How to Make a Christmas Wreath with Metallic Accents
Happy November! If you’ve already pulled out your sweaters and winter layers, you’re in the perfect mood to start thinking about holiday decor. For our house, Christmas decorating is a big production—not just a tree—so I like to plan early. This tutorial shows an easy way to refresh a simple pine wreath with metallic accents for a warm, elegant holiday look.
Disclosure: Some of the materials I mention below were purchased using affiliate links in the original post. I may receive a small commission if you buy through those links. There is no extra charge to you.
What I Used
- A faux pine wreath (plain green wreath)
- Pine cones (natural craft pine cones)
- Mini wooden stars (small wood cutouts)
- Metallic acrylic paints: a warm brown metallic and a pearl white
- Sheer organza ribbon in a neutral gray or silver tone
- A small vintage-style cherub or ornament (optional; for a focal accent)
- Craft glue or hot glue for attaching embellishments
- Paintbrushes and a small tray for paint
Shopping the craft store aisles is how I usually come up with ideas. I picked the color scheme to complement a blue cloudy accent wall I recently painted—this season I’m letting neutral tones and metallics do the talking.
The How-To
Follow these simple steps to turn a basic wreath into a metallic-accented focal piece.
1. Prepare the Wreath
Start with a plain faux pine wreath. If yours already has pine cones attached from a previous project, leave them in place; they add natural texture and provide a great backdrop for metallic tones.
2. Paint the Wooden Stars
Paint the mini wooden stars using the two metallic colors: one coat in a warm brown metallic and another in a pearl white. Let them dry completely. These little stars add visual rhythm and subtle sparkle when scattered around the wreath.
3. Wrap the Ribbon
Choose a sheer organza ribbon in a neutral that complements your metallics. Wrap the ribbon around the wreath at even intervals, tucking and looping so it sits nicely among the boughs. The translucent ribbon lets the greenery show through while adding softness and movement.
4. Attach the Stars
Glue the painted wooden stars onto the ribbon and directly to some of the pinecones. Vary the orientation and spacing to create a balanced, organic look. Use a small amount of glue so the wood adheres cleanly without excess showing.
5. Upcycle and Paint a Focal Ornament (Optional)
I found a small vintage cherub in the basement and decided to give it a quick makeover. Painting it with the pearl white metallic paint transformed the piece and made it a perfect centerpiece for the wreath. For contrast, paint the harp or other small details with the brown metallic and dry-brush curly details for dimension. If your focal piece is heavy, consider securing it with strong wire or a sturdy mounting method.
6. Final Assembly and Balance
Step back and assess the wreath. Add more stars, adjust ribbon loops, or reposition pinecones until the composition feels balanced. If you choose to include a heavier ornament like a ceramic cherub, place it where the wreath can be supported well and reinforce the back with extra wire or a small bracket. Alternatively, remove the heavy piece and hang the wreath without it for a lighter display.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- If paint seems too bold, tone it down by dry-brushing a bit of the wreath’s green over the metallic to soften the contrast.
- For outdoor use, choose weather-resistant paint and adhesive, and avoid using very heavy ornaments that could fall in wind or snow.
- Mixing warm metallics with pearl whites creates depth—use both to avoid a flat look.
Final Thoughts
This metallic-accent wreath is a quick, affordable way to elevate holiday decor using simple materials and a little paint. Whether you include a vintage cherub or leave the wreath lighter, the metallics add a refined touch that complements many seasonal color palettes. Have you started planning your holiday theme yet? Consider neutrals and metallics for an elegant, versatile look.
If you enjoyed this project and want more wreath ideas, try combining different ornaments, ribbon widths, or color accents to make the design your own.