DIY Halloween Wreath for $20!
Do you want to create this Halloween wreath with just 5 simple craft supplies, all for $20? If so, check out my step-by-step video tutorial here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow_EWreq1F4
Prefer reading? No prob -- Just follow the instructions below.
I first saw this wreath on Pinterest a few years ago and thought it was super cute and just the right kind of Halloween vibe I was looking for. Below, I have listed prices and locations for where I purchased all of my supplies. Please Note: You will need to use the Michael's/Joann's online coupons in order to get your wreath cost to $20 or below.
[Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting the brands that support this blog.]
Supply Checklist:
Foam wreath – I used a 16-inch flat foam wreath that you can find at any craft supply store. I bought this particular wreath from my Joann’s store for $11, full price (but it’s even cheaper online now). It’s important that you get the flat wreath, and not the ones that are rounded. The flat part of the wreath is where all of the paper scrolls will be glued, so you want to make sure you have enough room for them. [Warning: Totally unflattering pic below.]
Ribbon – I used a burlap, 5-inch ribbon for $5.49 from Michael’s.
A few things to keep in mind when choosing your ribbon:
Width - A 5-inch ribbon is wide enough that it doesn’t take so many loops to cover the entire wreath, but small enough that it will be easier to bend and loop around the curves of the wreath.
Weave – You will want to use a tight weave ribbon, as opposed to an open weave, for this project. An open weave ribbon is more transparent and will require you to cover the wreath with several layers of ribbon so that you won’t be able to see the foam underneath.
Design - I wanted to use plain burlap for this particular wreath because I wanted the paper scrolls and the raven centerpiece to be the main focal points of this wreath. The ribbon I used has gold woven into the burlap, so it has a subtle shine. Be careful that you don’t choose a ribbon that has an intricate pattern, as it might make your wreath look too busy when you attach all the paper scrolls on top.
Type – For wreath wrapping, I prefer using a ribbon with a wire trim as it helps the ribbon stay in place easier. So, you’ll want to start wrapping your ribbon by placing the end flap at the back of your wreath and when you start wrapping, be sure to leave about 1 to 1 ½ inches between each pleat. When you get back to the beginning of the wreath where you started, fold the ribbon one last time so that it overlaps your first pleat. Then, use hot glue to secure the last fold to your wreath.
Paper scrolls – I used old book pages to make these paper scrolls. [This pic's not much better, sorry :/]
Libraries will sometimes have bargain bins where you can purchase old books for 25 or 50 cents. Look for narrow books because you’ll want your paper scrolls to be no more than about 4 inches wide. Since the look of this wreath is achieved by stacking the scrolls on top of each other, you’ll want the scrolls to be rolled tightly. You will also have to make between 35 to 40 scrolls depending on how full you would like your wreath to look. To make the scrolls, start by tearing out a page from your book. Start rolling the paper from one end to the other. Run a line of hot glue across the bottom of the page and fold it over the roll to keep your scroll together. Repeat with the other book pages and vary the thickness of your scrolls. I think this wreath looks better when the scrolls are varying sizes.
String to tie the scrolls – I used a jute twine to tie my scrolls together from Michael’s for $3.49, full price. [Finally! A good pic.]
This wreath looks a bit rustic with the paper scrolls and burlap ribbon, so I wanted to continue that look with the jute twine. However, if you would like more print on the wreath, you could use a thin lace ribbon or ribbon with a small print. Once you have 3 or 4 scrolls prepared, you will need to group them together and tie them together with your string. Once you’ve made a double knot, you can keep your ends long or short depending on your preference.
At this point, you will need to hot glue all of your scrolls bunches to your wreath. Start by placing them in varying directions on your wreath, and once you are happy with the placement, hot glue the bottom of the scrolls to the wreath. Once you have completed that layer, place the remaining scroll bunches as a second layer on top of the scrolls you just glued. This will give a more 3-dimensional look to your wreath.
Raven and Stick - Center Decorative Item – I used a raven because I thought that would be the best centerpiece for this scroll wreath, but a spider, a skeleton hand, or skull would look great as well. You can find a raven at Michaels or Amazon for $5 or less. The Halloween ravens that are sold in stores usually have a wire attached at the bottom of the figure so you can wrap the raven around something to stand it up straight. In this case, you will be wrapping it around a stick that is placed in the inside circle of the wreath. I got the stick for my wreath in my backyard – no joke! Once you’ve found a stick that you like, position it inside the wreath where you would like it. Then, press the stick hard down into the foam. Use hot glue to secure the stick to the wreath. Then, place your raven on the stick, and use the raven’s wire to wrap its feet tightly to the stick. To make the raven even more secure (since this will be hanging outside on your door), use hot glue to bind the raven’s feet to the stick.
And that’s it! You’re done! You’ve completed your Halloween wreath, all for just $20!
