How to Make an Easy Advent Wreath: DIY in 4 Steps

With the holidays just around the corner, this means it’s almost time to celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. One of the best ways to welcome in the Advent season is to make your own Advent wreath and light Advent candles. What is the meaning of the Advent Wreath? In today’s blog post, we will go over what a traditional advent wreath is and how to make an easy advent wreath: DIY in 4 steps for your own home.

Making your own Advent wreath is a fun and easy way to add a touch of festive cheer to your home. It is also a great way to teach children about the meaning of Advent. Follow along with these 4 steps, and we will show you how to make a simple Advent wreath using materials that you can easily find at your local craft store.

So turn on your favorite Christmas music, pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s get started. 

In this post, I’ve joined up with several ladies to share some fun Christmas inspiration. I’m talking about home decor, recipes, DIYs, and everything else related to preparing for the best Christmas ever! A big thank you to Carol at Blue Sky at Home for hosting this blog hop. If you are coming over from Michelle – Thistle Key Lane isn’t her Christmas Ornament with Paint amazing?

If you are new here, welcome to Hen and Horse Design. It’s so nice to have you join me here at ‘The Roost’!

The meaning of the Advent wreath

The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the anticipation and hope of the coming of Jesus Christ. The circular shape of the wreath represents eternity, while the evergreen branches are used to symbolize everlasting life. 

What is an Advent Wreath?

An advent wreath has four purple candles and one pink candle. Four weeks prior to Christmas, the candles are lighted to welcome the birth of Jesus.

The four candles on the wreath represent the four weeks of Advent. 

Each week, a different candle is lit, representing a new theme: hope, peace, infinite love, joy, and the hope of eternal life.

On the first week of Advent, the purple candle is lit. In the second week, two candles are lit, a purple candle and a white candle.

On the third Sunday, two candles are lit along with the original purple candle.

Lastly, on the fourth Sunday of Advent, all four candles are lit.

The history of the Advent Wreath

About 1000 years ago the history of lighting an Advent Wreath began. It is believed that the tradition originated in Germany. People light one candle on each Sunday before Christmas to celebrate and remember the story of baby Jesus being born. Over time, the custom has gained much popularity and spread to many parts of the world.  

Lighting the Advent wreath has become a meaningful and symbolic tradition for the Advent season.

 It’s a special countdown to Christmas, and it reminds us of the special meanings of the holiday!

What things do you need to make an advent wreath DIY?

Supplies You Will Need:

• Any wreath or form – I chose a grapevine wreath
• Hot glue gun
• Pipe cleaners or Florist wire
• Fresh greenery 
• Pine cones (optional)
• Ribbon for a simple bow
• A pillar candle may be used or taper candles ( 1 pink, 3 purple)
• Advent candle holder (optional)
• Extra decorations (optional)

How do you make an Advent wreath at home?

Here are two simplified steps, however, we will dive deeper into How to Make an Easy Advent Wreath: DIY in 4 Steps below!

1. Secure four candles, preferably three purple and one pink, onto a circular wreath base using floral candle holders.
2. Adorn the wreath with festive greenery, such as pine boughs, holly berries, and dried oranges, using floral wire or hot glue.

Step One: Gather Your Supplies

 If you’re looking for an easy advent wreath craft, you’ve come to the right place. With a few simple steps, you’ll have made your own DIY advent wreath in no time at all. 

To make your own Advent wreath, you’ll need some supplies. There are many different ways to make the base of your wreath.

• First, you’ll need a wreath base. This can be made from straw, twigs, or evergreens. 

Step Two: Make the Wreath Base

If you’re using straw or twigs, the good news is you can simply tie them together in a circle using twine or wire.

If you’re using evergreens, floral wire works great because it’s almost invisible and easy to use.

• I chose to start with a grapevine wreath.
• Add faux greens or magnolia leaves one at a time with a glue gun.
• Continue filling in the leaves all the way around the circle of the wreath.

Once your base is complete, set it aside while you prepare the candles.

A lovely way to add texture to your wreath is by adding faux evergreen stems.

Step Three: Prepare the Candles

You’ll also need four candles—one for each Sunday of Advent—and something to hold them in place (like candle holders, simple glass votives or pebbles). 

• The next step is to prepare the candles.
• If you’re using pillar candles, cut them down so they’re about 4 inches tall. Then, use a sharp knife to score vertical lines around the circumference of each candle. This will help the wax melt evenly when the candle is lit.
• If you’re using taper candles, simply dip the end of each candle in melted wax to help it adhere to the holder. This will help your candle secure to the base the first time you light your candles.
• Once your candles are ready, set them aside until you’re ready to add them to your wreath.

Step Four: Assemble the Wreath

Now it’s time to put everything together!

• Start by placing your candles in their holders (or pebbles) around the edge of the wreath base.
• Once all four candles are in place, add your decorative elements like ribbons, pinecones, or berries.
• Measure strands of ribbon to about 18 inches.

Finally, you’ll need some decorative elements like ribbons, pine cones, or berries. All of these supplies can be found at your local craft store.

Layer faux pine branches for added texture. Cinch ribbon with floral wire and attach to the wreath.

If you look closely, I used four simple crystal candle holders with varying heights rather than advent candle holders within the frame.

 

Here are some additional tips for making and using an Advent wreath:

• Use any type of evergreen branches you like, such as pine, fir, or spruce.
• If you don’t have a wreath form, you can use a cardboard box or even a plate.
• You can use any type of candle you like. When using real candles, be sure to supervise children closely when they are lit.
• Decorate your wreath with other items, such as ribbons, bows, or ornaments.
• Advent wreaths are a great way to get your family in the Christmas spirit. Gather together each Sunday to light the candles and sing Christmas carols.

Shop & Source

Other Christmas posts you may enjoy:

• Christmas Home Tour 2022
• How to Layer your Christmas tree
• How to decorate your Mantel using chicken wire

FAQ’s for Advent Wreaths

Here are 5 frequently asked questions about Advent wreaths:

1. What is an Advent wreath?

An Advent wreath is a circular wreath of evergreen branches with four candles arranged around it. The candles are lit one by one each Sunday of Advent, leading up to Christmas Day. The wreath symbolizes hope, faith, joy, and love, and it is a way to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ.

2. Why is an Advent wreath important?

The Advent wreath is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. It is a time to reflect on the hope, faith, joy, and love that Jesus brought into the world. The wreath is also a way to gather together with family and friends to celebrate the coming of the holiday season.

3. How do I use an Advent wreath?

On the first Sunday of Advent, light the first candle and read a Scripture passage or prayer related to hope. On the second Sunday of Advent, light the second candle and read a Scripture passage or prayer related to faith, until all four candles are lit on Christmas Day.

You can also use your Advent wreath as a time to reflect on your own life and what you are grateful for. Each Sunday, take some time to think about the things that have brought you hope, faith, joy, and love during the past week.

4. What kind of evergreen branches should I use for my Advent wreath?

Any type of evergreen branches can be used for an Advent wreath, such as pine, spruce, fir, or cedar. Another idea is to use other types of greenery, such as holly or ivy.

5. Where should I place my Advent wreath?

Your Advent wreath can be placed anywhere in your home, but it is often placed on a coffee table, dining table, or mantel. You may also want to place it in a place where you will see it often so that you can be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas is the time of anticipation, reflection & Joy

As the Christmas season and holidays draw near, the excitement of celebrating the first Sunday of Advent fills the air.

This season is a time of anticipation, reflection, and joy, and what better way to mark it than by creating your very own Advent wreath and lighting the Advent candles? But let’s not forget the meaning behind this cherished tradition.

In today’s blog post, we’ve explored the essence of the Advent wreath, a symbol of hope, love, joy, and peace.

Now, it’s your turn to embrace this beautiful custom and create your own wreath at home. Follow the easy DIY steps, and you’ll not only enhance your holiday decor but also deepen your connection to the true spirit of the season.

Let’s come together to make this Advent a time of light, love, and shared blessings. Happy Advent!

Up next on our Christmas hop is my dear friend Regina from Saved from Salvage. Regina is sharing How to DIY a Faux Grapevine Wreath for Christmas. I love how creative Regina is and I know you are going to love this fun tutorial.

Don’t forget to check out all my friend’s posts. You’ll be inspired by each one.