I’m Father Joaquin Perez, and I’ve got to tell you about the time I decided to make my very first cross wreath. I’d seen a few pictures online and thought, “Oh, this looks easy enough.” Well, let’s just say the final result was a little lopsided and not at all like what I’d pictured. But here’s the thing—it made me smile every time I walked past it. It wasn’t about being perfect; it was about creating something with meaning.
Maybe you’ve felt that same pull too. You want decorations that aren’t just for looks but that carry a deeper message—something that reminds your heart of Christ every day. Honestly, that’s what these DIY cross wreaths are all about. They’re simple, they’re heartfelt, and they make space for faith in the middle of ordinary life. In this article, I’ll share a handful of ideas you can try, no matter your crafting skill.
Diy Cross Wreaths Ideas
Grapevine Cross Wreath
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I’ve always loved using grapevine for wreaths because there’s something rustic and humble about it. The twisted vines remind me of how Christ’s path wasn’t neat or perfect, but full of sacrifice and love. I once made a grapevine cross wreath with nothing but twine and a few sprigs of greenery tucked in. Honestly, it looked simple—maybe even plain to some—but every time I saw it hanging on my door, I felt a peace. It’s not about the flashiness, but about what the cross stands for. To me, this kind of wreath whispers faith in the quietest, most beautiful way.
Evergreen Cross Wreath
There’s something about fresh evergreens that feels like hope in the middle of winter. I made an evergreen cross wreath one year, and the smell alone brought the whole house to life. To be fair, I probably got more pine needles in my carpet than I should’ve, but it was worth it. The greenery reminded me that Christ brings new life, even when everything else looks cold and still. I hung it by the front door, and every guest paused to notice. That simple cross of evergreens turned into a conversation starter about faith, which, in my opinion, is the best kind of decoration.
Burlap Cross Wreath
Source: Pinterest
Burlap has this rugged, earthy texture that I really love. I once wrapped a wooden cross base with strips of burlap and tied it with a bit of twine. Nothing fancy—no glue gun, no glitter, just raw material. And yet, it felt so powerful. I think it’s because burlap has this humble quality, a reminder of simplicity. Honestly, when I looked at it, I thought about how Christ’s journey was far from glamorous. It was about love, sacrifice, and serving others. That little burlap wreath ended up being one of my favorites, because it spoke to the heart without trying too hard.
Floral Cross Wreath
One spring, I decided to go all out with flowers. I used silk blooms in whites and soft pinks, weaving them around a simple wooden cross. At first, I worried it might look too “decorative,” but then I remembered how flowers have always symbolized new life and resurrection. To be fair, I got a little carried away and added more roses than I planned. But when it was done, I couldn’t stop smiling. That floral cross wreath was full of joy, just like Easter morning. It reminded me that the cross isn’t just sorrow—it’s also the beauty of life made new.
Wooden Branch Cross Wreath
Source: Pinterest
One year, I went out to the backyard and picked up fallen branches after a storm. I tied them together into the shape of a cross, nothing polished at all. Honestly, it was rough and uneven, but that was what made it so meaningful to me. Every little knot and bend in the wood made me think of the brokenness Christ carried for us. Hanging that wreath on my wall felt like hanging up a prayer, raw and unpolished. I’ve found that sometimes the imperfect things we make end up speaking the loudest about grace and redemption.
Ribbon-Wrapped Cross Wreath
I once had leftover ribbon from Christmas—deep red and gold—and instead of packing it away, I wrapped it around a small cross frame. I didn’t expect much, but when I hung it up, it shimmered in the light. The red ribbon reminded me of Christ’s sacrifice, and the gold of His victory. Honestly, it was a last-minute project that became a favorite. It taught me that you don’t always need fancy supplies; sometimes what’s already in your drawer can become something meaningful. That ribbon cross made me smile every time I passed by it during the season.
Palm Leaf Cross Wreath
Source: Pinterest
After Palm Sunday one year, I gathered the extra palm leaves and thought, “Why not try making a wreath?” I wove them into a cross shape and tied them with string. It wasn’t neat, but it carried such powerful symbolism. The palms reminded me of Christ entering Jerusalem, and the cross reminded me where that journey led. To be fair, it didn’t last long—palms dry out fast—but while it hung there, it reminded me to welcome Him daily, not just on Sundays. It was simple, but it turned my doorway into a little proclamation of faith.
Twine Cross Wreath
Twine is one of those things I always seem to have lying around. One afternoon, I wrapped it around a small cross base until it was fully covered. Then I added a tiny wooden heart in the center. It wasn’t anything fancy, but I loved how rustic it looked. The rough texture of the twine reminded me of the rugged wood of Calvary. Honestly, that wreath felt like a quiet prayer, hanging by my kitchen window. It taught me that even the simplest, everyday materials can be used to create something that points us back to Christ.
Fabric Scrap Cross Wreath
I’ll admit—I’m not one to throw out old fabric scraps. One day, I started tying strips of cloth around a wooden cross. Piece by piece, it became a colorful little wreath. It wasn’t perfect, and the edges were frayed, but I think that’s what made it so beautiful. To me, it looked like a patchwork of life itself—messy, uneven, yet held together by the cross. Honestly, I didn’t expect much, but every time I saw it, I felt joy. It reminded me that God uses all of us, flaws and all, to make something meaningful.
Candle Cross Wreath
I once tried something different—pairing candles with a cross wreath. I made a simple twig cross and placed small votive candles around it in a circle. When I lit them, the glow made the whole room feel sacred. To be fair, I had to be careful with the candles (no one wants a fire hazard), but the light shining around that cross gave me chills. It reminded me of Christ as the Light of the World. That wreath wasn’t just decoration—it became part of my prayer space, a quiet place to sit and reflect.
Seashell Cross Wreath
During a family trip to the beach, I collected seashells without really knowing what I’d do with them. Later, I glued them onto a wooden cross frame and turned it into a wreath. Honestly, it felt special because every shell carried a memory of that trip. To me, it symbolized how Christ is present even in the everyday joys, like walking along the shore. It wasn’t traditional, but it made me think of His creation and the beauty of life. That seashell cross wreath became a reminder that faith and family moments can blend together in beautiful ways.
Beaded Cross Wreath
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One year, I had a jar of old beads from a craft box. I strung them together and wrapped them around a cross form. It sparkled more than I thought it would, and honestly, it turned into something pretty unique. The beads reminded me of prayers—like a rosary woven into art. To be fair, it took some patience to keep the beads from slipping everywhere, but the final look was worth it. I loved how it turned something ordinary, like leftover beads, into a symbol of faith. That wreath was a little prayer you could see hanging on the wall.
Moss Cross Wreath
I once found a bag of decorative moss at a craft store and thought, “Why not?” I glued it onto a wooden cross and added a few tiny flowers. The finished wreath had this soft, earthy look that felt grounding. Honestly, it reminded me of the garden tomb, and the hope of resurrection. To be fair, it was a bit messy to work with—moss tends to get everywhere—but in the end, it looked like a little piece of nature wrapped around the cross. Every time I looked at it, I thought of new beginnings and God’s renewal.
Driftwood Cross Wreath
On another beach trip, I collected pieces of driftwood and tied them into a cross shape. I didn’t sand them or polish them; I left them rough and weathered. That’s what made it so meaningful—it reminded me of how the cross itself was rough, yet it became the most beautiful sign of love. Honestly, I loved that wreath because it told a story of time, water, and endurance. Driftwood carries marks of the journey, and so do we. That wreath became a reflection of my own walk with Christ, imperfect but carried by grace.
Lace Cross Wreath
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I once had a piece of old lace from my grandmother’s sewing box. I wrapped it gently around a small cross form and added a silk rose in the center. Honestly, it turned out so delicate, it made me think of the tenderness of faith. To be fair, lace isn’t the sturdiest material, but that’s what made it beautiful—fragile yet meaningful. Every time I saw it, I thought about how love itself can feel delicate, yet it’s the strongest thing we have. That lace cross wreath became a little reminder of my grandmother’s faith and the beauty of grace.
Seasonal Cross Wreath
One year, I decided to switch things up for the seasons. I made a simple wooden cross and decorated it differently—pinecones and holly for Christmas, tulips for spring, sunflowers for summer. Honestly, it was one of the most fun projects I’ve ever done. The cross stayed the same, but the decorations changed, just like our lives shift through seasons. To be fair, it took a bit of planning, but it was worth it. That wreath reminded me that no matter the season, Christ remains constant. It became a little rhythm of faith in my home.
Rustic Wire Cross Wreath
I once bent some old wire into the shape of a cross and added tiny wooden beads along it. At first, it looked too rough, but once I hung it up, it had this raw, rustic charm. Honestly, it reminded me of barbed wire, which made me think about sacrifice and protection. To be fair, it wasn’t the prettiest wreath I’ve ever made, but it had a depth to it. Sometimes the most rugged things end up carrying the deepest meaning. That rustic wire cross wreath became one of those decorations I didn’t expect to love, but did.
Paper Cross Wreath
One time, I made a wreath entirely out of folded paper. I cut strips, folded them, and layered them around a cross base. It was colorful, lightweight, and honestly kind of fun to do. The kids even helped, which made it special. To be fair, it didn’t last long—paper doesn’t hold up forever—but the memory of making it together did. That wreath became a symbol of joy and family, not just faith. It reminded me that sometimes the process itself is the real gift, and the finished product is just a bonus.
Embroidery Hoop Cross Wreath
I had an old embroidery hoop lying around, and one day I thought, “What if I used this as a frame?” I tied fabric across it, painted a cross in the center, and added greenery around the edges. Honestly, it turned out better than I expected. It was simple, lightweight, and had a handmade charm. To be fair, it didn’t look like something from a store, but that was exactly the point. It carried my own touch, my own prayer, stitched into it. That embroidery hoop wreath reminded me that creativity can be another way to worship.
Minimalist Cross Wreath
Sometimes less really is more. One year, I just took two wooden sticks, tied them together, and added a single sprig of olive branch. That was it. No extra decoration, no frills. Honestly, it felt powerful in its simplicity. It reminded me that the cross itself doesn’t need much—it speaks volumes on its own. To be fair, some people might’ve thought it looked too bare, but to me, it was enough. That minimalist wreath taught me that beauty often lies in restraint, and faith doesn’t always need to be dressed up to be meaningful.
FAQ
What materials can I use for a cross wreath?
Honestly, almost anything works—wood, wire, driftwood, fabric scraps, beads, or even seashells. I’ve found that the most meaningful wreaths often come from simple, everyday items. The beauty is that the cross makes it sacred no matter what you use.
Do I need to be “crafty” to make one?
Not at all. To be fair, some of the most touching wreaths I’ve made were a little uneven and rough. That’s part of the charm. It’s not about perfection—it’s about prayer, reflection, and putting love into your hands.
How do I make sure my wreath lasts?
Well, it depends on the materials. If you’re using natural pieces like driftwood or fabric, I’d suggest keeping them indoors. For outdoor wreaths, sturdier bases like wire or grapevine hold up better. A quick spray of clear sealant can also help.
Can I make cross wreaths with my kids or church group?
Absolutely. In fact, I think it’s one of the most beautiful ways to bring faith into family or community time. Kids may get messy with glue or beads, but that mess often carries more meaning than something polished.
Why make a cross wreath instead of a regular round one?
For me, the cross reminds us what the season or the moment is all about. A regular wreath is pretty, sure, but a cross wreath points directly to Christ. It’s both decoration and devotion hanging on your wall.
I’m father joaquin perez, we are a catholic church with all the sacraments where everybody is welcome. we celebrate catholic mass every Sunday at 12:30pm at saint stephen episcopal church at 2750 McFarlane road, Miami, Florida