Quick & Easy DIY Ornament Wreath | 2 Methods

I simply adore the look of Christmas “ball” wreaths. The combination of textures, the modern aesthetic, and aaaalll the sparkle and shine just make it the ultimate holiday decoration! But these wreaths always struck me as expensive and complicated; and for a gal who tends to change out her holiday decor regularly, I didn’t want something that was permanent or I had to store year over year. So I figured out how to make a DIY ornament wreath that was not just quick AND easy, but also “un-doable” (so I can easily re-make it each year in fresh color schemes!) The unique “cluster” technique I’m going to show you today is completely glue-free and quite different from other ornament wreath tutorials around the web. As a result, this version is something anyone can do (no matter how crafty you are!)…and the results are just so good! Let me show you how this is done!

My Ornament Wreaths Over the Years

I’ve probably said it a dozen times here on the blog: “Making wreaths just isn’t my thing.” Sure, I’ve been able to fake it here and there. But wreath making is definitely not something I consider fun, quick, or easy; and I’ve been known to have to start over a time or two (or twenty!).

But if you take a look at the various ornament wreaths I’ve made over the years, you’d think I was hiding some serious wreath-making talent. But the truth is, I figured out an all-too-easy trick for making DIY ornament wreaths years ago, and I’ve simply repeated it season after season. Here’s just a sample of the ornament wreaths I’ve made!

Believe it or not, all of these wreaths use the same assembly technique I’m going to break down today! Let’s dive in, and make a gorgeous ornament wreath!

Supplies Needed

Here is what you need to make your own DIY Ornament Wreath:

What Ornaments to Use for Your Wreath

What ornaments you use will (quite obviously) determine what your wreath ultimately looks like. And while you don’t need anything fancy, there are some things you should consider when picking ornaments specifically for a wreath.

Variety

You will need an assortment of ornaments to create a visually interesting and full wreath. Gather up ornaments in different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures (e.g., matte, glitter, frosted, etc). I also recommend having some large statement ornaments, as well as some mini ornaments to fill in small spaces, as necessary.

Shatterproof

I highly recommend using shatterproof ornaments for this project. Not only are they lighter weight; but if/when your wreath falls down, you won’t have a front porch covered in shards of glass! #beentheredonethat

Color Scheme

I recommend picking just a few colors (or even all one color!) to create a really chic wreath. Mixing metallics will work with almost any holiday scheme or style; while colored ornaments usually work best when combined with whites, silvers, and other neutrals.

Where to Get Ornaments

I’ve had the best luck finding inexpensive, shatterproof collections of ornaments from both Walmart and Amazon. I particularly love sets that include different sizes of ornaments in lots of different color combinations. Here are some great options to check out:

• 86 Count Ornament Set in single color boxes – my pick!
• 100 Count Ornament Sets in a variety of sizes and colors
• 50 Count Ornament Sets in either 2.5″ and 2.75″ sizes

In addition to a sizable collection of coordinating ornaments, I also recommend adding in some unique “accent ornaments” like bells, vintage ornaments, etc.

How to Make an Ornament Wreath

Let’s start with the All Ornament Wreath design because it’s just stunning!

Step 1: Select Your Ornaments

Pick three ornaments in various colors, sizes, and textures and cut one 8-10″ piece of floral wire.

Step 2: Create an “Ornament Cluster”

String the three ornaments onto the wire (the order doesn’t really matter)…

Then, twist the wire together tightly at the tops of the ornaments to create a “cluster.”

TIP! Sometimes when you cinch the ornaments together really tight, they can pop out of their pronged tops (the metal pieces with the hooks). If this happens, I recommend using a hot glue gun to more firmly secure the ornaments into their hook toppers.

Step 3: Secure the Cluster to the Wreath Form

Place the cluster on top of the wreath form (below left) and wrap the wires around to the back.

Twist the ends of the wires together a few times on the underside of the wreath frame to secure the cluster (tightly) to the wreath. Then snip off the excess wire.

Step 4: Work All the Way Around

Repeat the process over and over and over again, placing each bundle of ornaments nice and tight against the previous bunch. Be sure to vary colors, sizes, and textures of the ornaments as you work your way around.

Step 5: Fill In Gaps

As you bunch and place clusters of ornaments next to each other, they will start to overlap and fill in gaps. However, you may find that you still have large, hard-to-fill holes in your arrangement.

To fix this, use the same method as before, but with one (smaller) ornament instead of three.

Fill in larger gaps between clusters with these smaller ornaments until your wreath is full and balanced.

Step 6: Add the Tinsel Garland

NOTE: Although I say this step is “optional,” I HIGHLY recommend it! The tinsel garland completely transforms the All Ornament Wreath design, giving it a fuller, more lush appearance.

I was 100% prepared to place my wreath on my door with just ornaments. However, I didn’t love that the wire frame was peeking out in spots. When I spotted this silver and gold tinsel garland at Michaels, I knew it was the key to creating a slightly fuller wreath while camouflaging the wire frame underneath!

Adding in the garland couldn’t be easier! Simply thread it through, under, around, and over the ornaments…wherever there are gaps or frame showing.

Don’t overthink it. Just thread it through. I found this garland durable and able to withstand some decent tugging and pulling, and it didn’t shed or break at all. The 6′ length gave me more than enough to work around the 24″ frame.

The garland can also be easily tucked in or pulled out if more or less is needed in certain areas. Just keep playing with it until you get a fullness you like!

Once your garland is worked in all the way around the wreath and the ends are tucked in, your wreath is done and ready for hanging!

Step 7: Hang Your Wreath On Your Door!

I’ve used peel-and-stick hooks in the past to hold our wreaths; but I’ve found that intense sun can melt the adhesive (leaving my wreath on the ground). I now rely on over-the-door hangers…especially for ornament wreaths that tend to be heavier and can easily sustain damage if they were to fall down.

The 15-Minute DIY Ornament Wreath

I simply adore the All Ornament Wreath (shown above), but it does take more time (just about an hour) and ornaments to create a really full wreath.

When I am in a hurry or want to add in some natural texture to our holiday display, I will use the same “cluster” technique but on a fresh pine wreath as my base (instead of the wire wreath form). This version requires less ornaments and comes together in just about 15 minutes! (Seriously!)

Step 1: Prep the Pine Wreath

Most Christmas tree farms (or any place that sells fresh trees) will likely also sell fresh pine wreaths. These wreaths usually come with some (wimpy) ornaments, pine cones, and a simple ribbon bow. Thankfully, they are all held on with simple wires and are easy to remove.

Step 2: Create the Ornament Cluster

Just like before, create an ornament “cluster” with 3 ornaments in different colors, shapes, and sizes. This time though, string them onto a longer floral wire (~15″) to reach all the way around the bulkier wreath.

With three ornaments strung onto the wire, pinch the wire together and twist it around itself several times to create a tight and sturdy cluster.

Step 3: Secure the Cluster to the Pine Wreath

Place the ornament cluster on top of the pine wreath and wrap the excess wire around to the back, twisting it tightly to secure the baubles in place.

Repeat with additional three-ornament clusters around the wreath, leaving about a 6″ gap for a bow.

Step 4: Add a Matching Bow

Purchase or make a bow with coordinating ribbon… (Need help making a bow? Check out this tutorial!)

…and then secure it to the front of the wreath with more floral wire (wrapped across the top of the bow and around to the back).

The contrast between the fresh pine needles, sparkly ornaments, and lush bow really create a visually interesting display! And truth be told…when I am short on decorating time, this is usually the way I go!

If you need a quick, easy, and oh-so-stunning wreath for your door or mantel, I really hope you give my “ornament cluster” method a try! Whether you make the all-ornament version or pair the baubles with a fresh pine base, I think you’ll love how easy making a DIY Ornament Wreath really is. I just know this is a method you’ll return to year after year!