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Welcome to the world of plate wreaths! In this creative and sentimental craft, we’ll explore the art of transforming ordinary plates into stunning wreaths that can add charm and character to any space. Plate wreaths are not only a beautiful way to display and preserve sentimental dishes, but they also offer an opportunity to infuse personal memories and stories into your home decor.

Idea Behind This Wreath

The concept behind a plate wreath is simple yet elegant: carefully arranging and attaching plates of various sizes, colors, and designs onto a wreath base. This allows you to showcase cherished plates that hold sentimental value, such as heirlooms, antique finds, or even your favorite dishware. Each plate tells a story, capturing moments of nostalgia and connection.

Whether you’re looking to upcycle old plates, showcase a cherished collection, or create a personalized gift, a plate wreath is a wonderful project to embark on. As you follow along, you’ll discover tips and techniques for selecting the right plates, choosing a suitable wreath base, and pleasingly arranging the plates. 

In this tutorial, I will guide you on how to make a plate wreath craft: damage free that will not only showcase these precious plates but also serve as a cherished reminder of loved ones. Displaying these can bring a sense of nostalgia and keep the memories of your grandmothers and your mom close to your heart.

Reasons To Make This Wreath

1. Start crafting your plate wreath today and infuse your home decor with sentimental charm! Gather your favorite plates, explore vintage shops, thrift stores, or online marketplaces, and choose a sturdy wreath base. Begin assembling your plate wreath to add a personal touch to your living space.
2. Gift a plate wreath to someone special and make their day even more memorable! Create a thoughtful and personalized gift by selecting plates that hold significance to the recipient. Whether it’s a heirloom, favorite dishes, or plates representing shared memories, a plate wreath is a unique and heartwarming present that will be cherished for years to come. Spread the joy of plate wreath crafting and make someone’s day extra special with your thoughtful gift.

How This Project Came About

The idea for this simple wreath plate wreath came to mind as I pondered the best way to honor these precious plates. I wanted a display that would be both charming and gentle on these breakable dishes.

Preserving the integrity of these family pieces was of utmost importance to me. These dishes hold sentimental value, being found during antiquing adventures from my grandmothers and some even passed down from my mom’s collection. I cherish each plate, especially the ones that belonged to my mom, as they serve as a connection to her. My favorite part is incorporating them into my everyday life.  The best part, this is my way of keeping her spirit alive.

With this plate wreath project, I wanted to ensure that the special pieces would be treated with care. It required planning and execution. I am excited to share this step-by-step guide on how to make a plate wreath, so you too can preserve your treasures while making this easy craft project for your home.

Places To Find Plates

Great Place To Find Plates

When searching for plates to use in your plate wreath, there are several places you can explore to find affordable options:

1. Etsy: Etsy is an online marketplace known for its wide variety of vintage, and one-of-a-kind items. Many sellers on Etsy sell vintage plates, with beautiful designs that could be perfect for your plate wreath. Browse different shops and filter by specific criteria to find the perfect plates for your project. This is a great shop I browse often and they have great prices.
2. Thrift Stores: Thrift stores are treasure troves for finding affordable items, including plates. Explore local thrift stores in your area, they often have a rotating inventory of donated items to add to a wreath.
3. eBay: eBay is an online marketplace where you can find a vast selection of plates. You can search for specific plate designs, vintage and different collections, or browse auction listings. eBay allows you to bid on items or purchase them outright, giving you flexibility in finding the right plates for your wreath.
4. Garage Sales or Estate Sales: Garage sales and estate sales can be great places to discover hidden gems. These sales often offer household items, including plates, at affordable prices. Check local listings or online platforms to find upcoming sales in your area.

Remember, when searching for plates, keep in mind the size, that you desire for your wreath. Consider the value and style of the plates, as they will be a focal point of your wreath project. Whether you find plates on Etsy, in thrift stores, on eBay, or at garage/estate sales, be patient and persistent in your search, and you’re likely to discover some beautiful additions to your plate wreath.

Tip:  Here’s when you can find multiple sizes of plates to add to your plate wreath.  

Wreath Bases Choices:

When creating a plate wreath, there are several options for the base or foundation of the wreath. Here are a few commonly used wreath bases for a plate wreath:

1. Metal Mesh Wreath Form: A metal mesh wreath form provides a sturdy base for attaching the plates and other decorations. The mesh design allows for easy attachment using twine or a piece of floral wire.
2. These wreath forms are available in different sizes and can be found at craft stores or online.
3. Wire Wreath Frame: A wire wreath frame is another popular choice for a plate wreath base. These frames are made of sturdy wire and come in different wreath shapes and sizes, such as circular, square, or heart-shaped. They provide a solid foundation for attaching plates and other embellishments.
4. Grapevine Wreath: This wreath can add a rustic touch to your plate wreath. Made from natural grapevine branches, these wreaths provide texture. You can attach the plates to the grapevine branches using twine or wire.
5. Foam Wreath Form: Foam wreath forms are lightweight and easy to work with. Cover a foam wreath with moss or fabric to create a soft base to attach plates. Fo wreath forms come in various sizes and can be found at any craft store or the Dollar Store.

When choosing a wreath base, consider the size and weight of the plates you plan to use. Each type of base offers its unique look, so select the one that best suits the design of your plate wreath.

DIY Cardboard or Paper Plate Ring: 

This is a fun project for the whole family especially with younger children. You can create your wreath base using cardboard or paper plates. Simply cut out the center of the paper plate to create a ring shape. 
These rings are a great and fun craft and can be made in many different ways.

Basic Supplies Paper Plate Crafts:

• green tissue paper
• green construction paper
• red paper
• red pom poms
• holly berries

Making A Plate Wreath

Let’s dive into the details of this great project of making a plate wreath and embark on this crafting journey together.

Craft Supplies:

• Wreath form or flat metal wire wreath frame)
• 3 saucers or small plates
• Butcher’s twine or jute
• Flowerpots
• Moss (sheet moss or Spanish moss)
• Hot glue gun
• Blooming artichokes or other decorative elements
• Spray paint (optional)
• Wire plate hanger

Choices And Other Ideas:

• large plates
• small plates mixed with butter pats
• coffee filters
• teaspoons
• assorted butter knives

Tip:  Visit thrift stores or estate sales where you can often find multiple sizes of plates, which can add visual interest and variety to your plate wreath.

Tip:  Another option is to mix different sizes of plates to fill the entire wreath frame for your plate wreath to create a beautiful arrangement.

Step 1: Prepare The Wreath Form

• If you’re using a metal mesh wreath form or a metal wreath form, you can spray paint it white or with a desired color. Let it dry.
• White plate hangers to blend with the plate wreath or use layers of Velcro command strips.  Personally, plate hangers are the best option and are the most sturdy to keep plates damage free that are added to the wreath.

Step 2: Cover The Flowerpots

• Cut pieces of self-stick moss and use them to cover the flowerpots. Start with a narrow strip to stick around the rim of the pot, then cut small squares to cover the sides.
• Add a thin strip of moss to the edge of each flowerpot to create a finished look. Also, cover the bottom of the pots with a small square of moss.

*As an Amazon Associate, Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint, and other Affiliate programs I earn from qualifying purchases* As an Amazon Associate and other Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission with no extra charge to you. All opinions are my own.

Step 3: Attach The Dishes To The Wreath Form

• Begin attaching each plate to the wreath form using butcher’s twine or jute. Add this to the back side of the plates. Slide the string underneath each plate hanger, loop it through the wreath frame, and tie a knot.
• Repeat this process until all the plates are securely attached to the wreath form. Aim for a balanced arrangement, forming a triangle with the plates.

Step 4: Connect The Flowerpots

• Use jute to connect the flowerpots to the wreath. Push the jute through the hole on the bottom of each pot using a long tweezer or a similar tool.
• Pull the jute through the wreath frame and tie a knot to secure the flowerpots in place.

Tip: Don’t want to use clay pots.  Peat pots are a great option and since they are light a piece of ribbon will work to hold them to the plate wreath.

Step 5: Cover The Wreath Form With Moss

• To add texture and cover the wreath frame, glue Spanish moss to the wreath form using a hot glue gun.
• If adding moss doesn’t work for you, add a mixture of greenery.  Fill in spots with leaves from the craft store or extra pieces you may already own and have in your home.

Tip:  Use a tool like a paint stirrer to hold the moss while gluing it, to protect your fingers from burns.
Tip: Glue moss until the entire wreath form is covered, including the outer edges.

Step 6: Add Decorative Elements

• Finally, you can add blooming artichokes or any other decorative elements such as baby’s breath, or faux lavender to the wreath. Use hot glue to attach them securely.
• Alternatively, you can use faux eucalyptus bundles, or succulents for a different look.

In Conclusion:

In conclusion, creating a plate wreath craft is a delightful way to infuse charm, sentimentality, and personal memories into your home decor. By carefully selecting and attaching plates of various sizes, colors, and designs onto a wreath base, you can showcase cherished dishes that hold special meaning to you. Whether you find plates from vintage shops, thrift stores, online marketplaces, or garage sales, the search for the perfect plates will be worth it to create a beautiful and unique plate wreath.

• When choosing a wreath base, consider the size and weight of the plates, and opt for a sturdy option such as a metal mesh wreath form, wire wreath frame, grapevine wreath, or foam wreath form. Alternatively, you can get creative and make your own wreath base using cardboard or paper plates, making it a fun and family-friendly project.
• Once you have prepared the wreath form and covered flowerpots with moss, start attaching the plates using butcher’s twine or jute. Aim for a balanced arrangement, forming a triangle with the plates, and secure the flowerpots in place using jute. To add texture and cover the wreath frame, glue Spanish moss or other greenery using a hot glue gun.

Finally, adding decorative elements like blooming artichokes, baby’s breath, faux lavender, faux eucalyptus bundles, or succulents will enhance the overall look of your plate wreath.

With these steps, you’ll have a stunning plate wreath that not only adds character and beauty to your space but also holds cherished memories and stories, making it a truly special and damage-free addition to your home decor.

I hope you enjoyed learning about ideas on how to make a plate wreath craft: damage free and add on to your home!  Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.  As always, if you have any questions feel free to send me an email.  I’m here to help!

Happy Crafting!!

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