A DIY pool noodle wreath is an easy way to turn a wire coat hanger, an old pool noodle, fabric scraps, and greenery into personalized door decor. Shape the frame as a heart or a circle, then cover it with fabric and artificial leaves or flowers. Reusing supplies you already have can keep the project low-cost, though tape, glue, or decorative materials may need to be purchased.
How to Make a DIY Pool Noodle Wreath
This project uses a pool noodle as soft padding around a wire frame. Before you begin, choose a clean, undamaged noodle and make sure the hanger wire can be bent safely. Work on a stable surface, and take care when handling sharp wire ends and cutting tools.
Supplies
- 1–2 wire coat hangers, depending on the size of the wreath
- 1–2 pool noodles
- Scissors or a utility knife
- Duct tape
- Scrap burlap, canvas, linen, or another fabric to cover the foam
- Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
- Artificial greenery and flower stems
- Wire snips
Gather the materials before shaping the frame. If you are unsure how much greenery you need, begin with a small selection and add more as you work. Keep the glue gun on a heat-safe surface and follow its safety instructions.
Shape and Pad the Frame
- Shape the hanger. Straighten the wire coat hanger, then bend it into your preferred outline. A heart shape works well, while a circle gives the wreath a traditional look. If the wire is difficult to bend, stop and adjust it gradually rather than forcing it sharply.
- Open the pool noodle. Cut lengthwise along one side of the noodle so it can fit around the wire. Use scissors or a utility knife carefully, keeping your hands clear of the blade.
- Fit the foam around the frame. Wrap the opened noodle around the shaped wire. Check that the foam follows the outline without pulling the hanger out of shape.
- Secure the noodle. Use duct tape along the cut side to hold the foam around the wire, and tape the ends in place. Add enough tape to keep the frame stable, but avoid building up bulky sections that may show through the fabric.
Cover and Decorate the Wreath
- Wrap the fabric. Cover the foam with strips of burlap, canvas, linen, or another suitable scrap fabric. Secure the fabric with hot glue as you wrap. Overlap the edges to conceal the foam and keep the finish even.
- Prepare the greenery. Use wire snips to separate leaves, flowers, and stems from artificial greenery branches. Arrange the pieces around the wreath before gluing so you can check their placement and balance.
- Attach the decorations. Add the stems, leaves, and flowers to the fabric-covered frame with hot glue until the wreath is covered to your liking. A wooden paint stirrer or wooden spoon can help press pieces into place while the glue cools, keeping fingers away from hot adhesive.
A small message sign made from scrap wood is an optional finishing touch. Keep any sign lightweight, and attach it securely so it does not pull the greenery or fabric away from the frame.
To hang the finished wreath, use twine on a suitable nail or a removable adhesive hook rated for the wreath’s weight. Check that the hanging method is appropriate for the door’s surface, and avoid placing the wreath where it could obstruct the door or be exposed to weather that may damage the materials.
This DIY pool noodle wreath can be customized with different frame shapes, fabric, and artificial greenery. Reuse materials where practical, secure each layer carefully, and choose a hanging method that suits your door. With those simple steps, a DIY pool noodle wreath can become a distinctive piece of handmade door decor.
