Shiver me timbers, today I’ve created a pirate wreath to decorate the front door of my sister’s waterfront home for Halloween.
It’s part of a Fall Wreath & Door Decor Blog Hop hosted by Rachelle of My Hubbard Home.
To those coming by from her charming Autumn Hoop Wreath, a big ahoy mateys! And, if you’re looking for more seasonal ideas and inspiration, check out all the links at the (dead) end of this post.
I’ve crafted a Halloween wreath to greet trick or treaters. But, it would also be perfect to welcome little buccaneers attending a pirate theme birthday party.
So, batten down the hatches and be on the lookout, as this pirate wreath tutorial contains numerous bad puns. Savvy?
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Davy Jones’ Locker
A couple of years ago, I made a DIY Nautical Sailboat Wreath to decorate the front door of Sistah B’s then new home. 
They live on the water with a dock, motorboat, kayaks, and Moth sailboat, handcrafted by my brother-in-law. Having grown up in Annapolis, MD, he is an accomplished sailor with many racing titles.
When I suggested a Halloween wreath of a pirate shipwreck resting in Davy Jones Locker, Sistah B loved the idea. But, how would I create such a thing? And, where would I find the right materials?
So, I put the idea on hold for over a year, instead crafting a Festive Fall Grapevine Wreath able to hang from September through Thanksgiving. It wasn’t until late summer that I found inspiration to create a pirate wreath. Who would have imagined it would come in the form of a unpainted birdhouse?
Crafting a Shipshape Pirate Wreath
Originally, I envisioned a large skeleton — dressed as a pirate — with his legs dangling below the black grapevine wreath. Sitting in his lap, would be an open treasure chest spilling over with pieces of eight and jewels. But, I couldn’t find a 36″ skeleton in early August when I made the pirate wreath.
You see, I needed to finish it before Sistah B and her husband came to Pittsburgh to drive mom back home to Charleston.
While shopping for an unfinished treasure chest, I came across an unfinished pirate ship birdhouse (Michaels). It was just the right size to fit within the grapevine wreath. Most importantly, it was lightweight.
Materials
- Black grapevine wreath
- Unpainted pirate ship birdhouse
- Small skeleton dressed as a pirate
- Piece of fishnet
- About 5-6 feet of blue deco mesh
- Assorted black Halloween picks or florals
- Skeleton motif black ribbon
- Small seashells
- Black wire
- Black pipe cleaners
- Assorted color acrylic paints
Equipment: wire cutters, scissors, ruler, small paint brushes, glue gun and sticks.
Step 1: Paint Pirate Ship
Back at home, I quickly got to work painting the pirate ship, while outside on the covered porch.
I already had lots of paints, having taken a Beginning Acrylic Painting class last winter — before the pandemic shut down everything. Here’s the painting of my Sweet Scottie Dog.
After letting the paint dry overnight, I mixed up a grey wash and brushed it over most of the pirate ship. That gave it a bit of an aged look.
Painting the ship was the most time-intensive part of the project. After that, it went together pretty quickly.
Step 2: Making Waves
For the water, I used a short length of grayish-blue mesh. It was leftover from another sailboat wreath, DIY Anchors Aweigh.
To create the water swells, I simply twisted short pieces of wire around the fabric in several places. I played with the mesh for a bit, until I liked what I had.
Waves roll up on the right, titling the pirate ship at an awkward angle on the bottom of the sea.
3. Attach Ship
To batten down the hatches and hold the ship in place was a little tricky. Thin black wire attaches the shipwreck to the grapevine wreath in numerous places. Masts and railings were wrapped with wire as circled in red below.
The pirate ship more floats in place (pun not intended!), than is held in a fixed position. It helped to work on top of a large piece of cardboard when securing the ship to the wreath.
For added support and embellishment, I also took a piece of fishnet and attached it between the ship and grapevine wreath.
4. Add Spooky Seaweed
When I was looking through the Halloween florals and picks at Michaels, I found glittery black sprays that resembled spooky seaweed. One spray is draped across the “water” mesh, with two others attached upright, on the left side of the pirate wreath. I simply tucked the sprays into the grapevine, and applied a little glue to hold them in place.
5. Add Pirate Skeleton
I had thought I’d have to craft an eye patch, hat and other accessories to turn a skeleton into a buccaneer. But, while running an errand, I found a skeleton already appropriately dressed at CVS of all places — blimey!
To attach the scallywag, I simply wrapped the thin black wire around the skeleton and grapevine in a few strategic spots.
I also opened his mouth, as if yelling, “aaaarrrrgggghhhh!” It’s similar to the skeleton’s expression in last year’s Jaw Dropping Chandelier and DIY Halloween Decor: It’s a Scream.
Additionally, I positioned one arm across the top of the pirate wreath, leaving his feet dangling — as if the skeleton was on the lookout in the crow’s nest.
6. Add Ribbon & Black Embellishments
Next, I took some leftover skeleton ribbon and made two “bow” flourishes. Each was attached at a poof point in the mesh water.
Two different types of twisty black picks were used to embellish the center of each ribbon bow.
Finally, I glued a trio of small shells along the bottom of the pirate wreath. I thought they created a little pop of contrast against the black grapevine.
Weigh Anchor & Raise the Jolly Roger!
Although I took work-in-progress pictures on my white kitchen door, the pirate wreath was specifically designed for impact on Sistah B’s blue front door.
I’m particularly pleased with how well the blue of the mesh matches the door. And, instead of traditional Halloween orange, small accents of red contrast against the black grapevine.
Most importantly, my sister and BIL were absolutely delighted with the surprise pirate wreath gift.
Yo ho ho!
Related Post Picks
10 Seasonal Wreaths
Next up is talented Karin and her gorgeous Fall Hydrangea Wreath with Pumpkins.
Putting My Best Foot Forward
As you read this, I have under a week to go before outpatient foot surgery. What will follow, is a hard cast to the knee for about two months, then a walking boot, and two more months of physical therapy. Non-weight-bearing for ten weeks means using crutches, going up and down the stairs on my bottom, and getting around on a knee scooter.
So, I’ve been busy cleaning the house, weeding and preparing the garden beds for winter, stocking the pantry and freezer, and basically getting organized. Unfortunately, grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry and more are going to fall on dear husband for several months.
Part of my preparations has been to get fitted for a custom orthotic insert. So, I’ve also purchased several pairs of practical, but attractive shoes — even if I’ll only be able to wear one on the right for awhile lol!
What do you think of my new black and white sneakers? Any comfortable shoe brands you’d care to suggest? I see numerous brands advertised online, but am leary to purchase something I can’t try on. For instance, I found that foreign-made label shoes tend to run a half size big.
Spinning Wheels
I’ve been using the time before surgery to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. That includes going on 6-7 mile rides on my new bike with Mr. Buzz. Yes Rita, I do wear a helmet!
On Sunday we road the Eliza Furnace Trail to the fountain at the Point. That’s where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers come together to form the Ohio. It also sits across from Heinz Field. People were gathering all along the riverfront and in boats to cheer on the Steelers from outside the stadium — but socially distancing and wearing masks.
We headed back up river and across the Hot Metal Bridge to the South Side. It was a gorgeous, summerlike day for brunch alfresco at the always fun Doublewide (previously a vintage gas station).
I’ll likely be taking about two weeks off from blogging. Please join me for a Halloween Gothic Glam Table on October 13th. Hope you’ll stop by and keep me company for a spell.
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Debbee! This is so awesome!! I love how this wreath turned out!!
Thank you Karin! I was happy to see both my sister and brother-in-law so delighted with it.
Debbee, love your cute shiver me timbers wreath and the puns . You’ve created a delightful pirate wreath filled with so many different pieces to make it special.
Your sister and brother-in-law must really love it.
It sounds like you’ve been busy preparing everything for after the surgery and getting in some long bike rides to store-up summer memories 🙂 Hoping all goes well with the foot. And thanks for taking the time to join with us on blog hop!
Thanks so much Rachelle, I always enjoy a creative challenge. Really appreciate and was delighted to be invited to the hop too.
Will be glad to have this surgery over with at this point. But, I’m going to miss not being able to put out and swap my fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations and tableware. Trying to keep it simple for dear husband.
This is unexpected fun Debbee!! I can’t believe you found a pirate ship bird house, you must have been jumping up and down {oops, your foot, well maybe wanting to jump up and down!} What a perfect theme for a house on the water, I know they must love it! The mesh tucked in to suggest water and the kooky skeleton are great, Ahoy Matey!
Jenna, thanks for the giggle about jumping up and down lol! I can do that for a few more days though. Having not done much shopping for months, it was great fun discovering that bird house. Who’d have thought? Of all things with the wreath, I think I’m most pleased how the mesh water turned out.
Oh my goodness there are so many things I just love about this wreath, from the netting, to the “boat”, to the blue mesh, and even shells. Pirates beware!
Glad you enjoyed the not-your-typical Halloween wreath Michelle! Now my sister is going to have to host a pirate theme party when their new boat arrives.
This is so adorable! You always amaze me with your creative ideas. This is so perfect for Halloween and looks like it was a lot of fun to make! Great hopping with you! Shelley
Thanks Shelley! Well, it take me 18 months to figure out how to make a Davy Jones Locker wreath…
Hahahah – that’s totally great Debbee! No wonder Sista B loved it! Your wave ribbon is a stroke of genius! Thanks for the great instructions too. I love seeing where and how you secured it all. It’s so fun hopping with you. Happy Wednesday!
You give me too much credit Barbara, the wave of water was just dumb luck. Getting the ship to “float”, now that was a bit trickier. Maybe being married to an engineer has rubbed off on me?
What a awesome creative wreath. The black and white shoes are really cute. Wishing you much success on surgery. It always seems so easy when the surgeon talks about it. I think the hardest part is taking a shower or bath afterwards.
Thank you my dear! As the surgery nears, I confess to getting increasingly apprehensive. Not looking forward to a long period of being cooped up indoors and isolated — a pretty useless. Got a shower seat, but it will be at least 2 weeks until I’ll be allowed in the shower. Washing my long hair is going to be difficult. And, boy am I going to miss long soaks in the tub as a form of relaxation.
This is so cute, Debbee! Can’t believe you found a ship birdhouse, but it is perfect for this project. Love your cute shoes, too. Good luck with the surgery!
Thanks Debra! I just hope no little birdies decide to take up residence in the wreath,! I’m pretty happy with my new shoes, although I hope I don’t wear out the right before I ever get to put on the left, lol.
What a fun wreath for Halloween! You are so creative and come up with the best seasonal ideas.
Aww thanks Paula, very sweet of you!
I love this wreath and the other stuff I saw on Bev’s blog, Across the Blvd. Come and link these spooky projects at the Little Cottage Link Party on Monday at 9 am! https://lovemylittlecottage.com/little-cottage-link-party-70/
Well thanks Kristie, so glad you liked my wreath! I see the party is closed for this week. Will try to link up on Monday, but it is just prior to my surgery so I’ve got a lot distractions.
This wreath is FABULOUS! I love it. Your sister is one lucky lady. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
Thanks Kathleen! Once I found the elements I needed, it was a lot of fun to create.
Hi Debbie, What a fun project! I am pretty sure your sister and your brother in law were delighted to see it. It undoubtedly draws attention to the eye. You ‘ve done it again.
Lovely to hear from you Edmee; appreciate your generous remarks.
There ya go again Debbee with another amazing wreath! Thanks for pun chuckles too. Good luck with your foot surgery and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Aww Marie, appreciate the generous remarks and good wishes too. Ironically, I’m going to be a bit like a one legged, peg-leg pirate for several months, lol!
Sistah B here….CANNOT wait to hang it, was waiting a tadddddd longer. Because I also have a fun fall wreath made by Debbee as well. Hard choices!
Appreciate you putting it up for pictures so I could share! Great that you provide a “canvas” for my wreath crafts.
Debbee, you are ALWAYS SO creative! This is SO cute and SO creative! I am kicking myself that when I held a Pirate themed party years ago I didn’t create something like this for the front door! By the way, your painting of Fibber is adorable! Are you going to be getting a new puppy?
Very generous of you to say Chloe about both the wreath and painting; thanks! Unfortunately my new puppy is on hold. When I found out I needed foot surgery and a breeder reneged on the promised puppy, I decided to schedule the surgery this coming week — get it over with. A cruel twist a day after I scheduled surgery — another breeder in Ohio called to tell me she had a puppy that would be available mid October. I burst into tears! However, Fibber’s breeder has told me I am #1 on her list. We are both hoping her female is pregnant and due mid November. That would mean I could actually see the puppy ahead of time, and be ready for it to come home in early February. Crossing fingers!
Your creativity never ceases to amaze me Debbee! Love your fun and festive way to celebrate the season. Wishing you a speedy recovery as you heal from foot surgery. Hugs, CoCo
So nice of you to say CoCo, thanks! Surgery is now 2 days behind me. It was a very long day, but my pain management has been very good and I’m even able to sleep at night reasonably well. We’ve got me all set up in the guest room with an enormous TV, phones, Bose music/radio, etc. Hubby is taking excellent care of me.
Your wreath is being featured on the Little Cottage Link Party tomorrow! The detail and theme are amazing! I literally feel your pain when it comes to your foot/ankle/knee surgery. I’ve been suffering from plantar fascitis for the last few months. I walk a lot and made the mistake of taking my hour walk back in July in Birkenstocks and then flipflops the next time. I will NEVER do that again, at least not intentionally. I’ll be dropping by in a few days for the Gothic Glam table.
Thanks so much for the feature Kristie! I was Terrific Telluride, Colorado Ski Vacation the end of Feb so was hard to believe I needed surgery on both feet. Docs think all the months going barefoot or in flip flops since then really aggravated bone on bone pain. I’ve also had plantar fasciitis, it’s quite painful as you know! Wearing practical shoes and/or heel inserts really helped. I also incorporate some of the physical therapy for PF into my regular exercise routine.
So clever and unique! I love the skeleton napkin, too! I’ve been wearing orthotics since my mid thirties. Now hard to walk without them! Lovely post.
Thanks for stopping by Anita! I guess I should have worn at least over the counter orthotics years ago. Until June, I just thought I had unattractive feet. They never bothered me on ski trips in the Rockies. Darn the pandemic, and me walking around bare feet for months on end.
Too much fun, the Skellies are great, and I’ll have to pin and remember for next year! Hugs, Sandi
Thanks Sandra, it was fun challenge to create something a little different for Halloween.
Great wreath and I love the pirate skeleton! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s.
Thanks again for stopping by Ann. Couldn’t believe my luck when I spotted the pirate while on an errand to CVS of all places!
Hi Debbee…Love your page!!! Love your writing!! I am so glad that I ran across your page..Love your fall wreath!! Just wanted you to know PLEASE write your book “The Rebel Bird” I love the story on Peacock and the way you write holds your attention so well. Can’t wait to see what happens next on your page.
Gee thanks Nola, and welcome to “the hive”! I see you’ve been doing some reading of different posts. Appreciate your interest. My fam would also like me to write that book, but I need to spend more time researching beforehand. So far, I’ve come up on a brick wall in terms of his mother’s and two grandmother’s maiden names.