How to Make a Willow Wreath Base

Making your own willow wreath base is easy and fun, and you will always have a frame ready to be decorated to suit the occasion.

You can use it to make a Christmas wreath, flowery spring and summer wreaths or decorate them with colourful autumn treasures.

I just love going outside to look for things I can use for creative projects or recipes. Surely, that must be a primal human instinct.

Today, I was searching for branches that are flexible enough to make into a wreath frame. A few years ago, we planted several willow trees along the path. Now they’re tall, and I can use the fresh shoots for various projects.

I cut about 20 shoots and was able to weave about 3 to 4 wreath frames from them.

hand holding hedge clippers about to cut a long shoot of willow

What can I use as a base for a wreath?

You can use any flexible branches of varying lengths and thicknesses, ranging from small twigs to 0.5 cm thick branches. Suitable options include willow, birch, hazel, maple, dogwood, chestnut, or alder.

How long will a willow wreath base last?

If you look after them and keep them dry they can last a very long time, possibly a lifetime.

How to make a willow wreath base

Materials needed:

6 – 7 flexible branches or vines (e.g. willow, birch, hazel, maple, dogwood, chestnut, alder) for each wreath
optional: vines or fresh shoots from climbing plants like bindweed or ivy. Since ivy can be toxic, wear gloves when cutting and handling it. You can also make your own natural string from blackberry vines (see tip and video below)
Pruning shears or garden scissors
Strong string like hemp cord or twine (I used yarn)

circle made from a willow branch and secured with brown yarn, yarn and a pair of kitchen scissors

Step 1: Shape the Frame

Start by forming a circle with the branches, creating the size of the wreath you desire. It’s okay if the branches overlap slightly.
Secure the ends together by wrapping cord or twine around them tightly. Make knots or twists to ensure the frame stays intact.

outside table with willow branches and two homemade willow wreath bases and a ginger cat — two willow wreath bases in different sizes

Step 2: Reinforce and Adjust

Next, keep adding twigs and weaving them in and out of the circle.
Check the frame’s stability. If it feels weak in certain areas, add more branches or wrap extra cord around those sections to reinforce them.

ginger cat sitting on outdoor table in the middle of a homemade willow wreath base

Step 3: Add Vines or String (Optional)

Wrap thin, twisted branches of twigs and slender stems of climbing plants around the wreath. See tip below to make your own natural string
Trim any protruding stray branches sticking out of the wreath. Wrap thicker stems of climbing plants tightly around the wreath, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Alternatively, use a thicker string.
As you can’t knot the stems of climbing plants, after wrapping, simply tuck their ends multiple times between the branches. That should hold them in place

Tip: Making your own string from blackberry vines

Did you know you can make a natural string from blackberry vines?

Using gloves and garden shears cut a length of vine, then use a piece of cloth to rub off the thorns until you are left with a green string. Wrap it around your wreath to reinforce your willow wreath base.

Step 4: Trim Excess Branches

Lastly, use pruning shears or garden scissors to trim any excess branches or uneven parts, making the wreath frame neat and uniform in shape.
Your willow wreath base is ready to be decorated.

Tips:

If necessary soak the branches in water for a few hours before shaping the wreath; this makes them more pliable.
To store the wreath for reuse, pack it away in a dry place to prevent damage or deformation.

Have fun experimenting with different natural materials and designs!