| Creating Custom Wreaths |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-607 |
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Q: Do you have any options for non-floral wreaths that I can make to hang inside my home? A: (Craft expert, Debbie Stapley) Actually, I have two very different styles for you to try. The first is a very rustic style made by combining a grapevine wreath, wired ribbon and skeleton leaves. The second is a berry wreath with metallic accents. Rustic Grapevine Wreath Materials: Bulk grapevine
Two colors of wire-edged ribbon
Green floral wire
Scissors
Skeleton leaves
Hot glue and hot glue pot
- Soak the grapevine in water so that it becomes pliable. This may take from a few minutes to overnight. Shape as desired (Debbie decided on a square wreath), and wrap with floral wire to secure.
- Use the two colors of wired ribbon to cover the wire securing the wreath's edges (figure A). Arrange ribbon as desired and trim excess.
- Seperate large skeleton leaves from smaller ones. Begin adding to the wreath in an attractive pattern. (In this example, Stapley adds the largest leaves to the corners.)
- Dip the stem of each leaf into the pot of hot glue (figure B) before adding to the wreath. Continue adding leaves until the wreath is completed as desired.
Berry Wreath with Metallic Accents Materials: Berry branches
Floral wire
Brown floral tape
Metallic berry branches
Metallic ribbon and accents
- Begin by arranging branches so that the berries overlap the branches to cover them and create a pleasing pattern. Secure branches with floral wire.
- Cut excess wire and cover the wire with brown floral tape (figure C). Continue steps 1-2 until entire wreath is formed from berry branches.
- Add metallic berry branches as accents, wiring pieces to the berry wreath.
- Finish by adding a metallic ribbon hanger (figure D) and additional metallic accents as desired.
More Viewer Questions ...
Q: Are there any tricks to make my ribbon lay flat as I wrap it around a foam wreath? I also want to avoid gaps. A: I've had that same problem, and I don't think there's any real solution. If you try to avoid creating gaps while wrapping the wreath, you create puckering on the inside. You might simply try wrapping the wreath a couple of times to cover all the gaps.
Q: How do I get a consistent pattern when using decorative-edged scissors?
A: Make your first cut. Find the same decorative edge on the scissors that match the last design on the first cut. Align the pattern with the previous cut and cut again. Repeat this technique to achieve a continous pattern.
Q: I've got a spot on my cutting mat that has worn away over time. Can this be fixed, or do I need a new mat?
A: I'm not aware of any repair methods, so purchasing a new one is probably your best bet.
RESOURCES :
Wreaths: The Best of Martha Stewart Living
Model: 0517887762
Author: Martha Stewart and Carolyn B. Mitchell
The Complete Book of Wreaths: 200 Delightful and Creative Designs
Model: 1579902081
Author: Chris Rankin
Wreaths and Garlands: Home Decorating Workbooks with 20 Step-by-Step Projects
Model: 082305876X
Author: Lisl Dennis
The Living Wreath
Model: 0879057009
Author: Teddy Colbert
(June, 1996)
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Country Living Handmade Wreaths: Decorating throughout the Year
Model: 0688161359
Author: Arlene Hamilton Stewart
How to Do Wreaths If You Think You Can't
Model: 1574860607
Author: Leisure Arts Staff
The Ultimate Wreath Book: Hundreds of Beautiful Wreaths to Make from Natural Materials
Model: 087596978X
Author: Ellen Spector Platt
Wreaths: Creative Ideas for the Year Round
Model: 0395977770
Author: Richard Kollath
(1992)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Houghton Mifflin Co.
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-351-5000
Email: tradecustomerservice@hmco.com
Wreath Making Basics : More Than 80 Wreath Ideas
Model: 0806902795
Author: Dawn Cusick
Making Wreaths for All Seasons
Model: 1880029251
Author: Pamela Westland
(1996)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Creative Homeowner Press
Website: www.creativehomeowner.com
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