Store-bought grapevine wreaths are not that expensive, but if you have vines growing in your garden they are a family-friendly start to a weekend project. How you decorate your grapevine wreath is up to you; you could plant it up with succulents for a living wreath, adorn it with hydrangeas, or make a traditional holly wreath for the holidays. The possibilities are really endless.
Of course grapevine (Vitis spp.) is the most popular wood for making vine wreaths, but it is not the only material you can use. For this project I used cuttings from a Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) that trails along a shady fence. It is a bit of a softer vine, so adding an unwound coat hanger would stiffen up the frame. As I have mine on a trellis, it holds its shape just fine. American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) and Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) would also make a great wreath form.
Materials:
- Vine
- Pruners
Make it!
1. Begin by gathering and untangling the vine pieces. When they have been tamed into a bundle that is manageable, form the vine into a circular shape on a large surface. Using a few thick strands of vine, begin to wind around the bundle, tucking the end of the vine in.
2. Continue to wind and secure the entire wreath. When the end meets the beginning, knit the vine ends together and continue to wind the outer vines to secure, overlapping the starting point.
Tuck in any loose ends.
3. Set the wreath somewhere to dry and take shape.
My vine wreath is just the perfect addition to the bentwood trellis used to distract the eye from the compost bin.
If you want to also make your own bentwood trellis, Making Bentwood Trellises, Arbors, Gates, & Fences by Jim Long is a great resource. It has many designs to choose from plus information on choosing wood, suggested plantings, and even recipes.
Thank you so much for sharing my Spring Wreath! I feel so honored! That is amazing that you made your own wreath! Good job!!!
Jill
I have wanted to try to make a vine wreath for some time now and was very short on ideas.
I really appreciate your article and the pictures. My favorite 2 are the bird feeder and birdbath wreaths.
What a clever idea. We have many birds in our neighborhood and some of our neighbors have feeders as well as fountains but these 2 are very unique and fun.
So off I go to get the things I need to build these.
Thanks again
What a gorgeous wreath! You inspired me to grow grapes just to make one. Beautiful placement on the trellis!
I love your trellis the vine wreath adds just that little extra embellishment making it perfect. I really must take teh time this year to make something like that for my garden.
So many wonderful grapevine wreath ideas,I especially like the hanging lighted one,as well as the bird bath using a clay pot dish in the middle….I wish I lived some place I could grow my own grapevines again.But these days I live in a little condo, and many times while I take my walks I look around on the way and pick up natural elimints to use in store bought wreaths, They still turn out absoluty lovely. Thank you for sharing your ideas with use.