Directions on Making Wreaths

Make your own wreath

You can make wreaths from a variety of materials such as dried pine cones, moss, branches, dried fruit, and fir boughs. Dried flowers, nuts, and ribbons add detail and color to wreaths. Pre-assembled grapevine wreaths are available at most craft or floral supply stores, and make the art of wreath-making an easy process. Gather natural materials from your yard if possible and utilize these in the making of your wreath. With just a few simple steps you will be on your way to creating a unique and decorative wreath.

Things You'll Need

• Pre-assembled grape vine wreath
• Dried moss
• Your choice of pine cones, acorns
• Branches and twigs
• Fir boughs
• Dried or silk flowers
• Ribbon
• Dried nuts
• Hot glue gun
• Ties

Instructions

1. Gather and assemble your wreath making supplies on a flat surface. Put a glue stick in the hot glue gun, plug in the glue gun, and allow to warm up for a couple of minutes.

2. Lay the pre-assembled grapevine wreath on a flat surface. These do have a front and a back; make sure the front or more rounded side of the wreath is facing up.

3. Lay out your desired components to add to the wreath. Create a design on the flat surface before your begin to add the items to the wreath. Moss should be the first layer applied, followed by branches, twigs, and fir boughs. Accent with a few pine cones or acorns and nuts. Add dried flowers for some color. One you have your design assembled, begin adding to the wreath itself.

4. Apply hot glue to the underside of the moss, and apply the moss in sections as desired onto the wreath. Press down to make sure the moss is secure. Add branches, twigs, and fir boughs as needed to fill in the wreath. Secure these items with twist ties. Add hot glue to areas that need extra securing.

5. Use the hot glue gun to add silk or dried flowers throughout the wreath. If the silk flowers have a stem attached, insert that into crevices in the wreath and secure with hot glue if needed.

6. Create a bow with the ribbon and attach wherever you like on the wreath. Glue on with the hot glue gun and secure with a twist tie if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Raffia ribbon looks great with natural looking wreaths. For a more elegant touch use satin or silk ribbon. Moss can be purchased at most craft stores along with packaged pine cones in various sizes. Silk or dried flowers both work well on wreaths and are available at retail stores.

• Use caution with the hot glue gun as it can burn the skin.

References

• Martha Stewart.com: Wreath Making