There are many unique and affordable DIY options to create a seasonal wreath from faux flowers and natural fiber wreath bases like woven straw, grapevine or airy birch twigs. Wreaths, whether sew or no-sew, and how to make them are seen just about everywhere. However, a torn fabric vintage shabby chic one Anthropologie inspired, a simple poufy burlap circle with cottage roses or even a ribbon wrapped foam or pool noodle decorated with a fanciful theme is often the most satisfying for those who want to do-it-yourself.

Consider the following sew or no-sew wreath options:

Scrap fabric wreath – use a wire wreath form (2, 3 or 4 wire framed) and several 1/4-yards of different prints and coordinating fabrics will make this wreath in an evening. Best to cut fabric strips 1 and 1/2 or 2-inches wide by 5 or 6-inches long. Longer strips work well too for a somewhat fluffy/hanging look. A rotary cutter will speed up the cutting process, however sharp dressmaker shears will do fine. Tie LOTS and LOTS of strips onto a wreath form for a great no-sew craft. If using red, white and blue torn fabric strips (or your particular country’s flag colors) the fabric wreath takes on a patriotic flair.

Burlap wreath with classic fabric cottage roses – use long lengths of 6-inch-wide burlap ribbon to pull the poufs through a wire wreath form or gently twist and poke onto a coat hanger that has been opened and made into a circle shape. Cottage roses or English roses are the large multi-petal rosette type roses found in outdoor gardens and they look especially charming against the rustic burlap. To make the roses use a strip of fabric 4-inches by 45-inches. Fold in both long edges of the fabric so they meet at the center, then continuously fold the strip over itself pinning each fold until the end is reached. Stitch along one long end using a long stitch length that will then be pulled to tightly gather the sewn strip. The strip will roll into a classic rose shape. Add a pearl-like button for the fabric rose’s center to secure.

Alternatively, a peony-like flower can be made by tearing a 3-inch by 45-inch length of fabric or muslin. Stitch a long running stitch to sew straight down the center of the strip. Pull up the stitches to gather tightly. The gathered strip will roll onto itself into a flower shape. Add a decorative button to the center if desired.

Kite decorated wreath – make several kite shapes (identified as a quadrilateral or elongated diamond shape) using 4 contrasting or coordinating fabrics. Place two right sides together and sandwich in an identical piece of quilt batting. Stitch all around leaving an opening for turning, clip corners, turn, press and stitch opening closed. Add a length of ribbon to the bottom of the kite shape for the kite tail and add a few ribbon bows along the length of the ribbon. Attach several kites to a straw (or pool noodle) or grapevine wreath form. The kite tails will gently move in the breeze.

Whimsical hot air balloon wreath – same as the kite decorated wreath but instead of a kite shape, sew a two-dimensional hot air balloon shape. Add quilting lines to represent the balloon segments. Attach several of different colors to the desired wreath form.

Whatever form a wreath takes - whimsical, shabby chic, traditional, natural herb or flower, patriotic, seasonal, or celebratory, all become a welcoming first gesture for guests, family and neighbors alike who come to knock on the front door.

Hot air balloon templates from Pinterest.com

Sew happy, sew inspired.