Need a Deco Mesh Wreath Form to use for homemade Deco Mesh Wreaths? This easy photo step by step tutorial can show you how to make one!
It’s a Deco Mesh Wreath Form. It’s not very pretty, but it’s the base for some of those beautiful Deco Mesh wreaths that adorn windows and doors. I’m sure you’ve seen them. Those huge deco mesh wreaths are so pretty but if you just go out and buy one at the local store, you’re going to be paying a pretty penny….. which really means that your wallet is probably going to cry… a lot.
Well, unless you’ve got tons of money and then you’ll probably be ok 😉 However, I just can not bring myself to pay $80 or more for a wreath (That’s the price around here!) So I’ve started making them at home.
You’ll need a “work wreath” to make these wreaths and I just prefer to make my own because it’s cheaper. They’re pretty much a wire wreath with twisty garland like pieces twisted onto them. You can buy work wreaths at places like Hobby Lobby for somewhere between $5-$8.
But, for my wreaths, I make my own “work wreath” bases. Mine cost me about $1.50-$3.00 depending on if I can get the items on sale. So $1.50-$3.00 is a lot better for me than $5-$8.
Plus I love to make my own because I can match my “work wreath” colors to my wreath colors.
) – (18 inch Wire Wreath, Green
) – (Wire Wreath Frame, 20-Inch, Green
)20 Pipe Cleaners
(pick a color to match your wreath colors)
This is your finished wreath form! Now it’s ready to be the base for a beautiful deco mesh wreath!!Looking for the directions for the HALLOWEEN DECO MESH WREATH?
I broke it down into two sections!
PART 1 – Will show you how to make a “Work Wreath” (ABOVE)
PART 2 – Will show you how I make the Deco Mesh Wreath (Click Here)
Deco Mesh Wreath Form
I too make my own. Is there a reason you don’t attach the pipe cleaners to the “section dividers?”
Nope no reason 🙂 It’s just how I started doing them 🙂 but that’s a good idea!
How long are the pipe cleaners that are used on the wreath? I have the really long ones so I will have to cut them to size.
Mine are about 12 inches long. You wouldn’t really need to cut them unless you just really wanted to. You can just tie them in the back after you’ve added the deco mesh.
I haven’t made one yet, but I wanted to say THANK YOU!! This is the best tutorial I have found!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! From a very busy Mom of 3, thank you for making the process so easy! 🙂
You’re very welcome!!! And thank you for checking out the tutorial!!
Hi Angie, your wreaths are beautiful and thanks for sharing!! Do you make the wire yourself (work wreath) or do you buy those?…thank you!
I buy the actual wire part from hobby lobby
Thanks again!! Have a wonderful day!!!
My wreath looks nout very full at all. I went around I twice
could be the deco mesh you used. I made a summer wreath once with some thin deco mesh (and it was a super light pink) and it wasn’t full looking at all.
Check out Craftoutlet.com for the wire wreath forms.
also check out papermart.com for deco mesh. All sizes 10 yards in length for under $5.00.
ooooo awesome, thank you! I’ll check them out!
Can we get printable directions?
I don’t have it set up in a printable sheet format but you can highlight the post, right click and then click print to print the post.
I get my forms at The Dollar Tree for $1.00!!
Our dollar store just started selling them too! I’m so excited!!
You can also check out the dollar tree.. that is where i got mine!
If you check (or have) Dollar Tree Stores in you area, they have green wire wreath forms, 14 inches, for only $1.00. You just can’t beat that price, $1.00. Just wanted you do know this. Thank you, for you tutorial.
Bobbie
Hey Bobbie! Our Dollar Tree just started selling them recently and I love them!
This is a great tutorial. Thanks! I am going to attempt a fall wreath and was just wondering if I were to have another ribbon do I just add another row of pipe cleaners to secure it?
I wouldn’t put more. I’d just untie them and add the second ribbon 🙂
My pipe cleaners move around once I put them on and I attaching them wrong?
nope. That’s ok because it will allow you to move and fluff the wreath as you are making it.
are you able to do the Poof when the pipe cleaners move?
Yep 🙂
When u are working on your wreath does the pipe cleaners slide on you constantly? It’s really aggravating my nerves! Lol
Some of them do slide but normally I can get them twisted tight enough not to move. But you can also twist them onto the section divider parts of the wreath to keep them from moving 🙂
I’ve tried so many ways of tying pipe cleaners and they still slide. very aggravation. Glue them maybe? Excellent tutorial by the way .
Hi Maria!
It’s ok for them to move, that’s how you can move and fluff the deco mesh once you’ve finished. 🙂 If you really don’t want them to move, hot glue them or tie them to the dividers.
I use small zip ties to secure the pipe cleaners in place. You can tighten them to your own preference.
Your a real sweet heart for sharing you stuff with us all love how u broke it down with the pictures that was just super for me to figure out how to make those wreaths. Yes we all need to watch the sales that go on in the stores I sure do and I love the dollar tree and yard sales to help find stuff too
Great tutorial. Going to make my first one right now!
I did not find the part about cutting length and adding ribbon to the pipe cleaners can you help me out please
You can find the wreath tutorial here: https://www.bigbearswife.com/halloween-deco-mesh-wreath-tutoria/
This is the BEST tutorial I have seen anywhere..I was having trouble with my wreath form showing through, but I had all my ties on the middle….YOU ROCK!!!!!
I tried 3 times to make a wreath. My mesh was all over the place unraveling and all. It wasn’t as full as yours. I used a 16″ wreath and 5.5 deco mesh. I think I should have bought the 21″ mesh, but it still unraveled. Why?
My wreath forms are normally 22 or 24 inches and for a big one like that you’ll need the 21 inch mesh for the base. The 5 1/2 inch deco mesh isn’t big enough. As far as unraveling, I’m not sure what you mean. Can you send a photo to my e-mail?
Would hot glueing the pipe cleaners to the wire form prevent them from moving around?
you could. Or you could just tie them to the solid dividers. But they don’t bother me when they move because I can position them to where I want them to be 🙂
I would do that . I don’t like when they move around because the mesh slides with them. I had that problem last year.
Hi Angie, thank you for this site, your teachings and tips. I am new at Deco Mesh but I love it. I have a question for you. My friend makes the burlap mesh wreaths and was instructed to use a spray protectant on them to prevent fading. Will the Deco Mesh also fade in strong direct sunlight and how do you protect it? Thank you. April Rush.
I’ve never sprayed anything on mine but they do fade just a tiny bit. Actually I take that back, I’ve had a few decorative pieces on the wreaths fade after being on the front door for a few months but I’ve not really noticed the mesh fading. I’m sure it does a little but I can’t tell. I’ll see if I can find anything that could be sprayed on them.
Thank You Angie I appreciate that look forward to hearing from you. 🙂
The mesh indeed does fade. I made my daughter a Denver Broncos mesh with orange, blue and white mesh. The orange faded to a bright yellow and looks terrible. I was also wondering if there was anything to use to keep it from fading so bad.
Keep it out of the sun. unfortunately that’s the only solution I’ve had. I’ve tied sprays and they just don’t work well. The wreaths I’ve hung inside are perfect. The ones outside are faded, it’s just what happens to items left out in the sun all the time. 🙁
i have used spray paint when they faded —works great
great idea!
how can i use the smaller rolls for the wreath? i have tons i loaded up on to make tu tuks so i would like to use what i have. theyre 6 inches wide MAYBE. any suggestions ?
I would just buy a smaller wire wreath and make small ones. Perfect for a nursery or kids rooms. I’ve even had some friends that wanted smaller wreaths for side doors and such.
She used 5 1/2 inch mesh so yours is bigger.
You can use the 5 or 6 inch mesh, I use all three rings and use three or 4 per section on each ring wire. this keeps it nice and full but is slightly smaller.
Make your puffs little larger and put more between the dividers.I alternate between the two middle rings and put 6-8 ties between the dividers. I cut the pipe cleaners, bring them up from the bottom and twist them tight and tuck the pipe cleaner ends in so the dont scratch.
Saw your tutorial today and I made my first deco mesh wreath thanks to you! So easy! You rock!
Is there a way to get printable directions?
I don’t have it set up in a printable sheet format but you can highlight the post, right click and then click print to print the post.
Hi, just want you to know a friend and I decided to try making these wreaths together and I found your site, thanks for such details on making these wreaths. We are very proud of how good they came out. Thank you again. Barbara
YAY!! So wonderful! So glad you liked the tutorial!
Question: I am ONE pipe cleaner short for my wreat. Rather than buy a whole pack of a color I won’t have much use for after this project, is there a work around or substitute way to attach the mesh in that one section? Thanks. Your tutorials are awesome!
Hey Lisa! If you are missing one I would just skip over that one section. After you put all of the Deco Mesh layers you won’t even be able to tell 🙂
The 24″ wreath takes 26 pipe cleaners . . .which I just found out when the package of 25 I bought didn’t go all the way around. I will take your suggestion and ignore I am missing one. The store is too far away. Thanks for all the hints.
Hey Pattie!
The wreath forms that I use are normally about 24 inches but I only use about 20 pipe cleaners for mine. It shouldn’t matter though if one is missing. It’ll be a lot of deco mesh on there 🙂
You could use a zip tie…
you could
Just wanted to say I loved this tutorial!!! I’ve tried some others and my wreaths just never looked right. You made it all so clear and it turned out perfect! I made it for an auction and it was a hit! Thanks again for sharing all your super ideas!
awesome. this is the best tutorial on how to make a wreath and the form. thanks so much cant wait to get started.
Thank you Angie! I am following your tutorial for the work wreath
Thanks so much we just make our first one. Your tutorial made me think “yes I can do this!!” Lol. We are making 3 for grandparents and of course I waited till 2 weeks before to do something.
Thank you for this tutorial!!! I am about to make my first one
How do you keep the pipe cleaners in place? I made one using your tutorial, but the pipe cleaners wouldn’t stay in place. Thank you for the awesome tutorial 🙂
If you really want them to stay you could always tie them to the short “divider” looking parts of the wire wreath but I like them to be able to move so that I can fluff the wreath and move them as I need too when I’m working on it, 🙂
Use a drop of hot glue.
Hi Angie, Thank you so much for these visual, step by step instructions they are great! I made the most awesome Halloween wreath last week and it was super easy, all because of you 🙂 Happy Hollidays
I’m so glad!!
Can I just use floral wire instead of pipe cleaners?
@disqus_m36pJFgAd1:disqus I’ve never used floral wire but as long is it will twist like pipe cleaners to hope the deco mesh you should be fine 🙂
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I made a Valentine’s Day wreath for my mom’s nursing home door and it turned out so cute! I appreciate that you literally walked me through the process step-by-step!!
On the larger wreath forms, to get it fuller should I add more pipe cleaners or go around more than once with the same color? Instead of using one tie per seco tion on the top and 2 on the bottom, use more ties per section for fuller look? How do you determine how.many ties on which row to use?… why 4 rows but only use top and bottom?
Hey! I only use the top and bottom because once you start fluffing the wreath you only need the two layers. I feel like 4 would be too much. I only use about 20 pipe cleaners no matter which size I make but you can always use more deco mesh if you want. I normally just keep going around until I run out of deco mesh and then fluff it.
Hello…. is it possible to make these deco wreaths using the flat wire frames that only have 2 rings on them. I live in UK and the ones you use are impossible to find!
Hi Nikki! I’ve never used one with the 2 rings but I’m sure it won’t be a problem! You only use 2 rings on the ones I use anyways haha 🙂
Thank you….I couldn’t see a reason why I couldn’t use one with just 2 rings but needed reassurance! I can get going now!
Can I use a Styrofoam wreath to make the wreath?
Maybe. I mean I’m sure that people wreaths with Styrofoam bases but I’ve never mad a deco mesh wreath with a Styrofoam wreath
Hi Angie thank you for sharing with us. I love your wreaths. I am attempting to make my first work wreath I am using one with pipe cleaners already attached . What do I do with the green pipe cleaners that are still showing after my material is added? Should I add more or tuck them away somewhere. Please help. 🙂
Hey! I would add more deco mesh OR just fluff is a lot and tuck them into the back. I’ve got pictures on this post here: https://www.bigbearswife.com/2013/09/halloween-deco-mesh-wreath-tutorial.html that will show you how I tuck mine behind. 🙂
Hello! I’m trying my first wreath and I’ve used an entire roll of 21×10 deco mesh and part of a roll of 5.5, and it’s still really see through. any suggestions on what to do to help? I started on the inside then went around the outside and zig zagged the second color through.
Thanks!
I’ve only had this issue one time before. I made a summer wreath with a purple and gold deco mesh wreath and it was totally see through. I think it was just the type of deco mesh I used that time. I would add more or try a darker color.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge on wreath making. It has inspired me and my husband to try to make different wreath for the holidays.. Thank you
Im so glad that it could help!! I bet that you’re going to make some amazing wreaths this year!!
Have you ever made a Christmas tree using a tomato stake, mesh, light bulbs and pipe cleaners? If so, do you have step by step instructions?
Hey! I haven’t but I might make one this year! If I do, I’ll put it on the blog and let you know 🙂
Hi Angie,
I found your wreath tutorial to be one of the easiest to follow. However im finding my deco mesh isnt covering the wreath form. Are some meshes more see through than others?
Hey! Yes, some are. I made a pink and green wreath one time for a summer themed one and I hated it because I could see the wire wreath form through the deco mesh
Thank you so much for your tutorial. I just made a wreath for the first time using your tutorial, I noticed that the mesh I used was a little stiff but manageable. It turned out kind of big. Planning to make another.
Glad you liked the tutorial!!
Love love ❤️ love ❤️ the tutorial thank you for sharing
I’m glad you liked it!!
Hi, I can’t find a low cost website to order in bulk. Do you have a recommendation? My idea is to start a part time job of a wreath making/ painting class. I have an Art bachelors degree. I hope to make some slight money at least, so I want to buy the least cost wire frame wreaths at all possible. Maybe around 14 inches to 20 inches. Thanks for your time and info. I LOVE your tutorial !
Hi Victoria!
I’m so glad that you like the tutorial! I don’t really buy in bulk because I don’t sell them right now but I just did a google search and found that the dollar tree sells them online. 14 inch wire frames for $1 each.
https://www.dollartree.com/Metal-Wreath-Rings-14-frac14-/p350539/index.pro
can you use burlap in the same manner or burlap and deco mesh mixed . I was gonna use a two tone burlap on the outer and try a deco mesh on the inner ring. ive never made a wreath before.
You can! I made my sister in law a burlap wreath using this same method. The Burlap is just a little harder to work with in my opinion and it scratches up my arms but same tutorial will work.
Hi, are you just randomly placing the pipe cleaners on or are they a certain measurement apart?
On the wire wreath there are sections (check out the first photo), I put 2 in each section, one at the top and one at the bottom. 🙂
Thanks ? I understand you were putting 2 on each section, I just didn’t know if they had to be a certain measurement apart, like on your outer ring from one pipe cleaner to the next or if u just put them on anywhere in that “section”!
Hi Angie,
Do you use the 12 in or 18 in pipe cleaners or does it matter?
Hey Kathy!
To be honest, I’ve never measured my pipe cleaners. My package just says “Pipe Cleaners” haha. But I think just from remember how they look that they’re probably about 12 inches. However I don’t guess it would hurt to have the 18 inch ones either.
Any thing to do to keep the pipe cleaners from moving around.. I tried that but they move around on me. thanks.
Hi Ronda! You could hot glue them once you twist on or twist them into the middle connector part them BUT I like for them to move so that I can fluff the wreath and rearrange things as needed as I’m working on it.
Hello. I am interested in finding out where you would find those strips that resemble pine tree branches in different colors. Have you tried using anything like those for your wreaths? Just curious. Thank you for posting your instructions.
Do you mean the little picks that look like pine tree pieces?
Hello and thanks so much for the info of putting the pipe cleaners on the wreath. Very helpful because the ones already have them on there are a little bit to high, Have you done a tutorial on Burlap, I wold loved too see a step by step on it. Thanks again
Hi Brenda,
I use the same tutorial that I use for my deco mesh wreaths for my burlap ones. Here is the link https://www.bigbearswife.com/halloween-deco-mesh-wreath-tutoria/
Hi Angie
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on making wreaths. Today I made a holloween wreath using deco mesh 21 inches wide and it came out so big, but nice. Do you think I should have used 10 inch deco mesh? Thank you. BB
If you wanted it smaller than you should go with 10 inch but I always use 21 inch for mine because that’s what I like on my front door 🙂
Hi, how far apart do you put the ties?
It depends on what size wreath you are making. Smaller wreaths are going to be different from bigger ones. I just make a rule to put it in the center of each section when I’m making them.
Thanks for this step by step tutorial it is the most helpful one I’ve come across
So glad you like it!
Hi Angie, you are an inspiration, thanks for your kindness to share valuable information. I am hoping to start making wreaths and selling them. Do you have any suggestions of wholesale i can buy the material at a reasonable price in order to be able to make some profit?
I haven’t found anywhere yet. I’ve been doing a little research because I want to sell them too but I’m also having a hard time finding boxes to ship them in.
Thank you for posting – I had no idea what a work wreath was I thought I had to make mine own and just like you I want to pick the colour pipe cleaners! I’m not really good at this but I’m having fun making them
I am confused and hope you all can guide me in the right direction. I am VERY new to this (looking to make my first wreath). If it says to use a 15-24″ wreath, what exactly does that mean ? I have seen wreaths in 8″, 10″, 12″, 14″, 16″, etc. in my local craft store, but not the 15-24″ ones. I don’t really want to order one online because the shipping is sometimes as much as the wreath and I have only found the 15-24″ size in the work wreaths.
Hey! 15-24″ wreath is a work wreath frame measures 15″ across the wire and can be used to make a 24″ deco mesh wreath
I am trying to make a ruffles and curls wreath using hobby lobby’s (9 twist ties outside 7 twist ties inside) 16” work wreath form, 2 colors of 10” mesh. I was alternating the colors as I began my wreath with the ruffles and now realize that I am going to have a spot on each ring that will have 2 of the same color side by side. There is not enough room to add a tie in between them so I didn’t know if there is some other solution to my dilemma so I don’t have to have 2 spots on my wreath where there will be 2 of the same colors side by side.
Any advise would be appreciated.
Thank you
Ar3e you going to add picks or other decorations to the wreath? If so, you could use those to hide the two spots were the colors meet.
Thank you for your video !!!
This will help a lot of people.
Thank you so much for the great tutorial. I just bought two small wire bases but they don’t have as many rings. I can use them for beginning. now I have to get the mesh.