Forget Fake Flower Wreaths: Add A Unique Twist Using Pistachio Shells

When looking for flower wreaths, you're likely choosing between fresh florals or artificial ones. But there's a third option you may not have thought of: pistachio shell flower wreaths. Out of the many amazing ways you can repurpose pistachio shells, assembling them into flower-like arrangements for a one-of-a-kind wreath is surprisingly easy. Each half-shell looks similar to the curled petals of a dahlia or chrysanthemum flower. By gluing the shells together in an overlapping pattern, you can create full blooms. Add those blooms to a wreath form, and you've got a clever, affordable project that adapts to any season. At the same time, it's a long-lasting alternative to fresh flower wreaths that quickly wilt.

If you're even the slightest bit crafty, a pistachio shell wreath is something you can create without too much struggle. Furthermore, it's a low-budget decor idea to spruce up your home, since the main materials required are the nut shells you'd otherwise throw away, while the rest of the supplies and tools are things you likely already have at home or can buy at a retailer like Dollar Tree. You'll need scrap cardboard, a hot glue gun with glue sticks, acrylic paint, paint brushes, and, of course, a wreath frame. You can also customize this DIY wreath exactly how you like it using ribbons, twine, and other decorations.

First, cut an approximately 2-inch diameter circle from the cardboard. This will serve as the base on which you'll build a flower. You can make it bigger or smaller depending on your preferred flower size. Next, you'll make the flower petals using clean, dry pistachio shells. The wider end of the shells should always face down and the pointy end up. You'll need approximately 30 half-shells for a medium-sized flower. While holding one shell with your non-dominant hand, apply a dab of hot glue on its side and attach a second shell there. Repeat this to get three or four shells glued together, forming what looks like a flower bud. This will be the center of the flower. Glue it upright at the center of the cardboard circle.

From here, add the first circular row of shells. Glue one shell at a time around the center "bud" making them overlap slightly. For the second row, repeat the process but without overlapping the shells. And for the third row, space out the shells instead of overlapping them. This petal arrangement for the different rows will add realism to your DIY flower, mimicking the way petals naturally radiate outward from the center. Continue adding rows of shells in this manner until you complete your flower and cover the cardboard base. Now go on to make as many flowers for your wreath as you'll need. Make sure to vary the sizes for visual interest.

Now that your pistachio shell flowers are ready, it's time to attach them onto a wreath. Whether you make a DIY pool noodle wreath form or use a store-bought one like this Floral Garden Metal Wreath Form from Dollar Tree, consider styling it first before adding your pistachio shell flowers. To do this, you can wrap the ring all around with either jute rope or colored yarn and use hot glue to secure it in place. Customize your wreath design by painting the pistachio shell flowers using acrylic paint and a brush. This is a great way to match your wreath with the rest of your home decor or adapt it to fit the season.

Now to assemble your wreath, apply hot glue to the bottom side of each flower's cardboard base then stick them onto the wreath frame. You can cover up the entire frame or arrange the flowers on one side to create some asymmetrical interest. To fill the gaps in between the blooms, make little leaf cutouts from toilet paper rolls, paint them green, and glue them on the wreath frame. Add a few closed flower buds by gluing two pistachio shells to a wire and attaching them to the wreath. Alternatively, just fill all the spaces in between the flowers with moss. Finally, add a thick ribbon at the top to display the wreath on your door or wall.