How to Make Fall Grapevine Wreath

Grapevine wreaths make a wonderful addition to any home. These natural wreaths are easy to make and are so versatile that you can quickly change their look to suit any season. For fall, a bold wreath covered with nuts and leaves welcomes guests to your home and celebrates the harvest season in style.

Things You'll Need

• Grapevines
• Silk or waxed leaves
• Assortment of nuts
• Raffeta bow

Instructions

1. Gather grapevines from the roadside or the backyard. It is preferable to pick the vines while they are still growing and the vine is still pliable. Dried grapevines will need to be soaked in warm water overnight before you can form a wreath. You will need several lengths of vine that are 6 to 10 feet long. if you do not have access to grapevines, woodvine will work equally as well.

2. Remove any leaves, but do not remove tendrils. These add to your wreath as they curl into interesting shapes when dried.

3. Form a circle with the thickest end of the vine. Try to make this ring as symmetrical as possible, but don't worry if it is a little lopsided. You can fill this in with shorter lengths later. You may wish to secure the ring with a piece of twine or wire. Although it is not necessary, it will prevent the ring from slipping out of shape as you work.

4. Begin weaving the length of the vine around the base ring by weaving in and out around the circumference of the base. If the vines are too long to manage easily, clip them to the desired length. Keep in mind the more ends you have, the more ends you will need to conceal. Work with longer lengths if at all possible.

5. Work your way around the base several times until you have reached the thickness you desire. Tuck the ends of any vines into the center of other twisted vines to hide and secure the ends. Be sure the ends are secure and stay put, otherwise they may pop out as the wreath dries and be very difficult to manage.

6. Secure the wreath by wrapping with twine or wire to maintain the shape as it dries. This will produce a more uniform shape, but if you aren't worried about a few irregularities, you can decorate you wreath right away and let it dry naturally.

7. Purchase silk vines of colored leaves and loosely weave them onto the existing wreath. If you intend to keep this as a permanent fall wreath, use a hot glue gun to secure it in place. If you prefer to use your wreath base for other seasons, simply tuck loose ends into the existing base to secure.

8. Add acorns or other fall nuts in the same fashion until you get the look and feel you desire.

9. Attach a big raffeta bow in bright fall colors and place on your front door to welcome your guests.