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How to Make a Fall Nut Wreath

Beautiful handmade wreath made from fallen acorns, nuts, and pinecones. 

Photo Credit
Kseniya.bird/Shutterstock

Make a Festive Fall Wreath!

Mare-Anne Jarvela
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Acorns falling? Yep, it’s nut season! Create a natural nut wreath for your front door. Use any hard-shelled nuts you wish, even acorns from your own yard. (Don’t worry. There are PLENTY left for the squirrels.)  Here are directions on how to make this festive wreath.

This wreath can take some time so set aside a relaxing day for this craft. Perhaps it’s a good family project? You’ll end up with a wreath that can go from autumn all the way through Thanksgiving and even Christmastime.

Nut Wreath Materials

  1. A wreath form. You can use straw, grapevine, or a wooden form. Another option is a foam ring but we would suggest wrapping it in burlap first, securing with hot glue. Choose a size that works for your door, between 10 and 24 inches.
  2. Mixed nuts. You can use any nuts you wish. A 24-inch wreath would need one bag (1 pound) of mixed nuts in the shell (almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans) and two bags (1 pound each) of walnuts in the shell. However, you could also use natural walnuts, chestnuts, seed pods, and acorns from your yard!
  3. Hot-glue gun
  4. Ribbon
  5. Optional: Acrylic varnish or sealer.
  6. Optional: Loop of wire if you need it for hanging
  7. Optional: Small grape leaves or pine sprigs from your trees.

nut wreath

Directions

  1. Optional: To give the wreath a special sheen and longevity, paint the nuts with varnish in advance and set them on a wire rack to dry. Another option is to spray the wreath afterwards with a sealer. 
  2. Optional: Attach a loop of wire to the back of the wreath form for hanging it when complete.
  3. Glue the nuts onto the frame you have chosen, working slowly around the wreath, making sure they are all secured. Start with the largest nuts (such as walnuts and chestnuts), and use the smaller nuts to fill in around them.
  4. Using a glue gun, attach the greens or leaves to the wreath form in between the nuts.
  5. Tie the ribbon into a bow and secure it to the wreath with glue or wire.

 

Read Next

If you enjoy making your own natural wreaths, here are two other wreath ideas that you may enjoy:

How to Make a Cranberry Wreath

How to Make a Bird Seed Wreath

Seasonal Crafts
About The Author

Mare-Anne Jarvela

Mare-Anne Jarvela has worked for The Old Farmer’s Almanac as head editor of the Garden Guide, senior research editor, and/or contributor for over 30 years. She is a nature lover who’s happiest in her garden or baking for her family and friends. Read More from Mare-Anne Jarvela
 

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Comments

KT (not verified)

2 years 1 month ago

I wouldn't bet that there is always enough food for squirrels or all wildlife. With all this talk of conservation and eliminating waste, this project is the one that is a waste, the nuts used cannot even be re-used or given back to where they came from.

A ROCKWELL (not verified)

3 years 2 months ago

I collected native Hickory nuts this autumn; the Squirrels have gotten them; I'll try other Native nuts; seeds; I put some large dried mushrooms w/ my dried native flowers; adds a nice natural tone; Berries might work; ty

Teri Thomsen (not verified)

7 years 1 month ago

I think I will try making this without the varnish to hang outside on our large oak tree for the squirrels and maybe add unshelled peanuts and sunflower seeds to the mix.

Maryann (not verified)

7 years 2 months ago

I use acorns and small unopened pine cones as fillers instead of the expensive nuts.

Claudia (not verified)

7 years 2 months ago

I've made several of these wreaths starting in Fall. I use nuts, acorns, pinecones, and dried fruit like preserved orange slices. It always turns out looking nice and makes a nice gift, too. Love the painting!