DIY Sunflower Pumpkin Wreath Using a Dollar Tree Wire Form

This DIY sunflower pumpkin wreath is made by attaching faux sunflower heads to a pumpkin-shaped wire wreath frame. The flowers are layered closely together, with larger blooms placed around the outer edges and smaller blooms used to fill the centre and any visible gaps.

A green ribbon bow creates the pumpkin leaf detail at the top, while ribbon, raffia, moss or trailing greenery can be added for extra texture. The finished wreath is lightweight, colourful and suitable for a covered front door, entryway or indoor fall display.

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What you need

One pumpkin-shaped wire wreath form

Approximately 30–40 faux sunflower heads

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Wire cutters or strong scissors

Floral wire or small cable ties, optional

Green ribbon for the bow

Spanish moss, raffia or trailing greenery, optional

Wreath hanger

Choose sunflower heads approximately 8–12 cm wide. A mixture of flower sizes will make the finished wreath look fuller and more natural.

Instructions

For this Fall tutorial, you will need a pumpkin wreath base. You can buy them at the Dollar Store as well as the Sunflower heads.  

This sunflower pumpkin wreath is a cheerful way to decorate your front door from early fall through Thanksgiving. Instead of covering the pumpkin-shaped wire form with mesh or fabric, this design uses layers of warm orange sunflower heads to create a full floral pumpkin with plenty of texture and colour.

Pumpkin wreath forms are often available from Dollar Tree and other discount craft stores during the fall season. Pair one with inexpensive bunches of faux sunflowers, and you can create an impressive autumn door wreath without needing complicated floristry skills.

The secret to getting a full pumpkin shape is to vary the angle of the flowers. Some sunflower heads should face forward, while others should tilt slightly upward, downward or toward the sides. This fills the gaps and helps conceal the wire frame underneath.

Step 1: Prepare the Sunflowers

Remove the sunflower heads from their stems using wire cutters. Leave approximately 2–4 cm of stem attached to each flower.

The short stem will help you position the flowers through the wire frame and give the glue a larger surface to grip. Avoid cutting the stems completely flush with the flower heads unless they have a wide plastic base that can be glued securely.

Sort the flowers by size before beginning. Keep the largest blooms for the outer edge and save the smaller sunflower heads for filling gaps.

Step 2: Plan the Flower Placement

Lay the pumpkin wreath form flat on your work surface.

Before gluing, position several sunflower heads around the frame to get an idea of the spacing. Start with the outer edge of the pumpkin and work inward.

Place some flowers facing directly forward and angle others slightly toward the outside. This creates a rounded pumpkin shape rather than a flat wall of flowers.

Do not attach all the blooms in straight rows. Staggering the flowers will make the arrangement look fuller and help hide the wire.

Step 3: Attach the Outer Flowers

Begin at the lower outer edge of the pumpkin wreath form.

Push the short sunflower stem through or between the wires. Apply hot glue around the stem and flower base where it touches the frame.

Hold the flower in position until the glue begins to set.

Continue around the outside edge, spacing the sunflower heads closely enough that the wire form is hidden.

For extra security, attach larger flowers with a short piece of floral wire or a small cable tie before adding glue.

Step 4: Fill the Centre of the Pumpkin

Once the outer edge is covered, begin filling the centre sections of the wreath.

Alternate the flower angles as you work:

• Face some flowers directly forward.
• Tilt some slightly upward or downward.
• Angle several flowers toward the sides.
• Overlap the petals to hide visible gaps.

The flowers should sit close together, but avoid crushing the petals.

Continue adding sunflower heads until the entire pumpkin form is covered and very little wire remains visible.

Step 5: Check for Gaps

Lift the wreath upright and look at it from the front.

Pay particular attention to the lower centre, outer curves and areas around the pumpkin stem. These sections often need an extra flower or two.

Use the smallest sunflower heads to fill any visible gaps. Turn and tilt them until the wreath has an even, rounded shape.

You may need slightly more or fewer than 35 flowers depending on the size of the wreath form and sunflower heads.

Step 6: Decorate the Pumpkin Stem

Wrap the wire stem at the top of the pumpkin form with green ribbon, jute rope or floral tape.

Secure the ends at the back with hot glue.

Tie a large green ribbon bow and attach it near the base of the stem. A dark emerald or forest-green ribbon contrasts beautifully with the orange sunflowers and helps make the wreath look more like a pumpkin.

Step 7: Add Optional Greenery

For a more whimsical finish, tuck in small pieces of Spanish moss, raffia, faux pumpkin vines or trailing greenery.

Allow a few strands to curl across the flowers or hang loosely from the side.

Use these embellishments sparingly so they do not cover the sunflower heads or overwhelm the pumpkin shape.

Step 8: Finish and Hang

Check the back of the wreath and trim any long stems, loose wire or sharp cable-tie ends.

Allow the glue to cool and harden completely before lifting the wreath.

Hang it using a sturdy wreath hanger or loop of floral wire. Because hot glue can soften in very warm weather, display the wreath on a covered door or sheltered porch away from direct afternoon sun and heavy rain.

Craft Tip: Arrange the sunflowers before gluing the entire wreath. Once hot glue is applied, repositioning the blooms can damage the petals or pull the plastic backing away from the flower.

This photo was contributed by Belen. Thanks for sharing Belen, we love your version of this unique pumpkin wreath!