Deck the Shores! Your DIY Coastal Wreath for a Beachy Holiday
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Forget the plastic tinsel this year! You can create a stunning, one-of-a-kind DIY coastal wreath using natural elements found right near the shore.
This natural holiday decor project is all about embracing simplicity and bringing the coast home for the holidays.
I'll show you exactly how to transform foraged greenery, dried sea grass, and shells into a rustic beach wreath that will last all season.
Let's gather our treasures and get crafting!
MATERIALS & TOOLS LIST
Before you begin this foraged wreath project, gather all the necessary tools and coastal treasures:
Wire wreath frame (12-18 inches)
Floral wire (green or brown)
Wire cutters & Garden shears
Thick gardening gloves
Fresh evergreen greenery (Pine, Fir, or Cedar branches)
Dried sea grass or long, flexible reeds (for coastal texture)
Pinecones (found near the coast or inland)
Small driftwood pieces, smooth beach stones, or shells
Burlap or neutral-colored ribbon
Optional: Dried hydrangeas, moss, or twine
HOW TO BUILD YOUR NATURAL WREATH (STEP-BY-STEP)
Follow these simple steps to successfully create your DIY coastal wreath.
Prep Your Bundles: Cut your evergreen greenery into small bundles, each about 8–12 inches long. Mix 3 to 5 different types of greenery in each bundle for the best texture.
Anchor the Base: Secure your first greenery bundle firmly to the wire wreath frame using floral wire. Keep the wire spool attached.
Layer for Fullness: Continue laying bundles, always working in the same direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise). Ensure each new bundle slightly overlaps the cut ends of the previous one to hide the frame and the wire. Pull the wire tightly as you go.
Add Coastal Texture: Once the base is full, tuck bunches of dried sea grass or reeds into the greenery to enhance the coastal feel. Secure them sparingly with thin floral wire.
Place Accents: Wire your heavy elements (like pinecones and small driftwood or shell clusters) onto the wreath base, distributing them naturally.
Attach the Ribbon: Cut a long length of burlap (or other rustic ribbon), tie a generous multi-loop bow, and secure it firmly to the top or bottom of the wreath using floral wire.
BONUS TIPS: FORAGING, PRESERVATION, AND VARIATIONS
Here are some extra tips to ensure your natural holiday decor is safe and lasts longer:
Foraging Safety: Always forage responsibly. Only gather materials that have already fallen naturally and respect private property boundaries.
Preservation Technique: To keep fresh greenery from drying out too quickly, submerge the cut ends in a mixture of 1 part liquid glycerin to 2 parts warm water overnight before you start assembling.
Coastal Cottage Variation: For a pure shell wreath tutorial look, use a grapevine base and layer shells, sea glass, and small driftwood pieces using strong craft glue (like E6000) for a year-round coastal accent.
WRAP UP
This handmade DIY coastal wreath captures the essence of the season with a unique, rustic touch. It's an easy, budget-friendly project that gives your home the perfect coastal Christmas decor update. We hope you enjoy making your own!
What coastal treasures did you use for your wreath? Share your photos in the comments below!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q: How long will a natural coastal wreath last?
A: If you use the glycerin preservation technique mentioned in the bonus tips, fresh evergreen wreaths can last 4 to 8 weeks outdoors in cool, shaded conditions. Wreaths made entirely of dried materials (like sea grass, shells, and driftwood) can last indefinitely.
Q: Is it safe to hang my wreath indoors?
A: Yes, it is safe. However, indoor heat can cause fresh greenery to dry out and shed needles more quickly. We recommend misting it lightly every few days if kept indoors, or placing it in a cooler area away from direct heat vents.
Q: I don't live near the coast. Where can I find materials?
A: Pinecones and evergreen branches can often be foraged locally or purchased cheaply at garden centers. If you can't find natural coastal shells or sea glass, you can purchase "coastal mix" accents online or at craft stores to achieve the same look.
Q: How should I store the wreath after the holidays?
A: If your wreath contains fresh greenery, it should be composted. If it is made entirely of dried/hard materials (like shells, driftwood, and dried sea grass), store it flat in a cool, dry area wrapped lightly in tissue paper.