If you’ve ever searched ‘what you need to make a wreath’ and felt a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
Some supply lists are A LOT. I’ve seen some list up to 20 items. And these are just the basics!
So here’s the thing:
Not all wreaths are created equal, which means you really don’t need all the things to get started. You can certainly build on those supplies, if you want, but it’s not necessary. Some of the most beautiful wreaths I’ve made required just 3 items.
In this post, I’m breaking it down simply – and realistically – including real examples of WREATH DIY’S I’ve shared right here, on the blog. This way, you can skip the unnecessary supplies and get started making your next (or your first) handmade wreath.
Ready to dive in?
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A Little About Me (and Why Wreaths Are Kinda My Thing)
The first tutorial I ever shared on this blog – over a decade ago now! – was how to make a wreath. And while it was not my best creation (!), it definitely shaped – pun intended – my taste for wreath making. I’ve been sharing all that I’ve learned about making wreaths, ever since.
I’ve made some really fun, pretty, and lovely wreaths over the years that I still use to this day. Some are simple – like 3-supplies-only simple – while others have been more layered, but all beginner-friendly in their own way.
So, if you’re just getting started, or you want to dig in a bit more, you’re in the right place.
What You Need to Make a Wreath
Wreath Base Types & What They’re Best For
Every wreath starts with a wreath BASE or the basic foundation on which you build that wreath.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you figure out which BASE you can start with:
- Grapevine – beginner-friendly, rustic, forgiving
- Ring/Hoop – minimalist, modern
- Wire Frame – full, bold, great for holidays and lush wreaths
- Wooden (or cardboard) Flat Frame – full, bold designs
- Foam Frame – soft, fabric-based, cozy styles
Let’s break these down with real examples and – more importantly – tutorials you can click on to get started.
1. GRAPEVINE BASE: The Easiest Place to Start
If you’re new to wreath making, start here.
What you actually need:
- Grapevine base (the foundation on which you build your design)
- Greenery or florals (the front facing part of the wreath)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks (start with an inexpensive low-temp glue gun and, if needed, go high-temp; I only ever use low-temp)
- Floral wire (22-gauge wire is a good, all-round choice; flexible and strong for all kinds of wreath projects)
- Wire cutters (to cut floral wire and faux floral/greenery stems – which are also wired)
- Optional: Gardening Shears (ONLY if you plan to use fresh greenery. When cutting thick, woody stems for a winter wreath, use bypass shears – i.e., the ones with the curved blades. Otherwise, straight blade pruning shears will work)
Why this combination works:
Grapevine bases are very versatile and forgiving. You can attach florals using hot glue or wire or skip these entirely and insert stems directly into the vines – which grip your stems – without the fear of them falling out. And because the natural, textured look works with ‘imperfect’ placement, it’s the ‘perfect’ foundation of any wreath design.
***In some case, you may not need hot glue or floral wire at all, as was the case with this simple classic DIY Boxwood Wreath that ONLY required the materials you see below:
But, as with any creative process, you get to choose what to add to help personalize your creation.
DIY EXAMPLES from this blog:
Because grapevine wreaths are my favourite, I make most of my wreaths using this base. Here are a few real examples you can make:
How To Make a Fresh Boxwood Wreath (Beginner)
DIY (Faux) Foraged-Look Wreath – video tutorial (Beginner)
Whimsical DIY Lemon Wreath (Beginner/Intermediate)
NOTE: For each of the tutorials listed above, I may suggest other supplies – a ribbon, for example, or twine – but these are optional only. Focus on the basic materials needed and customize from there.
2. RING & HOOP FRAMES: Minimalist and Modern
These are the “less is more” types of wreaths. They are quick and easy to make and can add a surprisingly elegant touch.
What you actually need:
- Metal ring or embroidery hoop (or any wooden hoop)
- Greenery or florals (the front facing part of the wreath)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks (start with an inexpensive low-temp glue gun and, if needed, go high-temp; I only ever use low-temp)
- Floral wire (22-gauge wire is a good, all-round choice; flexible and strong for all kinds of wreath projects)
- Wire cutters (to cut floral wire and faux floral/greenery stems – which are also wired)
- Optional: Gardening Shears (ONLY if you plan to use fresh greenery. When cutting thick, woody stems for a winter wreath, use bypass shears – i.e., the ones with the curved blades. Otherwise, straight blade pruning shears will work)
Why this works:
Having a thin base means you need far fewer materials to attach to create a minimalist look. You can also create asymmetrical designs, leaving the base exposed, for an edgier look.
DIY EXAMPLES from this blog:
Oh-So-Pretty DIY Christmas Ring Wreaths (Beginner)
DIY Mixed Pampas Grass Wreath (Beginner)
Modern Boho Raffia Ring Wreath (Beginner/Intermediate)
NOTE: For each of the tutorials listed above, I may suggest other supplies – a ribbon, for example, or twine and, in the case of the raffia wreath above, raffia in place of greenery. Focus on the basic materials needed and then customize from there.
3. WIRE FRAMES: For Full, Decorative or Holiday Designs
If minimalist wreaths aren’t your thing, then this will be your “go big or go home” wreath to try!
What you actually need:
- Wire wreath frame (has a slight arched or raised profile that gives a handmade wreath natural fullness)
- Greenery or florals (the front facing part of the wreath)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks (start with an inexpensive low-temp glue gun and, if needed, go high-temp; I only ever use low-temp)
- Floral wire (22-gauge wire is a good, all-round choice; flexible and strong for all kinds of wreath projects)
- Wire cutters (to cut floral wire and faux floral/greenery stems – which are also wired)
- Optional: Gardening Shears (ONLY if you plan to use fresh greenery. When cutting thick, woody stems for a winter wreath, use bypass shears – i.e., the ones with the curved blades. Otherwise, straight blade pruning shears will work)
Why this works:
The curved shape of these wire frames are what allow you to build a shapely, structured wreath with a lot of volume. The greenery or florals are typically cut into bundles that are attached to the frame, one bundle at a time, allowing you to create a much fuller, more lush, wreath design.
That’s why many choose a wire frame for their Christmas wreaths, for example. (Though – in my opinion – a grapevine base is equally lovely and can often produce the same lush design as a wire base can).
DIY EXAMPLES from this blog:
Winter Wreath Using Fresh Greenery – video tutorial (Beginner)
How to Make a Rustic Mixed Moss Wreath (Intermediate)
NOTE: For each of the tutorials listed above, I may suggest other supplies – a ribbon, for example, or twine – but these are optional only. Focus on the basic materials needed and customize from there.
4. WOOD (or cardboard) FLAT FRAME: Full, Bold Design
If you like a full wreath look, but feel intimidated by a big wire frame, a flat wooden base may be just the thing. Alternatively, you can cut one out using cardboard and still make a wreath equally beautiful!
What you actually need:
- Flat wooden base (or cut one yourself using thick cardboard)
- Greenery or florals (the front facing part of the wreath)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks (start with an inexpensive low-temp glue gun and, if needed, go high-temp; I only ever use low-temp)
- Floral wire (22-gauge wire is a good, all-round choice; flexible and strong for all kinds of wreath projects)
- Wire cutters (to cut floral wire and faux floral/greenery stems – which are also wired)
- Optional: Gardening Shears (ONLY if you plan to use fresh greenery. When cutting thick, woody stems for a winter wreath, use bypass shears – i.e., the ones with the curved blades. Otherwise, straight blade pruning shears will work)
Why this works:
Using a flat surface can give you a bit more control with placement and may be a bit easier to work with than, say, a wire base which has a raised curve to it.
DIY EXAMPLE from this blog:
I’ve only shared one DIY using a flat wooden base. It was quick to create – using just 1 type of greenery and floral wire to attach. It turned out so beautifully, lush and full of movement – which really goes to show that you don’t need a million supplies to have big impact.
Just see for yourself:
Quick & Easy Modern Minimal DIY Wreath (Beginner)
5. FOAM HOOP BASE: Great for Fabric & Soft Designs
And now for something a little different.
While I don’t buy foam wreath bases anymore, I still have them kicking around my craft room. If you do, too, then put them to good use! While using a foam base to make a wreath can be more time-intensive, it is definitely worth it if you are feeling adventurous and love working with textiles.
I’ve only shared ONE diy wreath using a foam base, but I LOVED making it. For this type of wreath…
What you actually need:
- Foam hoop base
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks (start with an inexpensive low-temp glue gun and, if needed, go high-temp; I only ever use low-temp)
- Scissors (for cutting fabric and/or yarn)
- Fabric (e.g., burlap, felt) AND/OR Yarn (for wrapping and/or adding embellishments)
- Optional: You may wish to attach Greenery or Florals and, then again, you may wish to stick to an entirely fabric/yarn-based wreath
Why this works:
Using a foam base is perfect for wrapping fabric or yarn around it. It’s an ideal base for created a cozy, soft, textured design. And while you can still use any of the other tools and supplies listed with the other wreath frames – depending on the type of wreath you’re making – for a soft, fabric-style wreath, the above list is all you really need.
DIY EXAMPLE from this blog:
My yarn and felt project was one of those projects you make while watching something on TV, wrapping, and relaxing. And once you create one of those cute little felt flowers – well – it’s kinda hard to stop 🙂
DIY Yarn and Felt Flower Wreath (Beginner/Intermediate)
MAKE YOUR OWN WREATH-MAKING KIT (Across All Wreath Types)
You may have noticed that no matter what wreath you choose, the following supplies come up again and again.
If you just want to get started without overthinking it, this is what I would suggest:
- 1 wreath base
- 1 type of greenery + 1-2 types of florals
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Floral Wire (22-gauge is your best all-around choice)
- Wire cutters (to cut floral wire and faux floral/greenery stems – which are also wired)
These are the bare-bones basics to help get you started with wreath making. Once you’re comfortable with these, you can add other tools or supplies later.
For Inspiration: Check Out All My Beginner-Friendly Wreath Tutorials
You don’t need a giant craft haul – though I’ve had many – to make a beautiful wreath. You just need the right base, greenery or florals, and a tutorial or inspiration look to get started.
If you’re ready to dive in, click on any of the links to the tutorials in the above post, or go straight to ALL MY WREATH TUTORIALS HERE.
Start simple and let it be a little imperfect – that’s kind of the point 🙂
Happy wreathmaking,
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