21 DIY Fall Wreath Ideas on a Budget

If you love the look of the season but not the price tag that usually comes with it, this list of diy fall wreath is made for you. I have tried every idea here at home on a tight budget, using dollar store finds, scraps from the craft box, and things I already owned, and each one looks far more expensive than it cost. (see also: budget-fall-decor-ideas)(see also: diy-fall-porch-decor)(see also: cheap-thanksgiving-decor-ideas) You do not need fancy tools or a whole afternoon free, just a clear table and an hour or two. Save this list before you scroll on, so you can pick your favourites and gather supplies without rushing through the shops.

1. Burlap and Pinecone Fall Wreath for the Door

If you only have one free evening this week, start here because the payoff is far bigger than the effort. The burlap and pinecone fall wreath for the door brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. I left mine up a week longer than planned because I liked walking past it every morning. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 40 minutes

2. Felt Leaf Wreath in Warm Autumn Colours

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The felt leaf wreath in warm autumn colours brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Start by making one sample to get the size right, then repeat it in a batch while you watch something in the background, and finish by hanging or placing it where the light hits it best in the late afternoon. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 18 minutes

3. Grapevine Wreath With Mini Pumpkins

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The grapevine wreath with mini pumpkins brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. My kids helped with this one and their slightly crooked version is still my favourite on the shelf. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 32 minutes

4. Corn Husk Wreath With a Plaid Bow

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The corn husk wreath with a plaid bow brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Start by making one sample to get the size right, then repeat it in a batch while you watch something in the background, and finish by hanging or placing it where the light hits it best in the late afternoon. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 60 minutes

Pro tip: Shop your own home first and only buy what is missing, because most of us already own half the supplies in a drawer somewhere.

5. Dried Hydrangea Wreath From the Garden

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The dried hydrangea wreath from the garden brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. My neighbour thought I had bought it from a shop, and I laughed because the whole thing cost less than a coffee. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 10 minutes

6. Wood Slice Wreath With Painted Leaves

This works best when you let the colours do the talking and keep everything else plain. The wood slice wreath with painted leaves brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Start by making one sample to get the size right, then repeat it in a batch while you watch something in the background, and finish by hanging or placing it where the light hits it best in the late afternoon. Guests kept asking where I found it, and when I said I made it on a Sunday afternoon they did not believe me at first. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$2 | Time: 25 minutes

7. Flannel Scrap Wreath for a Cosy Porch

I made this last year when I had almost nothing left in the decorating budget, and it turned out to be the piece everyone asked about. The flannel scrap wreath for a cosy porch brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. I made two by mistake the first time because I misjudged the size, and the spare one ended up as a gift for my sister. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$10 | Time: 40 minutes

8. Acorn and Pinecone Wreath on a Grapevine Base

This one is so simple that I almost did not include it, but guests keep pointing at it first. The acorn and pinecone wreath on a grapevine base brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Start by making one sample to get the size right, then repeat it in a batch while you watch something in the background, and finish by hanging or placing it where the light hits it best in the late afternoon. The first time I tried this, I glued one piece upside down and only noticed in the photo afterwards, so now I always check from across the room. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$12 | Time: 18 minutes

Pro tip: Take a quick phone photo from across the room before you glue anything down, since the camera shows wonky spacing your eyes miss.

9. Sunflower Wreath Made From Paper Plates

If you only have one free evening this week, start here because the payoff is far bigger than the effort. The sunflower wreath made from paper plates brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. I left mine up a week longer than planned because I liked walking past it every morning. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$0 | Time: 32 minutes

10. Eucalyptus and Wheat Wreath for a Simple Look

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The eucalyptus and wheat wreath for a simple look brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Start by making one sample to get the size right, then repeat it in a batch while you watch something in the background, and finish by hanging or placing it where the light hits it best in the late afternoon. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$15 | Time: 60 minutes

11. Plaid Ribbon Wreath With Wooden Beads

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The plaid ribbon wreath with wooden beads brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. My kids helped with this one and their slightly crooked version is still my favourite on the shelf. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$11 | Time: 10 minutes

12. Fall Berry Wreath With Faux Cranberries

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The fall berry wreath with faux cranberries brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Start by making one sample to get the size right, then repeat it in a batch while you watch something in the background, and finish by hanging or placing it where the light hits it best in the late afternoon. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$14 | Time: 25 minutes

Pro tip: Use battery candles instead of real ones near paper, fabric, or dried leaves, because they give the same glow without any worry.

13. Mesh Ribbon Wreath in Orange and Gold

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The mesh ribbon wreath in orange and gold brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. My neighbour thought I had bought it from a shop, and I laughed because the whole thing cost less than a coffee. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$18 | Time: 40 minutes

14. Painted Pumpkin Wreath for a Playful Door

This works best when you let the colours do the talking and keep everything else plain. The painted pumpkin wreath for a playful door brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Start by making one sample to get the size right, then repeat it in a batch while you watch something in the background, and finish by hanging or placing it where the light hits it best in the late afternoon. Guests kept asking where I found it, and when I said I made it on a Sunday afternoon they did not believe me at first. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$20 | Time: 18 minutes

15. Twine-Wrapped Wreath With Felt Pumpkins

I made this last year when I had almost nothing left in the decorating budget, and it turned out to be the piece everyone asked about. The twine-wrapped wreath with felt pumpkins brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. I made two by mistake the first time because I misjudged the size, and the spare one ended up as a gift for my sister. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$3 | Time: 32 minutes

16. Maple Leaf Wreath Pressed From Real Leaves

This one is so simple that I almost did not include it, but guests keep pointing at it first. The maple leaf wreath pressed from real leaves brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Start by making one sample to get the size right, then repeat it in a batch while you watch something in the background, and finish by hanging or placing it where the light hits it best in the late afternoon. The first time I tried this, I glued one piece upside down and only noticed in the photo afterwards, so now I always check from across the room. Pair it with something plain nearby so this piece gets to be the star of the corner.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 60 minutes

Pro tip: Make one extra piece while you are set up, because it is handy as a spare or a small gift later.

17. Rustic Twig Wreath With a Chalkboard Sign

If you only have one free evening this week, start here because the payoff is far bigger than the effort. The rustic twig wreath with a chalkboard sign brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. I left mine up a week longer than planned because I liked walking past it every morning. A quick spray of clear sealant or a dab of extra glue at the joins will help it last through the whole season.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 10 minutes

18. Fabric Strip Wreath in Harvest Colours

My first try at this was a bit wonky, which is exactly why I now know the shortcut that makes it look neat. The fabric strip wreath in harvest colours brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Start by making one sample to get the size right, then repeat it in a batch while you watch something in the background, and finish by hanging or placing it where the light hits it best in the late afternoon. The best part is how easy it is to take down and store flat, so I will happily pull it out again next year. Try it in one spot first and live with it for a day before you commit to hanging it everywhere.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 25 minutes

19. Cinnamon Stick Wreath That Smells Like Fall

I keep coming back to this idea because it uses things I already have at home and still looks intentional. The cinnamon stick wreath that smells like fall brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. My kids helped with this one and their slightly crooked version is still my favourite on the shelf. Make it in the evening when you can see it by lamplight, since that is how most people will actually see it.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 40 minutes

20. Harvest Corn Wreath With Dried Kernels

The trick here is keeping it small and neat, not trying to fill every inch of space. The harvest corn wreath with dried kernels brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Start by making one sample to get the size right, then repeat it in a batch while you watch something in the background, and finish by hanging or placing it where the light hits it best in the late afternoon. What surprised me was how much calmer the whole corner felt once this was in place, even though it took less than half an hour. If it looks a little full, take one piece away rather than adding more, because less really does look tidier here.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 18 minutes

Pro tip: If the colours look too bright together, add one plain cream or white piece to calm the whole display down.

21. Minimalist Hoop Wreath With a Few Fall Sprigs

I tried the fancy version first and wasted money, so this is the cheaper way that actually looks better in my house. The minimalist hoop wreath with a few fall sprigs brings a handmade, budget-friendly touch that fits the season without needing a big shop or special tools. Cut, fold, or paint your main pieces first, then assemble them loosely to see how they sit together, and only then fix them in place with glue, twine, or tape so you can still move things around. My neighbour thought I had bought it from a shop, and I laughed because the whole thing cost less than a coffee. Keep the colours to two or three at most and it will look far more expensive than it is.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 32 minutes

Quick questions

Q: Can I make these with kids helping?

A: Yes, most of them are safe for kids if you handle the hot glue yourself and let them do the placing, painting, and tying.

Q: How long will these decorations last?

A: Stored flat in a box with tissue paper, most of these will last two or three seasons without fading much.

Q: What if I do not have the exact supplies?

A: Swap in what you have at home, because the shape and colours matter far more than the exact brand or material.