A few years ago, at a flea market, I found a nifty little bell that inspired me to make a wreath for the holidays. Many years later, that wreath is still in great condition, but I just wanted something different. My husband said he would like a wreath that looked like a wrapped gift. Well, I am not one to turn down an excuse to hit the craft store, so away I went and gathered my materials. Wreath-making, for me at least, is kind of like pies…if you are going to make one it is just as easy to make two.
You will need:
- straw wreath form
- ribbon (wired or non)
- floral pins
- doodads (whatever you like)
- scissors
- needle nose pliers, hot glue, rubber thimble (optional)
Clear some table space and grab a comfy chair. This doesn’t take long, but it helps to spread out the goods. Leave the straw form plastic wrapped and pin your ribbon to the back (the “back is the slightly flattened side). Start the ribbon at a slight angle for wrapping and adjust if you need to. The pliers are handy for pulling the floral pins if necessary.
The ribbon should not overlap just yet, leave a bit of space that you will hit on the second round.
Two rounds should cover every bit of straw. If you get to a spot that looks “thin,” just tug gently to rearrange the previous layer. This is where it is handy to be using the wired ribbon. The wire provides more wriggle room with less creasing.
If you are using the velvet ribbon, you will not be spacing between wraps, and only one time around the ring should work. In the event of loose ribbon, make sure the creases or folds of the ribbon are tucked in the back and covered with the next piece.
No space for velvet; just fold and overlap as you wrap.
Now, for my husband’s wreath, he said “gift wrapped,” and I think every gift looks prettier with a bow. Most bows will have long twist ties holding them on, so wrap that at what will be the “top” or “bottom” of your wreath. After your first twist that tightens the bow on, secure the tie with a floral pin. Then, twist the tie a little further, cut off any excess tie.
If your bow of choice has extra ribbon length, you can secure it as I did or trim it to suit your desire. I continued with the theme of wrapping and floral pinned the extra length to the back of the wreath.
Now it is time for doodads!! I love all the options for extras as this is where the wreath takes on your personality or your recipient’s personality. I find the miniature ornaments for personal trees work very well for wreathing and allow for more than just floral looks. Also, if you can find small enough pieces, you could fit an entire village in the bottom curve (I can already see next years venture!).
Most of your accessories will be held on with the floral pins but you may prefer your glue gun to pin pushing.
If you have a bit of patience you can mask the pin under a layer of ribbon
If there is not enough slack to tuck the pins under, grab your handy dandy glue and camouflage the top of the pin with another decoration.
For the larger and heavy items, you will need extra pins and possibly those pliers for bending. It was about now that I wished I had a rubberized thimble to protect my thumb from the pushing.
I have not bought a wreath in years, so I have no idea the cost comparison. For all the materials, the two I made cost about $15 each which also means the second is an inexpensive and beautiful gift. The final look is entirely yours, so have fun!
Husband approved “Gift Wrapped” wreath.
