How to Make Holiday Wreaths

Creating your own holiday wreath is an enjoyable craft project and one that can be shared with the whole family. No matter which holiday theme is being observed, a hand-crafted wreath is a lovely touch. It should be decorated with vibrant seasonal flowers, fragrant greenery, colorful ribbons, specialized items, or miniature ornaments. This will result in a beautiful addition to any holiday occasion. Whether you're creating a wreath using artificial supplies or plan to use natural supplies, a festive holiday wreath will spread cheer and joy throughout the home both inside and out.

Things You'll Need

• Wreath Base
• Ribbon
• Fabric
• Craft Wire
• Craft Scissors
• Glue Gun
• Glue Sticks
• Florist Picks
• Ornaments
• Flowers
• Greenery
• Moss (optional)
• Artificial Grass (optional)
• Wreath Hanger

Instructions

1. Determine the type of wreath base to be used for the project. There are many different kinds of bases to consider when creating a holiday wreath. Types of bases available include Styrofoam bases which work well for fabric covered wreaths. Artificial or natural pine bases can be used for Christmas wreaths. Willow and straw bases work well for flower or fall leaf based wreaths. Wire bases can be used for artificial flower or greenery wreaths. Grapevine bases work well for almost any type of wreath.

2. Lay the wreath base and supplies on a large work table. If using a glue gun, plug it in where it can be easily reached but safely stored. To protect the work surface, newspapers, a tablecloth or towel can be placed on the table top to protect it from hot glue or scratches.

3. Start preparing the wreath base. If making a fabric or ribbon embellished wreath, begin wrapping either the fabric or ribbon tightly around the base. The ends of the fabric or ribbon can be tied either in front or back of the wreath depending on whether or not a bow will be attached. If a bow is being attached, tie the knot in the front of the wreath and allow enough extra fabric or ribbon to use with the bow.

4. Begin decorating the wreath base starting from the inner rim and working outwards. For Styrofoam bases, attaching ornaments or flowers can be accomplished by first attaching a flower or greenery stem to a florist pick and then inserting the pick into the styrofoam base. Small and light weight ornaments or leaves can be hot glued directly to the fabric. Straw bases can also be decorated easily by using florist picks to attach flowers.

5. Decorate the wreath base all the way around with the first layer of flowers, greenery or leaves. This will be the platform from which you will continue to build the wreath. Continue to add these items filling in around the inner rim and outer edge of the wreath so that it will have a full look.

6. Step back and look at the wreath to see if there are any out of balance areas or areas that need more flowers or items. There are a couple of good ways to fill in sparse areas depending on the type of wreath base used. Dried moss can be hot glued directly to the base, especially around flowers or greenery. Another option is to make small bows out of ribbon and hot glue them throughout the wreath for color, contrast or to cover hot glue drops.

Tips & Warnings

• Store your holiday wreath in a tightly secured plastic bag to prevent dust.

• Use caution when using craft scissors as they are very sharp. Do not allow children to play with craft scissors.

• Use caution when using a hot glue gun and never leave a hot glue gun unattended around children or pets. The tip of the glue gun is very hot. Do not use your fingers to hold or press hot glued items.