How to Make a Fall Leaf Wreath

Gather and preserve fall leaves, then use them to make a seasonal wreath. You can decorate the wreath with things from nature or with items from your local craft store.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wreath Door Hangers
• Wreath Frames
• Hook And Eye Latches
• Craft Wire
• Wire Cutters
• Wire Cutters
• Wire cutters

1. Preserve leaves so that they will retain their beautiful fall colors (see "How to Preserve Fall Leaves for Wreath Making," under Related eHows).

2. Gather supplies needed for wreath making.

3. Purchase or make the basic wreath frame from grapevines or a coat hanger; anything that will hold a shape will do.

4. Lay wreath frame on table.

5. Secure a piece of florist wire around frame by twisting ends.

6. Gather a few stems of leaves together.

7. Trim stems leaving about 3 to 5 inches of bare stem.

8. Working clockwise, lay stems with leaves facing under your elbow on frame, starting where you wrapped wire.

9. Hold stems firmly and wrap wire around stems and frame as you go, anchoring stems to frame with a wrap of wire.

10. Gather a few more stems, trim.

11. Overlap bunches by 2 to 3 inches depending on how thick you want your wreath.

12. When you get back at the original set of leaves, slide the stems under leaves to hide them. Keep doing this until the wreath is completely full.

13. To tie off wire, wrap around the frame a couple of wraps. On last wrap, slip the end of the wire under loop and twist to tighten.

14. Decorate the wreath with dried flowers, miniature pumpkins, gourds, squash or other fall decorations.

15. Use a wreath hook to hang wreath on door.

Tips & Warnings

• See "How to Make Glove Liners From Old Sweatshirts," under Related eHows, to find out how to make liners to protect your hands while working with vines and wire.
• Sort leaves and stems before you begin your wreath.