Create a beautiful fall popcorn kernel wreath with simple supplies and a farmhouse-inspired style.
As soon as the weather starts to cool down, I can't wait to pull out my favorite fall decorations, and this popcorn kernel wreath is always one of the first projects I think about.
It's an easy DIY that transforms plain popcorn kernels into a beautiful wreath full of rustic charm.
Even though it takes a little patience, the process is simple and beginner-friendly.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for even more fall decorating ideas to inspire your home.
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Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $20-$35
Total Time: 3-5 hours (plus drying time)
Supply List
- Pool Noodle or Wreath Form
- Duct Tape (if you go the pool noodle route)
- Burlap Fabric
- Modge Podge
- Foam brushes
- Scissors
- 4lbs Popcorn Kernels
How to Make a Popcorn Kernel Wreath
Prepare the Wreath Form
If you're making your own wreath form from a pool noodle, start by deciding how large you want the finished wreath to be.
Cut the pool noodle to length and securely join the ends with duct tape. Make sure the seam is wrapped well so the wreath keeps its shape while you're working.
If you're using a purchased wreath form, you can skip this step and move right on to covering it.
Cover the Wreath with Burlap
Wrap the entire wreath form with burlap and attach it using Mod Podge.
I wasn't trying to create a perfectly smooth finish because I wanted the wreath to have a little extra texture.
Those little wrinkles actually add to the rustic farmhouse style once the popcorn kernels are attached.
Allow the burlap to dry before moving on to the next step.
Thin the Mod Podge
Instead of using regular Mod Podge straight from the container, I poured some into a separate container and added equal parts water.
The thinner consistency flowed down between the popcorn kernels much better and didn't pull them loose the way regular Mod Podge sometimes did.
It ended up being one of my favorite little tricks for this project.
Attach the Popcorn Kernels
This is the most time-consuming part of the project, but it's also where the wreath really starts coming to life.
Working in small sections, brush a layer of homemade Mod Podge onto the burlap and generously sprinkle popcorn kernels over the wet surface.
Let that section dry before gently brushing another thin coat over the top to help lock the kernels into place.
Trying to cover the entire wreath at once can cause the kernels to slide around, so working in smaller sections yields much better results.
I also found that placing a fan nearby helped speed up the drying time between sections.
Continue repeating the process until the entire wreath is covered.
Add the Hanging Strap
Once the wreath was completely dry, it was time to add the hanging strap.
I gathered a long strip of muslin into soft ruffles, then sewed it down the center of a slightly wider strip of canvas.
After attaching it to the wreath, I tied the top into a simple bow, which gave the wreath a finished look and created a sturdy way to hang it.
Decorating Your Wreath
I actually use this wreath as the base for my fall mantel display instead of attaching all of the decorations directly to it.
For my display, I tucked a stem of fall leaves into the mason jar sitting below the wreath instead of gluing it onto the wreath itself. It completely hides the stem and makes it easy to change the look whenever I want without permanently attaching anything.
That's one of my favorite things about this project. The wreath is beautiful on its own, but it's also easy to dress up with pumpkins, florals, ribbon, or other seasonal accents each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't recommend using a wire wreath form for this project. The popcorn kernels need a solid surface to adhere to, so a pool noodle or a round Styrofoam wreath form works much better. The burlap and glue create a sturdy base that helps keep the kernels securely in place.
The actual crafting is fairly simple, but you'll need plenty of drying time between sections. Setting up a fan nearby can help move things along.
Yes, but I found that adding water to the Mod Podge made it flow between the kernels more easily without pulling them back off the wreath.
If displayed indoors in a dry location, most people don't have issues. I recommend using this wreath indoors or on a covered porch rather than exposing it to the weather.
Need Help With This Project?
Click a button below to ask AI how to decorate a popcorn kernel wreath.
More Fall Ideas
If you're looking for even more ways to decorate for fall, check out these favorite projects for seasonal inspiration:
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Ruth @ Living Well Spending Less
SO cute.....I just love it! Thanks for the tutorial! 🙂
Katie
Thank you! I kinda love it too : ) Thanks for stopping in, have a great night!
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain
Beautiful! I love what you added to it too!
Katie
Thanks so much Steph! I got kinda lucky with those leaves 🙂
chelsea @ Making Home Base
I saw your wreath on your faux mantel (which I also loved) and I was hoping you'd share how you made it. Thanks! it's beautiful and I love the ruffle.
Katie
Thank you so much Chelsea! You are too sweet. That ruffle was the first thing I thought of when I was figuring out what I wanted to do with my wreath. So glad you like it!
Lisa
What a great wreath! I am the Queen of (Eating) Popcorn, so this is a must for my fall decor! thanks so much for the clear instructions. Btw, I found you on Pinterest, and now I'm going to check out your other fall decor and browse around your blog! 🙂
Katie
Thanks so much Lisa! So glad you like it... I just started trying to figure out how to make homemade kettle corn! We love popcorn here too!
Crystal @ 29 Rue House
Hi - Stopping by from Hometalk! Absolutely adorable. Most favorite wreath I've seen so far!
Crystal
Katie
Thanks so much Crystal... its definitely my favorite too! Maybe I'm a little partial ; )
Hometipster.com
That is just so cool.
Katie
Thanks so much! I'll be sure to check it out!
Kelly @ View Along the Way
What a great project! I love the texture!
Katie
Thanks Kelly! Even though it took me FOREVER, it was so worth it : )
Gina
Really love how that turned out!!!! I'm inspired!
Katie
Thanks Gina! So glad you like it : )
Erin
Wow! That's A LOT of work, but it looks great. I really like the idea of using the pool noodle and your trick with the jar underneath the wreath was great!
Katie
Thanks so much! Yes, pool noodles are much cheaper. I wish I would have grabbed some more over the summer! Thanks for stoppingby!
Mel
That came out fantastic. Such a beautiful texture.
Katie
Thanks so much Mel! So glad you like it!
LUCY
Love this guy...thanks for keeping us company again...it's always so great to see familiar faces ...:) xo
The 36th AVENUE
So beautiful. I featured it today on my blog... Thank you for sharin!
Katie
Thanks again for the feature Desiree! Always an honor to be featured by you!!
Tilly's Nest
I love this! Might I convince you to share this on our blog hop? I would be honored.
Suzanne
Your wreath is adorable, I can see one for the birds like this too using PB, but I really love it on the door 🙂
Katie
Thanks so much Suzanne! I've seen some edible bird wreaths out there : ) That would be pretty fun to do, and a great project with the kids!
crystal
This is beautiful! I really like the leaves on it, I think it give it a great finish.
Katie
You are too sweet Crystal! Thanks so much! : ) Those leaves were a lucky find!
Laura @ House Of Joyful Noise
I really like this! Popcorn kernels must be fun to play with. lol.
I especially like your simple burlap/ruffle hangar, for a little sweet feminine touch too.
Katie
Thanks Laura! hmm... popcorn, fun and time consuming! lol. Still so glad I followed through because I LOVE it! That ruffle part though I had in my head before the wreath, so I'm kinda partial to it too! Thanks for stopping by!
Heather
Great tute! So adorable! Tweeted and stumbled 🙂
Katie
Thanks so much for sharing Heather! You are too sweet ; ) Have a great night!
Andrea @ This Pug Life
Wow, this is really different. I never would have thought to use popcorn kernels, but it totally works!
Katie
Thanks Andrea! I had so much fun with it!
Johnnie
So pretty!
Katie
Thanks so much Johnnie! I always get so attached to what I make... I won't want to take it down now after all the effort. But I'm already thinking Christmas ; )
Carol ( Answer Is Chocolate)
What an awesome idea!
Katie
Thanks so much Carol!
Jessica
Really cool! I would never think to do that...now I'm thinking I have to!
Katie
Thanks Jessica! It's a time commitment for sure ; ) So worth it though!
Barbara
What a great idea! Love it---totally Fall! Found you at Lizmarie's Blog congrats on your feature!
Barbara
Katie
Thanks so much Barbara! So glad you stopped by : )
Katie
Thanks Barbara! So glad you stopped by!
Aimee - It's Overflowing
I totally love this wreath! Featuring you! Xo,Aimee
Katie
Thanks again Aimee! You are a sweetheart!
Elise
Great post! Let me know if you'd like to follow each other!
Megan @ Our PInteresting Family
What a neat idea! I love how you made the wreath look two completely different ways. You are so talented. 🙂
Katie
Thank you so much Megan! I always try to get the most out of something ; ) Have a great weekend!
Laura Harring
For crying out loud, this is sooooooo cute!!!! I know what I'm doing the rest of the day!!! Thank you so much!! 🙂
Katie
Thank you Laura! I would love to see how yours turns out : ) Have a great weekend!
computer viruses
I have to say is kinda awesome! I’ll be doodling on there soon! : ) And I am loving my Popcorn Kernel Wreath on those stripes! You can see how I made it here
tricia
I loved your beautiful wreath so much that I made my own. However, it is really heavy and I'm having a hard time hanging it. I wanted to put it on our mantel over our mirror. I tried tucking the thick burlap garland I used in replace of the canvas but I can't get it to stay. Any suggestions? Thank you! love your site!
Katie
Hi Tricia, a little trick I use is to turn one of the 3M command hooks upside down behind the mirror to help keep it in place. Hope this helps! : ) I would love to see how yours turned out!
Cheyanne
very simple and pretty!
Jennifer
Do you do the kernels over the entire surface (front and back)?
tricia
I made this wreath years ago. It turned out just like this one. I loved it, but it was too heavy to hang anywhere. Unless you are just going to prop it up somewhere, I'm not sure it is worth the time or money.