in a randomized fashion on top of your moss base, using the paddle wire.
I attached the branches (2-3 at a time) to the wreath form by wrapping the wire a couple of times, ensuring they were securely attached.
Continue attaching your branches.
Step 5: Glue Mixed Moss Varieties On Branches
In order to cover some of the wire showing through AND to add more ‘colour’ to your wreath, attach other moss varieties by gluing them over any bare spots or wire bits showing through.
Add a dab of glue to one of the branches or where you see a gap.
Then press your moss to the hot glue till it dries (in just a few seconds).
You can also add a dab of glue directly onto the moss before attaching – whichever works for you.
Continue attaching moss to bare spots and in clumps to add interest and variation.
Step 6: Insert Twigs
To add even more texture, insert twigs through the sides of the wreath form.
In some cases, you may need to add some glue before inserting so the twig does not slip out.
Continue inserting twigs along the outside edge and inner circle until you’ve covered both sides.
Step 7: Shake & Spray
All along the way, your wreath will continue to shed, though, much less than at the beginning of the project.
To reduce shedding even more, I suggest using any variety of ‘sealing’ sprays you have on hand, such as:
- Acrylic Sealer Spray (like this Mod Podge),
- Fabric Stiffening Spray (like this one by the Aleena’s brand)
- Or even Hairspray!
I had both hairspray and fabric stiffening spray on hand and after trying them both on the back side of my wreath, I decided ultimately to go with my fabric stiffening spray as it had no scent.
Your rustic mixed moss wreath is now ready to be hung!
Step 8 (Optional): Raffia or Other Embellishments
For this DIY, I decided to use up some of the raffia I had on hand – just enough to add a bit of movement to my wreath.
I simply tied 5-6 strands of raffia around one end in a double knot, very loosely so that I can remove it whenever I want to change things up by adding pinecones (for fall), for example, or sunflowers (for summer).
Here’s my rustic mixed moss wreath as it currently looks on our front door.
I absolutely loved making this wreath! I had some idea of how I wanted it to look, but was still surprised by the final outcome. I hope you give this one a try!
If you enjoyed today’s post, you may enjoy these other wreath DIYs from A Pretty Fix:
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