Before you rush to the craft store for holiday decorations, take a look around your house. You might be surprised to find that your next festive wreath is hiding in plain sight, in your bookshelf, your wine rack, or even your sewing kit.
Repurposing household items into decor is budget-friendly, and it’s a way to give your home a unique, personal touch that can’t be found on a store shelf. That collection of wine corks or those fabric scraps you’ve been saving? They’re the building blocks for a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
We’ve gathered five simple DIY wreath projects that transform everyday items into stunning front-door decor.
1. The Upcycled Book Page Wreath
If you have a damaged book that’s missing pages or falling apart, don’t toss it in the recycling bin just yet. Old book pages age into a lovely cream color that adds vintage sophistication to any entryway.
This wreath is best suited for a covered porch or an interior door (like a pantry or home office). To increase longevity, you can lightly mist the finished product with a clear acrylic sealer to repel humidity and prevent yellowing.
Why it works: This project is incredibly high-impact for low cost. The repetition of the rolled paper creates a complex texture that looks far more expensive than it is. It’s particularly striking on a dark-colored door where the pale paper pops.
2. The Wine Cork Wreath
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For the oenophiles out there, this is the perfect excuse to put that cork collection to use. This wreath offers a rustic, textured look that fits perfectly with farmhouse or vineyard-inspired decor.
Use a sturdy base and plenty of hot glue. Arrange corks to fully cover it, alternating directions. For outdoor use, choose temperature-resistant glue to prevent corks from falling off in the cold.
Why it works: Cork is naturally weather-resistant and durable. The varying shades of the corks (from light tan to deep merlot stains) create natural visual interest without needing paint or glitter.
3. The Spare Fabric Rag Wreath
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Do you have old flannel shirts, table linens, or scraps from sewing projects? A rag wreath is a cozy, shabby-chic option that requires zero advanced crafting skills, just a lot of tying knots.
Cut your fabric strips into uniform lengths (usually about 6-8 inches) before you start. Use a wire coat hanger bent into a circle or a wire wreath frame as your base.
Why it works: It’s completely customizable. You can stick to a monochrome palette for a modern look or go wild with patterns for a country-cottage feel. It’s also incredibly tactile and soft, avoiding the “prickly” nature of traditional pine or twig wreaths.
4. The Cookie Cutter Wreath
Dig into the back of your kitchen drawers for those metal cookie cutters you only use once a year. By securing them together, you create an industrial-chic, whimsical wreath that looks right at home in a kitchen window or on a pantry door.
Arrange your cutters in a circle first to find the best interlocking fit before securing them. Use strong floral wire or small zip ties to connect the shapes. A wide, red velvet ribbon serves as the perfect hanger to soften the metal edges.
Why it works: The metallic finish reflects light beautifully, and the festive shapes signal the holidays. Best of all, it’s temporary; you can disassemble it later if you need to bake cookies.
5. The Fresh Herb Wreath
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Skip the florist and head to your garden or the grocery store’s produce aisle. Bundling hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage creates a wreath that smells as good as it looks.
Use a simple wire frame and attach bundles of herbs with floral paddle wire. Keep the wreath out of direct, scorching sunlight to prevent the herbs from browning too quickly. Misting it with water daily can help it stay fresh longer.
Why it works: It engages the senses. Guests are greeted with a fresh, savory scent before they even knock. It’s also functional; as the herbs dry, you can snip pieces off for cooking. This is the ultimate “farm-to-table” decor.
Spruce Up Your Entryway
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Creating a wreath doesn’t require a trip to the craft store or a big budget. By looking at common household items with a fresh perspective, you can craft a welcoming entry that reflects your personal style and creativity.
If you’re ready to take your curb appeal to the next level, start by gathering your materials this weekend. Clear off the dining table, put on some music, and enjoy the process of making something new again.