How to Make a Foraged Fall Wreath with Natural Materials

Discover the art of crafting a delightful foraged fall wreath using natural materials that cost under $15.00!

Fall is my favorite time of the year, and I daydream about hanging a beautiful wreath on my front door for the season.

Come along on my foraging adventures as I head into the great outdoors.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know my passion for foraging.

It’s nearly impossible for me to take a stroll without returning home with a new found treasure. And I never leave home without scissors or clippers in tow.

There’s an undeniable beauty in the branches, pods, pinecones, rose hips, and leaves that Mother Nature offers, particularly during the fall season. 

These natural elements are ideal for crafting an exquisite fall front door wreath.

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Why use natural foraged materials

Integrating foraged items into your fall wreath captures the season’s essence and shows sustainability, resulting in a stunning decoration . Every foraged arrangement I create has a unique story; my friends and family often delight in these captivating and sometimes whimsical tales.

Here are a few benefits of making a foraged wreath.

• Eco-Friendly: Foraging minimizes the environmental impact since you’re not relying on commercially produced or artificial materials. It promotes sustainability by reducing the need for you to purchase goods.
• Cost-Effective: Foraged items are usually free or come at a minimal cost, making it an affordable way to decorate your home for fall.
• Unique and Personal: No two wreaths will be identical, allowing you to express your creativity.
• Connection to Nature: Foraging encourages a deeper connection with nature. It offers an opportunity to appreciate and engage with the environment, fostering a sense of mindfulness and gratitude.
• Seasonal Aesthetics: The colors and textures of the leaves, twigs, and seed pods reflect the season’s beauty.
• Longevity: Many natural materials used in fall wreaths, when properly prepared and maintained, can last throughout the season and even longer, ensuring that your wreath remains beautiful for months or years.

What are the best foraged materials?

While out foraging, you’ll encounter numerous exquisite and rustic treasures, and my advice is to pick up whatever you love and think will work for your project. Here are a few of my favorites. 

Keep in mind that this list may vary depending on your geographical location. I live in Southern California and this is what I typically find on my foraging trips.

Seed Pods

• Jacaranda seed pods
• Bottle tree pods 
• Magnolia seed heads
• Pine cones
• Shandong Maple pods
• Honey locust pods 
• Sweet gum pods 
• Redwood Sequoia mini pinecones

Fall leaves, branches, and grasses

There is so much beautiful foliage this time of year, so you shouldn’t need to struggle to find colors of fall to add to your festive wreaths. Here are a few favorites I like to add to my seasonal decor.  

• Pampas grass
• Oak leaves
• Maple leaves
• Bunny tails
• Corn husks
• Heavenly Bamboo
• Thistles
• Sunflowers
• Protea

Additional Items to forage

Foraging goes beyond leaves and branches. You can discover an array of fascinating natural materials to incorporate into your fall wreath. Here’s a brief overview of additional items.

• Berries:
  • Berries come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them excellent for adding pops of color to your wreath.
• Lichen:
  • Lichen is a symbiotic organism composed of fungi and algae, often found on rocks, trees, or branches.
• Moss:
  • It thrives in damp, shaded areas and is commonly found in forests, on rocks, and in bodies of water.
• Acorns:
  • Acorns are the small, nut-like fruits of oak trees, typically found in wooded areas.
  • They can be painted, gilded, or used as-is to add a touch of rustic charm to your wreath.

Remember to practice ethical foraging, ensuring you’re not harming the environment or disturbing wildlife habitats when foraging for these items.

Where are the best places to forage

You don’t need to venture far to begin your foraging journey; you can start right in your own backyard. 

The essence of foraging lies in creativity and thinking beyond the ordinary.

 Consider experimenting with branches from your yard and observe how they dry over time. 

I grow hydrangeas and find them easy to dry. They maintain their color for several months until they turn this yummy brown color, making them a splendid addition to a fall wreath. A few other flowers that dry well are lavender, sunflowers, statice, and strawflowers.

I love to hike and find myself in far-off places that are easy to forage. Here is a short list of a few places to think about foraging. And don’t forget to always carry a bag and clippers with you.

• Forests: Wooded areas, mainly deciduous forests, are prime locations for foraging fall foliage. You can find many leaves, acorns, pinecones, and more.
• Your Own Yard: Like I said earlier, don’t overlook your own backyard or garden. 
• Open Fields: Fields and meadows may yield unique grasses, dried flowers, and seed pods perfect for wreath-making.
• Riverbanks and Lakesides: These areas can offer a different perspective, with water plants and reeds that can complement your fall wreath.
• Friend’s or Neighbor’s Properties: With permission, you might find interesting foliage on the properties of friends or neighbors, especially if they have a diverse landscape.

Remember to respect local regulations and private property rights when foraging. Additionally, be mindful of the environment by not over-harvesting and following sustainable foraging practices.

Now that we have covered how and where to forage, let’s make a foraged fall wreath.

Cleaning your foraged finds

Cleaning foraged foliage, pods, and pinecones is essential to prepare them for use in your fall wreath or other craft projects. Here’s the best way to clean these materials:

• Shake and Brush: Begin by gently shaking and brushing off any loose dirt, insects, or debris from the foliage, pods, and pinecones.
• Soak in Water: Fill a large container or sink with lukewarm water. Submerge the foraged materials in the water, ensuring they are fully covered. Allow them to soak for about 15-30 minutes. 
• Gently Scrub: After soaking, use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub the surfaces of the materials gently. Be cautious not to scrub too vigorously, as you don’t want to damage delicate foliage or petals.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse each piece thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining dirt or soap residue. Ensure that all materials are clean and free from contaminants.
• Dry Completely: Lay the cleaned foliage, pods, and pinecones on a clean towel or paper towel to air dry completely. Please make sure they are in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation. Depending on the thickness of the materials, this may take a few hours to a few days.
• Inspect and Trim: Once dry, inspect each piece for any remaining debris or damaged sections. Trim any brown or damaged parts with scissors or pruning shears to ensure your materials are in their best condition for crafting.
• Optional Disinfection:
• Baking pods in the oven can effectively kill pests, especially if you suspect they are infested with insects or their eggs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely.

Material needed to make a beautiful fall wreath

You can buy most of these supplies at any craft store if you do not have them at home.

• A grapevine wreath, straw wreath form, or wire wreath form
• Hot glue sticks
• Glue gun
• Floral wire 
• Garden clippers
• Scissors
• Zip ties
• sheet moss 
• burlap ribbon or velvet ribbon (optional)
• Foraged foliage, pods, and branches
• One pack of preserved leaves (optional)
• Mini pumpkins and gourds (optional)
• One can of clear coat varnish in the finish of your choice
• Feathers of your choice

Selecting your wreath base

You have three fundamental choices of a wreath that you can purchase: a grapevine wreath, a straw wreath form, or a wire wreath form.

I opted for a grapevine wreath due to its appealing natural appearance. 

Since I wanted to leave a part of the wreath visible, its aesthetic was important.

I bought this wreath for $5.00 from Hobby Lobby and removed the binding parts that held the vines together to enhance its natural look.

Alternatively, you can craft your wreath using birch branches or other small vines for a personalized touch.

Directions to assemble your fall wreath

• Spray your branches, wreath, and pods with a clear coat of varnish.
• Using a small floral wire, create a loop on the back of the wreath for a hanger. 
• Use the floral wire or zip ties and attach your leaves and long stems of pods (I used thistle pods) onto the wreath frame in your desired position. (I like to create a flow going up on the left and down on the right for balance).

• Afterward, I incorporate the largest flowers into the arrangement. For securing the sunflowers, floral wire is most effective; for added stability, a touch of hot glue works wonders.
• Using a hot glue gun, I added a few feathers, poppy pods, and dried protea flowers from my garden. 
• Next, add some large pods to create a base in the center of the bottom of the wreath using hot glue and or florist wire.

• Add one large flower to the bottom of the wreath on top of the pods. 
• Add additional pods to fill in any gaps or spaces. 
• Adding ribbon is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your autumn door wreath. You can tie a bow or add a few pieces of ribbon like I did. 
• ​ Add some finishing touches with dried hydrangea to add color and texture. 

Styling your new fall wreath

Now that you’ve crafted a unique masterpiece, it’s time to put it on display.

Hang your wreath proudly on your front door, an interior wall in your home, or on the door of your “She-shed,” just as I did.

This wreath is certain to extend a warm welcome to all your guests throughout the season.

Conclusion

Crafting a foraged wreath with natural materials is a delightful way to celebrate the season’s beauty while fostering a deeper connection with nature. Whether foraging in your backyard or exploring local trails, the result is a unique and sustainable decoration that adds warmth and charm to your home. So, embrace your creativity, venture into the great outdoors, and let nature inspire your next crafting adventure.

Other wreath posts to enjoy

How To Make a Winter Wreath with Wood Flowers

How to make a fresh lemon wreath