Wreath Tutorial

A few weeks ago I taught a wreath making class at Starting Grounds Church . . .

 

Mothers and daughters, friends, and family all having a great time making wreaths.

 HOW TO MAKE A WREATH

First you need a pile of evergreen branches . . . . . 

Okay, not this big . . . these were leftover from the wreath class.

You can use any evergreen branches, fir, cedar, noble, pine, holly, or whatever you want. Be creative, you can use rose hips, twigs, branches, pine cones, camellia leaves, etc. 

Supplies needed: A wreath frame, pruners, 22 gauge green wire, gloves (optional)

 After you cut your tree branches, trim the side branches from the main limbs and separate by type. The branches you'll use to make your wreath need to be approximately 8-10 inches long.

 Begin by twisting and securing the wire to the metal wreath frame.

Take 3-4 of your cut branches of the same kind and wire them to the frame by wrapping the wire twice around the branches in the middle and pull the wire tight. 

Add another layer by taking another clump of branches either the same type or different and place them a couple inches lower than the first and secure by wrapping wire around twice and pulling tight.

Continue this process until you have completed the wreath. If you want to mix in holly or twigs, just add them in with the greenery as you make your wreath.

When you reach the end tuck the bottom of the last branches under the tops of the first branches and wrap with wire twice and pull wire tight. End your wire on the back side of the wreath frame and secure the wire by twisting it to the frame and cut.

You can add a bow or pine cones if you want. To add pine cones, wrap the thickest/bottom part of the pine cone with wire and attach  to two other pines so you'll have a clump of three. Leave the wire ends long enough to wrap around wreath and twist tight on back side.  Clumps of three look better than one or two. You can add three or more clumps to the wreath. 

Now you can make one of these, or any other wreath you can dream up . . .

With this same technique you can make a wreath with hydrangeas, leaves, etc. You can also make garlands by wiring branches together without the frame.

Hope you enjoy making a wreath. I would love to see your wreath if you want to share it.

Merry Christmas!

~ Julie


Today I'm linking with:
Element's Interiors Christmas Party @ http://www.elements-interiors.net/2010/12/looksie-at-more-vacation-home-florals.html