As the crisp air and vibrant colours of autumn settle in, it's the perfect time to embrace the changing season and the beauty it offers. For me, the autumn months are a wonderful opportunity to not only connect with nature but to enjoy long walks while hitting my 10,000-step daily goal. This year, I found myself drawn to the Suffolk countryside, where cooler days, blue skies, and the soft rustle of leaves beneath my feet made my walks even more enjoyable. One day, while exploring the countryside, I was inspired to channel the season's beauty into a creative project: crafting an everlasting foraged autumn wreath.
The Inspiration Behind the Wreath
The inspiration for this wreath came naturally as I ventured out on my walks. The landscape was bursting with a variety of dried stems, delicate seed heads, and wildflowers. Every step was a reminder of how breath-taking autumn can be, with the earth settling into its warm and rich hues. I was particularly drawn to the rustic beauty of bracken and burdock, both of which dotted the countryside like pieces of art, waiting to be gathered and transformed. It became clear that these natural elements could be the perfect materials for a seasonal wreath that would bring the outdoors inside. With my arms full of foraged materials, I headed home to begin my project.
Why Foraging?
Foraging for natural materials not only connects us with our environment but also encourages mindfulness. Autumn, with its bounty of dried plants and earthy colours, is the perfect season for foraging. Whether you're in the countryside or walking through a local park, you'll likely find a treasure trove of stems, seed heads, and wildflowers to bring back with you. The act of collecting these items allows us to slow down and appreciate the textures and forms we often overlook in nature. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to create something beautiful without needing to buy anything new.
Materials Needed for Your Autumn Wreath
Creating a foraged autumn wreath is one of the most relaxing and creative activities you can do, and the process is surprisingly straightforward. Here's what you'll need to get started:
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Wreath Base: This is the foundation that will hold your gathered autumn elements. Wreath bases come in a variety of materials—metal, foam, or straw—but I opted for a vine wreath base, which is almost 18 inches in diameter. I personally love larger wreaths, as they make a bold statement and allow you to incorporate a wide variety of natural elements.
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Bind Wire: You’ll need this to secure the stems and other natural materials to the wreath base. Floral wire or any thin, flexible wire works perfectly for this task.
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Dried Stems: Here’s where the magic happens. Gather a selection of dried stems, wildflowers, and seed heads during your walks. For my wreath, I used:
- Burdock
- Bracken
- Evening Primrose
- Cow Parsley
- Curly Dock
- Mugwort
- Campion
- Tall Tickseed
- Pepper Weed
You can mix and match your own finds depending on what's available in your local area. The beauty of a foraged wreath is its uniqueness, so don't be afraid to get creative with the materials you collect.
How to Create Your Autumn Wreath
Once you've gathered all your materials, it's time to bring your wreath to life. Here are the steps I followed to create my autumn wreath:
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Prepare Your Base: Start by wrapping your bind wire around the vine wreath base. This step ensures that your base is ready to support the dried stems you'll be attaching. Secure the wire tightly but leave enough length to wrap the stems later.
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Arrange Your Dried Stems: Before securing anything to the wreath, take some time to arrange the dried stems. Lay them out and experiment with different groupings until you achieve a balanced look that you're happy with. I like to think of it as creating small bouquets or bundles, combining different colors, textures, and heights for a dynamic effect.
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Secure the Stems: Once you’re pleased with your arrangement, begin attaching the bundles of stems to the wreath base. Using the bind wire, wrap it around the stems and base, ensuring everything is tightly secured. This will help your wreath maintain its shape and prevent any stems from coming loose over time. Don’t cut the wire just yet—you’ll want to continue wrapping and securing as you go.
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Repeat the Process: Continue adding bundles of stems, making sure to vary the colours and textures for a natural, organic feel. As you work your way around the wreath, try to keep the stems pointing in the same direction for a cohesive look. Trim any excess stem ends close to the wire so that they’re not visible.
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Final Touches: Once you've covered the wreath base with your foraged elements, take a step back and evaluate the overall look. You can always add more stems if needed by tucking them into the bind wire or weaving them between other stems. This is your chance to make any final adjustments and perfect the design.
The Beauty of a Foraged Wreath
What I love most about creating a foraged wreath is the personal connection it fosters with the season. Each walk brings new treasures, and every wreath tells its own story, unique to the materials gathered and the hands that made it. Not only does the wreath encapsulate the natural beauty of autumn, but it also serves as a reminder of the peaceful walks and quiet moments spent outdoors.
The wreath-making process itself is soothing, encouraging creativity without any pressure. There are no rules, no strict guidelines—just you, the materials, and your vision. Plus, the end result is a beautiful, everlasting wreath that will adorn your home throughout the season and beyond.
Watch the Process
If you're feeling inspired to create your own wreath but want a visual guide, I've made a video that walks you through each step of the process. You can watch it here. Grab your materials, head outside, and enjoy the calming, creative process of wreath-making while soaking in the autumn atmosphere.
Conclusion
Creating a foraged autumn wreath is more than just a craft project—it’s a celebration of the season. It allows you to bring the outdoors inside, adding a touch of autumnal beauty to your home while encouraging mindfulness and creativity. Whether you're strolling through the countryside or taking a quick walk in a city park, the materials for your wreath are out there waiting for you. So lace up your walking shoes, step outside, and gather inspiration from the world around you. Soon enough, you'll have a stunning autumn masterpiece that encapsulates the warmth and charm of this beautiful season.
