DIY Holidays Wreaths

Wreath with a Satin Cuff

       From the magazine, Holiday Decorating

Source:

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/wreaths/wreaths-for-a-holiday-door/?page=12

This berry-laden wreath looks complex, but it's really quite easy. It starts with a florist's foam wreath form, cedar sprigs, and berries.
Though we've used fresh greenery, artificial greenery will create a longer-lasting wreath with no maintenance.
Note: For best results, when made with fresh greenery, this wreath should be hung in a protected area or indoors.
Find a list of materials and how-tos below.

Supplies

• Cedar
• Holly foliage
• Hypericum berries, twigs
• Floral foam wreath (made of oasis -- for fresh flowers)
• Sharp knife or clippers
• Florist's wire
• Smaller wreath made of grapevine or stems
• Artificial "frosted" or beaded berries
• Wide satin or grosgrain ribbon

  

Instructions

1. Submerge the foam wreath form into water and let soak thoroughly. To enhance water retention, insert a small knife, twisting slightly to create small butterfly-shaped marks into the foam. Make these cuts 3 or 4 inches apart all over the wreath. (These small holes will help funnel water into the center of the foam.)
2. Using a sharp knife or garden clippers, cut up greenery into small, 4- to 6-inch sprigs. Insert greenery all over to cover the form completely. Tip: Working with one type of material at a time will help evenly distribute each variety.
3. Next, cut the berries so stems are about 3 inches long and insert into the foam.
4. Decorate the smaller vine wreath with artificial beaded berries and twigs, wiring or gluing these on as needed.
5. Attach the smaller wreath into the center of the evergreen wreath, wiring it to the larger wreath in at least three places.
6. Tie a length of wide ribbon around the top of the wreath, making a square knot at the top. Clip the ends into a wide V-shape.
7. Tip: Misting daily will help keep the foam damp and the wreath fresh. However, water may spot ribbon

Happy Holidays Wreath Project

Greet your visitors with a special message embedded in a pretty green wreath.

This unusual oval wreath greets visitors even before they ring the doorbell.
The letters on this wreath are twine-wrapped wooden cutouts. However, craft stores may have other options for your holiday message.
Wreaths with these types of decorations may need to be kept out of direct weather so the colors won't fade or run. Therefore, it's best to place it under a covered entryway or porch, or use it inside.

Corded Letters

Wooden craft store letters can be painted any color, yet these get a creative makeover -- they're wrapped with silky twine secured with dabs of hot glue. The twine also conceals the wire used to attach the letters to the wreath.

A bead of hot glue on the back
of each letter will help hold
the silk cord.

Attaching the Message

Wires were wrapped around the center of each letter before the cording was attached.
Leave about 12 inches of wire so it can be threaded through the wreath and bent around the back to hold the letter securely in place.

 

Hang on the Door

Green, red, and gold are the colors of this holiday doorway. Elegant topiary trees flank the columns and are decorated with beautiful red bows.

Wreaths Slide Show

Florists often make custom wreaths from a variety of greens. This adds texture and visual interest. Get this look on a budget by inserting various leaves and pine cuttings into a premade wreath. Wire these in if necessary.

 

Holly Jolly

 

Though prickly, holly wreaths make a definite holiday statement. Artificial berry clusters were added to this one since the real berries tend to dry and drop off.