A newspaper wreath form can be a cost-effective and efficient way to create a fall wreath, using materials like rose hips, heather, and ornamental grasses. The base of the wreath is made by rolling newspaper pages diagonally and tightly, then bending them into a ring and wrapping it with twine.
This method can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes and costs nothing, as it uses old newspaper and twine. The paper ring can securely carry rose hips, heather, and grasses, but it may not hold up if covered with heavy items like chestnuts.
Creating the Newspaper Wreath Form
To create the wreath form, start by rolling 2 to 3 newspaper pages diagonally from one corner into a firm, slim tube. Secure the end with a piece of tape, then roll three or four more tubes. The tubes should be rolled as tightly as possible, as this is important for the wreath form to hold its shape.
Next, lay 3 to 4 tubes alongside each other with the joints staggered, then bend the whole bundle over an upturned salad bowl or a bucket. This will help the ring come out even and round, rather than egg-shaped. Finally, wind the twine around the ring in close spirals, roughly 1 inch apart, and knot the end firmly.
The resulting wreath form is about 12 inches across and can be used as a base for a variety of fall wreaths. The tightly stacked layers of paper provide real bending stiffness, while the closely wound twine stops the roll from opening and spreads the pull across the whole ring.
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Load Testing the Newspaper Wreath Form
The newspaper wreath form can carry light natural decor like rose hips, heather, and dried grasses, as well as hydrangea heads, Chinese lanterns, and sedum umbels. However, it may not hold up if loaded with heavy items like chestnuts or small ornamental gourds, which can cause the ring to sag into an oval shape.
The wreath form is also sensitive to moisture, and should be hung in a sheltered spot under a porch roof to extend its life. In direct rain, the paper can soften and become mushy, while damp plant material can mold faster.
For a more durable wreath base, consider using a woven ring of dogwood or willow shoots, which can be found in many backyards or nearby brushy paths. These shoots can be bent and woven into a ring, then allowed to dry and tighten, creating a sturdy base for outdoor wreaths.
Cooperative Extension horticulture programs recommend using flexible shoots like willow, red-twig dogwood, birch, hazel, maple, or alder for homemade wreath bases. Grapevine is also a classic American choice and behaves similarly. When using these materials, it’s essential to soak very dry material for at least two hours to prevent it from snapping as you bend it.
As the shoots dry, they shrink slightly and tighten, making the ring more secure. This method is ideal for creating wreaths that need to hang outdoors for weeks, as the woven branch base can withstand wind and weather better than a newspaper wreath form.
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When using dogwood or willow shoots, it’s essential to choose flexible branches that are pliable but not full of sap.
The branches wedge against each other under their own tension, creating a sturdy base for outdoor wreaths.
Alternative Wreath Bases
A straw wreath form is another option, available at craft stores and garden centers for $4 to $10. Its machine-pressed, wire-bound body can accept wreath pins anywhere on its surface and carry a heavy, fully glued design without deforming. However, this type of wreath form is best used when covering the base completely with heavy items like chestnuts or cones.
Legal Sources of Plant Material
On private land, permission from the owner is required to collect plant material. National parks prohibit collecting plant material. Many national forests allow small amounts for personal use.
Rules vary by district, so the ranger station should be called. State and county parks set their own policies. Roadside brush clearing and a neighbor’s pruning pile are legal sources.
