Experienced upcycler Joanne Palmisano shares her simple, budget-friendly DIY wreath that transforms reclaimed chicken wire into elegant petals around a wooden base. Dress it up with feathers, birds, or any embellishments for a custom look.
wire cutters
heavy duty stapler
glue gun
hammer
reclaimed chicken wire
Flat Wood Wreath Shape (12 or 6 inches)
feathers
artisan chickens
white spray paint
22 gauge floral wire
Spray the wooden ring with white spray paint and let it dry completely for a clean finish.
Use wire cutters to cut the chicken wire into wide strips, about 12 to 14 inches long, perfect for folding into large U-shaped petals.
Twist the strips to resemble flowing ribbons, adding texture and shape to your petals.
Staple the petal-shaped strips securely around the wooden wreath form. Hammer any stubborn staples for a firm hold.
Wrap a twisted ribbon of chicken wire around the inside of the wreath, over the petal bottoms, and staple it to the form. Secure with a hammer for durability.
Spray-paint the whole crown white for a cohesive, polished appearance.
Tuck feathers into the chicken wire openings. Use hot glue if needed to keep them in place securely.
Position the artisan chickens around the base and wire them down with 22-gauge floral wire for a whimsical finish.
Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, 2011). Visit her blog, Salvage Secrets, for more innovative upcycling ideas.
