Advent Calendar Day 13: A wreath in my home

[lunadelcorvo]

This year I have two (well, three, but let's keep it simple! Besides the third one I didn't make, and I like to squee about stuff I make.)

The first one is currently serving as my front door wreath. It has been my main 'over the mantle' wreath, but it was getting a tad shabby, and I have a wreath I was given for the mantle, so I, a dutiful daughter-in-law, hung it there. (*eyeroll*) Anyway, I am very fond of this wreath, and I think I will tear it down and replace some of the worn elements, but essentially keep it the same for next year.


The second is a wreath I originally made for the door of my mom's apartment at the retirement home. Its ribbon has started to come loose, as you can see, but I love it, and I haven't the heart to scrap it for obvious reasons. It may get a tear-down and re-assemble next year, though.


I did make both of them but I'm not sure I could give you much of a how-to, but here's some basics I've learned in making oodles of wreaths.

• Really, it's mostly just gathering a big bunch of things that go well together (keeping it varied, but consistent) and then distributing them around the wreath.
• I find that having the same number of every item makes it look too 'stiff,' so if you have three things that are your main items, try three of one, four of another, and three, five, or even two of the third item. Then fill it in with smaller 'texture' stuff.
• Use the wires that came with your florals, or add wire as you need to. If you are building from a basic pine wreath, each little branch of that is wired, too, so they can help 'hold on' to things.
• Finally, wind a ribbon through it, and attach a bow with lots of big, frothy, curly tails. (Make your bow separately and wire it in - don't try to tie the ribbon you wound through - that way lies madness!)
• I tend to use wired ribbon, because it's easy to re-shape if after it has spent 11 months in a box.
• The bow can be top or bottom, but I never put the bow in the center - this too looks to stiff. An off center bow (or other accent) looks more... artless, I guess.

There you have it. Far from a 'how-to,' but if you want to make up a wreath, this ought to get you started. Cheers!

Comments

[thewenchywiccan.livejournal.com]

:) They're both lovely, but I admit to a special fondness for the first one. ♥