How To Make A Fern Wreath

How to make a fern wreath is a simple and rewarding DIY project that anyone can tackle.
 
You don’t need fancy tools or floral design experience to create a beautiful fern wreath for your front door or wall.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make a fern wreath step by step, from gathering supplies to the final hanging.
 
Whether you’re using fresh ferns from your garden or dried ferns from a craft store, the process for making a fern wreath stays pretty much the same.
 
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how to make a fern wreath that looks professional and lasts for weeks.
 

How to Make a Fern Wreath: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start making a fern wreath, you need to have the right materials on hand.
 
Here’s what you’ll need for a successful fern wreath project:

1. Choose Your Ferns

The star of the show is, of course, the ferns themselves.
 
For a lush fern wreath, you can use fresh ferns like Boston fern, leatherleaf fern, or tree fern.
 
Dried ferns also work beautifully if you want a wreath that lasts all season without wilting.
 
Whichever you pick, gather enough fronds to cover the entire wreath base—usually two to three bunches for a standard 12‑inch wreath form.
 
Using a mix of fern varieties adds texture and depth to your finished fern wreath.
 

2. Select a Wreath Base

You can use a grapevine wreath, a wire wreath frame, or a foam wreath form.
 
Grapevine wreaths give a natural, rustic look that pairs perfectly with ferns.
 
Wire frames work well if you plan to attach ferns with floral wire or zip ties.
 
Foam forms are ideal for fresh ferns because you can poke stems directly into the foam to keep them hydrated.
 
Your choice of base affects how you’ll approach making a fern wreath, so pick what feels easiest for you.
 

3. Gather Tools and Fasteners

You’ll need sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut fern stems.
 
Floral wire, green garden wire, or even hot glue guns work for attaching ferns to the base.
 
If you’re using a foam base, you can skip wire and just insert stems.
 
A pair of gloves is helpful because some fern stems can be prickly.
 
Having all these supplies ready before you start will make the process of making a fern wreath much smoother.
 

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Fern Wreath

Now let’s get into the actual technique of how to make a fern wreath.
 
Follow these steps and you’ll have a gorgeous wreath in under an hour.

1. Prepare Your Ferns

Trim each fern frond into smaller sections, about 4–6 inches long.
 
Remove any damaged or discolored leaves so your fern wreath looks fresh and full.
 
If you’re working with fresh ferns, mist them lightly to keep them from wilting while you work.
 
Group a few trimmed pieces together in small bundles—this makes attaching them faster and gives a fuller look.
 

2. Attach Ferns to the Wreath Base

Start at the bottom or one side of the wreath base and work your way around.
 
Take a bundle of fern pieces and lay them against the base, with stems pointing in the same direction.
 
Use floral wire to wrap the stems securely to the base, making several tight twists.
 
If you’re using a foam wreath, simply push the stems into the foam at an angle.
 
Overlap each new bundle slightly over the stems of the previous bundle to hide any wires or bare spots.
 
Continue this pattern all the way around until the entire base is covered.
 

3. Shape and Fill In

Once all ferns are attached, step back and check for gaps.
 
Add extra fern pieces to any thin areas to create a uniform, dense fern wreath.
 
Fluff the fronds gently with your fingers so they fan out naturally.
 
Trim any stray stems that stick out too far beyond the wreath shape.
 
This shaping step is key to making a fern wreath that looks polished and professionally made.
 

4. Secure the Back

Flip the wreath over and trim any exposed wire ends.
 
If you used hot glue, make sure no glue beads are visible from the front.
 
Add a loop of ribbon or wire to the back for hanging.
 
Your fern wreath is now ready to display.
 

Tips for Making a Fern Wreath That Lasts

Want your fern wreath to stay beautiful for as long as possible?
 
Here are a few pro tips to extend the life of your creation.

1. Choose the Right Ferns

Some ferns hold up better than others when cut.
 
For a long‑lasting fern wreath, use leatherleaf fern or tree fern because they dry well and don’t wilt quickly.
 
Boston fern is lush but tends to drop leaves within a few days.
 
Dried ferns are the best option if you want a wreath that lasts for months without maintenance.
 

2. Mist Fresh Ferns Regularly

If you used fresh ferns, mist them lightly with water every couple of days.
 
Place the wreath in a spot that gets indirect light and away from heat vents.
 
This keeps the fronds hydrated and prevents them from crisping up too fast.
 
A fresh fern wreath can last up to two weeks with proper care.
 

3. Seal Dried Ferns with Hairspray

For a dried fern wreath, give it a light coat of unscented hairspray.
 
This helps the fronds hold their shape and reduces shedding.
 
Avoid placing a dried fern wreath in direct sunlight, as that can make it brittle and fade the green color.
 

So, How to Make a Fern Wreath?

How to make a fern wreath is easy once you follow these steps and gather the right supplies.
 
Start with your choice of fresh or dried ferns, pick a wreath base that suits your style, and attach the ferns using wire or foam insertion.
 
Shape and fill the wreath until it looks full and balanced, then hang it up and enjoy.
 
Whether you’re making a fern wreath for a seasonal decoration or a year‑round accent, the process is the same and the result is always stunning.
 
Now you know exactly how to make a fern wreath that will impress your friends and add a natural touch to your home.