How to Make A Christmas Wreath for a Grave

The holiday season brings loved ones to mind. It is a time for memories and missing those who have passed away. It can be a soothing project to make a wreath to add a bit of Christmas to your loved one's grave. The following is instruction for a standard winter wreath that a florist would make for a customer to take to the cemetery. Craft stores have weather-resistant floral picks, such as instruments, angels, seashells and anything that you feel is appropriate for your wreath. You may also want to incorporate a fireman's insignia, law enforcement logo, or something specific that pertains to the life this person led.

Things You'll Need

• Metal clothes hanger or wreath form
• Florist wire on paddle or spool
• Live evergreen tips
• Heavy duty scissors or cutters
• Wire cutters
• Gloves
• Silk poinsettia bush
• Cones
• Weather-resistant ribbon bow

Instructions

1. Bend a wire hanger into a circle shape, or set a wreath ring on a work surface. This is a project that can be messy so cover the surface of a good table or bench with an old sheet, tablecloth or newspaper.

2. 

   Put on a pair of gloves. Pick up five or six evergreen tips and stack them one on top of the other.

3. 

   Hold the tips in one hand and wrap some wire firmly around the bottom of the tips in the wooded area at the end of the 'twigs.' Wrap a few times to secure tightly. Snip the wire with cutters. Set the wire spool aside. Tightly wrap the two loose wire ends around each other to keep the wire from loosening around the twigs.

4. Make 10 to 15 of the evergreen bundles.

5. 

   Attach the end of the wire on the spool to the hanger or wreath ring. Hold an evergreen bundle on top of the ring. Grasp the spool in one hand and hold the bundle and ring in the other. Wrap and pull the wire tightly over the bundle to secure it to the ring. Add a second bundle on top of the bottom end of the first bundle. Be sure to cover the wire and cut the ends of the wood.

6. When you get to the end of the wreath, turn a final evergreen bundle in the opposite direction. Weave the end of the bundle under the bundle next to it. Wire it into place.

7. Insert wired cones into the wreath and secure at the back. Tie or wire on a bow at one side or bottom of the wreath. You can secure the wreath to a wooden stake and drive it into the ground near the stone at the cemetery.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that cedar wreaths are appropriate for a Veteran's grave site.

• Wear gloves or you will get pitch on your hands. You could also accidentally cut your bare hands with the wire.