As the autumn leaves are changing to the rich colors of bright orange, it inspired me to make this chestnut moss wreath DIY. Many of you are aware, that here at Cloches & Lavender, one of our favorite features when decorating our home is adding natural materials and natural elements such as pine cones, acorns, walnuts in the shell, dried orange slices, dry sunflowers, dried artichokes. 

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Chesnut Moss Wreath

When it’s time to create fall crafts or for the holiday season, I look at Pinterest boards and magazines to find inspiration. Every year I see the images of a chestnut wreath and say I will make one for our fall decor.

Many associate chestnuts with being added to an autumn wreath. Yes, I agree this makes a beautiful wreath for fall decor.

That being said, a wreath of chestnuts reminds me of Christmas and the holiday season. Why, you may ask, well I’m going to share a short story.

Growing up chestnuts were roasted from Thanksgiving through Christmas when there was easier access to fresh chestnuts in the grocery store. This was a splurge for our family because chestnuts are expensive even during the holiday season.

I am passionate about making wreaths to share with my readers and a wreath that can be used for multiple seasons. So, let’s dive in and give this basic autumnal decoration moss – wreath a new look. Giving this wreath base a new look doesn’t take long to make, and the good news is that minimal craft supplies are needed

Do American Chestnut Trees Still Exist?

The American chestnut tree was once known as a dominant tree of the eastern U.S. It was known for being rot-resistant wood and more than enough wildlife supporting chestnuts. It was nearly wiped out by disease but survivors still exist.

However, last year, my best friend did find a few chestnuts while visiting a local park. Imagine our surprise.

Can You Preserve Chestnuts?

A dehydrator can be used to preserve chestnuts. Set the dehydrator on low for 3 days.

To dry chestnuts in the oven set the oven to the lowest temperature. Use a large baking sheet with an oven-safe cooling rack. Dry them for 5 hours and check them halfway to avoid them from burning. 

Remove the chestnuts from the oven. Let them air dry for 5-7 days in a well ventilated area. When chestnuts dry completely, they become as hard as rock.

Tip: I’m using faux chestnuts for this chestnut wreath. Real chestnuts are expensive and can add a ton of extra cost.

Craft Supplies:

• Moss wreath with a twig wrap or grapevine wreath
• SuperMoss preserved moss
• Faux chestnuts
• Hot glue gun
• Hot glue sticks
• Mod Podge Matte Spray Sealer

Tip: You can use a plain grapevine wreath, straw wreath, metal wreath frame, or foam wreath.

Steps For Other Wreath Frames

Prepping Other Wreath Forms

Remember, to achieve the same look as my wreath of chestnuts with a grapevine wreath, straw wreath, metal wreath frame, or foam wreath you will have to add moss to the wreath base itself. This easy grapevine wreath project shares how. This shares how to add moss to a foam wreath or metal wreath frame. Adding the moss goes quickly and follow my tips in these blog posts.

Add Chestnuts For A New Look

Step 1: DIY Magic: Hot Gluing Faux Chestnuts Easier Access

Since the chestnuts are plastic set your hot glue gun at a low temperature otherwise they may melt a bit. Add a large dot of hot glue to the flat side of the chestnut.  

Place the chestnut on the wreath and hold it to set.

You can cover the entire wreath for a new look.  Faux chestnuts can be found on Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart.

Tip: If you choose to cover the entire wreath with chestnuts for your chestnut wreath make sure to purchase enough. I used 60 pieces to create this beautiful wreath. When making a plain chestnut wreath, it looks best when each nut is close to one another.

Preserved Moss

Step 2: Natural Materials: Incorporating Moss Into An Autumn Wreath

Adding extra preserved moss is optional, but it really makes a big difference in the finished project.

You may wonder why I’m adding moss to a wreath with a moss covering. I like the look of adding more moss on this wreath of chestnuts because it adds more natural materials and more rustic and natural elements are a great way to give this wreath new life for a late autumn wreath.

As you can see in the pictures, only a small amount of moss is needed to add extra texture to this wreath. Make sure your hot glue gun is set at a low temperature. This is the only way you will not burn your fingers. If you are afraid of getting burned I recommend buying fingertip protectors. I have these and they work well.

This late autumn wreath is extremely fast to make and is worth every second for the beautiful and rustic nature of this easy project.

As I always mention, safety comes first, so set the hot glue gun at a low temperature. Make sure children and pets can’t get tangled in the wires to prevent harm.

After adding the moss to your chestnut wreath, hang it in your favorite place in your home. Or how about adding this to your dining room table or coffee table with flameless candles for a beautiful and rustic centerpiece?

*As an Amazon Associate, Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint and other Affiliates I earn from qualifying purchases* 

I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases through affiliate links. There’s no extra charge to you. All opinions are my own. 

Autumn Decoration Options:

• artificial plants – faux ivy
• fall foliage
• autumn leaves
• faux flowers
• evergreen branches
• bare branches
• white berries
• small pinecones 

Tip: To prevent the moss from falling and making a mess on your table or floor, spray a coat of Mod Podge matte spray. This can be found in any craft store.

What I enjoy the most about this chestnut wreath is it will work as an autumn wreath, and during the holiday season, and can be used through the winter.

I have seen this beautiful wreath wrapped with artificial plants such as ivy and fall foliage in rich colors. Small pinecones are another great way to use natural materials and would be a perfect addition to this wreath and any of these pieces can be found at any craft store.

As I mentioned above, I love natural materials and nature, so these are our favorite features when decorating our home with autumn decorations and for the holiday season. I enjoy using these in our fall crafts because natural elements take us through the holiday season. Many of these pieces work for our winter decor which makes this extremely budget-friendly.

I hope you are embracing the beauty of this fall season and have been making fun fall crafts give this chestnut moss wreath a try for your home.

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