For spring, I’ve created a watering can wreath, or door decoration. If it isn’t round, is it a wreath?
I was supply shopping at Pat Catan’s, for a totally different project, when I came across this unique watering can frame. It’s actually a sort-of basket, made of rust-colored wire and natural brown grapevine.
Because I knew the watering can wreath was going to hang on a black front door, I spray painted the frame white.
Although I love creating wreaths made of deco mesh and ribbon, I was inspired to try something different with the basket frame.
For this DIY project, I had to figure it out as I went along.
Let me show you how I put it together.
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Natural or White Basket Frame?
What do you think of my decision to spray paint the watering can wreath basket white?
Unfortunately, I forgot to photograph the frame in its original, natural color. When I first hung the brown frame on the front door, the distinctive watering can shape disappeared. Once painted, the white helped to bring out all the curly curl details in the handles.
How to Make a Watering Can Wreath
Supplies
- Watering can wreath basket
- White spray paint
- Bags of green moss (1 1/2)
- Foam bricks (2)
- Small can of spray adhesive
- Selection of silk flowers
Making It Up as I Went Along
All the flowers used in the watering can wreath came from Michael’s. But, it took more flowers to create the look I wanted than are pictured above. There were small ‘holes’ in the arrangement. I also needed more purple to balance out all the pink and yellow. So I returned to the store, and picked up two sprays of purple tulips and another tiny flower of some sort.
The next step was to fill the inside of the basket with floral foam in order to secure the silk flowers in place. I started by squeezing one solid foam brick inside to see how much was needed to fill the space.
That’s when I realized, I needed to back up and put the green moss on the outside facing part of the watering can first. So, I removed the foam and laid the basket on its flat back.
Working from the inside out, I sprayed adhesive in small sections of the frame at a time. Since, the flat side would be hidden against the door, the curved front of the basket has a thicker layer of grass (to hide the foam).
I also added felt furniture pads on the back to protect the door from scratches.
Time for Spring Blooms
Next, I replaced the foam brick inside and stood the watering can upright by folding down the top handle. I also cut and squeezed more pieces of foam to completely fill the inside of the basket.
Arranging the silk flowers was the fun part — even if I did need to return to the store for more purple blooms.
Then it was time for my least favorite part of the project — filling in moss from the front side of the watering can and into the spout. Messy, messy!
Filling in the spout with moss was the most challenging part. It required working in small sections as I sprayed adhesive, and then used my fingertips to push the moss into empty spaces.
It’s Raining, It’s Pouring, the Old Man (Winter) is Snoring
As I was wishfully daydreaming of spring, Old Man Winter was battering the Northeastern Seaboard with ice, snow, flooding and near hurricane-strength winds. Pittsburgh got off relatively easy in comparison, but did experience record flooding and high winds.
So while the wind was howling outside, I used an interior white door as a sort of work easel. I tried to balance the flowers spilling out of the spout with the height of the white flowers coming at the top of the watering can.
I actually put the flowers in the watering can spout first. When I saw the spray of pink Amaranthus flowers at Michaels, I knew they’d be perfect to create the effect of water pouring from the sprout. What do you think?
“If you are a gardener like me, you’ll appreciate the design and beauty of this piece. Don’t you love the cascading Amaranthus, mimicking water flowing from the can?“
One of the pink sprays hung too long and nearly reached the door handle. So, I cut it off and weaved the flowers into the handle on the opposite side of the watering can.
Finally, I added a yellow polka-dotted bow on the side handle for counterbalance. Unlike a round wreath, this project was a challenge to get the balance right.
A good amount of trial and error was involved.
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Here’s what the completed watering can wreath looks like on a black front door as intended.
The wreath is now adorning a front door in Atlanta, at the home of Kem — one of my first and most enthusiastic blog followers. She was a supporter, before I even thought of starting Debbee’s Buzz.
Kem saw Three Adorable Bee-themed Wreaths that I had created several years ago for my first My Favorite Things Party. She reached out and convinced me to part with the wreath Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) featured and called, the French Bee.
That Queen Bee-themed party and decorative wreaths are what inspired my blog name. Debbee‘s favorite things, parties, places and projects. Get it, Debbee’s Buzz?
A second wreath, custom created for Kem, became the subject of my first ever blog post this past October, Bewitching DIY Halloween Wreath.
Check out some of my other seasonal and holiday wreath creations, along with easy to follow DIY instructions and photos to make your own.
If you are more of a shopper than crafter for Easter decor, find inspiration in the post, Perusing Spring Open House at Old Allegheny Shoppe.
Busy as a Bee
This may be my only blog post this week, as I’m swamped with other projects, including three other custom wreath orders. I’m also creating and producing this year’s My Favorite Things Party invitations. So as to not spoil the surprise, I can’t share the theme with you, until after friends and family receive their invites.
Snow is back in the forecast for Pittsburgh, so it’s a good thing the watering can wreath is in a warmer climate.
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
How cute is that! I do like the flowers flowing out of the front- it does give the impression of water flowing out. How fun that now it’s in Atlanta hanging on your blog friend’s door! That’s a neat story about the bee wreath and your blog name. ?
As you are a gardener extraordinaire, I’m delighted you like the silk flower arrangement! My mother is the one with the green thumb in our family, growing gorgeous orchids and intricate bonsai.
Debbie,
So, so cute!! Just looking for my old door decoration. You have inspired me to make this new one. Thanks for sharing!!
Go for it! Please send me a pix of your new creation.
Your watering can wreaths (yes…still a wreath to me even if it isn’t round!) AND bee wreaths are fantastic!!! I don’t nurture that kind of patience, so I’m so glad to see when others do! Smart idea to paint the watering can a contrasting color so it can be seen! Oh….yes, I AM getting your posts into my email now. Thanks, and have a great week ahead!!!
So relieved to hear The Buzz is reaching you! You being so creative, it’s a lovely compliment to know you liked the wreaths. Right now, I’m having fun creative ones with a coastal/sailing, peacock, and ladybug themes.
This is just the cutest spring door decor! All your flowers are so festive and I love it against your black door, it is so stunning! Thanks so much for sharing your post on our Friday Friends Parade Linky Party!
Thanks Janine. It’s snowing and cold today, so working on spring projects warms the spirit!
Hi Debbee, this is so cute! Love the watering can basket. you decorated it beautifully for Spring. FYI, I am featuring it tomorrow at Dishing it & Digging It. Happy St, Patrick’s Day.
Wow, what a nice surprise! My first blog post feature! Looking forward to it. Thanks Linda!
Deebee, this is wonderful. It’s such a unique idea for a wreath. Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle. I’m featuring this at today’s party. Hope to see you there!
Creating the ‘wreath’ was spontaneous inspiration when I discovered the watering can ‘basket.’ I’m thrilled you are going to feature it. Can’t wait!
The flowering watering can is fabulous and now world famous. I’ve shared it with friends in Europe, South Africa and Australia. It will bring flowers to all the lucky people who see it. If only in their mind. Some may even be lucky enough to have it watering flowers for real. Like everybody who comes to my door and want to take it home.
Thanks Debbee. You are amazing.
I’m thrilled you are so happy with the watering can! Thank you for the generous compliment. I think you’re pretty amazing yourself!
It is gorgeous and perfect for Spring. I love the water flowing flowers on the spout! Pinned. Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday. Hope to see you next week.
Thank you Shirley, and thanks for including me in Merry Monday. I’m kicking myself right now that I didn’t buy-up all the watering can basket frames when I saw them! Wishing I had one hanging on my own front door…although today in Pittsburgh we are getting upwards of 6 plus inches of snow!
I hear you ! One time Joann’s had really nicely made rattan door baskets that had good wiring inside. I bought every one of them. Good thing because I have never seen another one anywhere.
I will have to check my Michael’s for the watering can. Very pretty.
My watering can basket frame came from Pat Catan’s last year and they no longer appear to carry it. If you find something similar at Michael’s or elsewhere, let me know.
This is beautiful! I love the spring florals & the colors. If I ever see a watering can frame, I will be grabbing it up to create something like this. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday. Hope to see you next week.
Jenny, so glad you enjoyed the ‘wreath.’ Unfortunately, I checked back at Pat Catan’s and they no longer are carrying the frame. They did have a tin one with a flat back as an option.
What a beautiful project and painting it white was the way to go. Thank you for sharing with us at Celebrate Your Story and have a great weekend.
I’m so glad you like it Sandra, and thanks (as always) for hosting. Unfortunately, here it is April and snow and low teens are in the forecast for our weekend. The only thing spring around here are my wreaths!
That is beautiful! I love the pink flowers trailing out the fun that almost makes it look like it’s sprinkling down flowers. Pinned.
That water can wreath seems to be everyone’s favorite for spring. I could have made and sold another half dozen, but I can’t find anymore grapevine frames. I don’t even have one left for myself!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to comment!! I love this sweet watering can wreath!! Beautiful!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Right back at you Debbie! I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the watering can wreath.
What an adorable door decor- so many pretty colors. The flowers coming out of the spout are the cutest.
Thanks Jenny. That watering can frame was a special, lucky find at Pat Catan’s. I didn’t realize they had been bought by Michaels, and them was bummed to hear they are closing down the PC concept and converting some locations to M’s. PC always had different stock from M’s, Hobby Lobby and Joann Fabrics.
Debbee you are amazing. Each time I think you can not top your last wreath or door hanging…you go and make this adorable watering can. I know I shouldn’t say this but I still have not made the sail boat wreaths (but I do look at the sail boats on a daily basis and think….tomorrow. LOL)
Kari, you are always so generous and kind in your compliments — thank you! Again, you give me too much credit, as it was that fabulous frame that makes the door decoration so special. For many of us, hanging a sailboat wreath is a season or more away! Plenty of time for you to put one together. Can’t wait to see what you create.
Thank you so much Debbie for sharing all of your wonderful spring posts with us at the Welcome Spring party. I pinned them all.
This turned out so cute and really pops against the black door – what a difference that back ground makes. I love the flowers just pouring out!
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Jacqueline! Definitely need to consider the color of the door a wreath is going to hang on. That’s why I spray painted the watering can. The flowers pouring out the spout was a last minute idea and the best part!
Debbee, I love this watering can wreath. Congratulations, you are being featured on Happiness Is Homemade. I hope you will stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2020/03/happiness-is-homemade_21.html
Hugs, Bev
Bev, you are the best! I just took down my shamrock and hung the watering can today. Appropriate too, because it poured down rain all day lol!
I’d say it’s most certainly a wreath! And a beautiful one at that — just perfect for spring. Pinned! xo Kathleen
I struggled with what to call it, guess it’s sorta a basket wreath lol! Definitely one of my favorite door decorations. Glad you like it Kathleen!
I love your unique watering can Spring wreath, Debbee, especially the amaranthus flowers pouring out of the spout! Pinned :)
Thanks so much Marie! The watering can form was one of those great finds that I never knew I needed lol!
You are so talented Debbee! I love your watering can, it looks beautiful, and your attention to detail is always so spot on. You have so many lovely projects that you share with us. Thank you for your inspiration.
When I pulled it out this year, I noticed the sun had faded the vibrancy of the silk flowers. So, it’s in for an update — replacing some of the flowers.
I am convinced you should be teaching these things Debbee. Like your Halloween wreath, I made one last year, but it doesn’t look nearly as wonderful as yours… and that watering can, I would love to be able to put one together. I did say though that I am not buying anything else for our front door. Ha! Every time I pick something up, it never fits between the door and the screen door. I really need to measure that area since I seem to be accumulating a pile of things I cannot use there. Thank you for sharing Debbee!
Mine don’t fit between the door and storm/screen doors either Cara. If I have either the glass or screen door up (usually in the summer to early fall) I have to hang the wreath from them. But Whiskey goes nuts if he sees someone outside, so I’m less inclined to use the glass or screen doors anymore.