I've been working on a new wreath to hang on the garage door. It isn't totally finished yet, but as I've made it completely from scratch, I thought I'd share photos of it anyway, in case anyone else fancies making a wreath this year using a twig base. This wreath is very floral, I've used silk flowers for it. You can adapt this idea to use fresh flowers or just foliage. Whatever you like. If you wanted to use fresh flowers, you would need oasis in it too, or the flowers would dry out and die too quickly.
Step 1
I start by cutting the flowers from the main stalk and placing in a large dish so I can see exactly what I've got, and it makes it quicker to put the wreath together if everything is at hand.
Step 2
Making the base. This is easier than you may think, although you do need a couple of items from the florists'. Stem wrap and reel wire. [Stem wrap] is a sticky, stretchy, usually green tape that self adheres. Reel wire as the name suggests, is wire on a reel. It's not vital to have, but it makes life a lot easier.
I wanted a twig base. I have a couple of twig garlands bought years ago that I use for this purpose, but you can use pretty much any twigs. They will snap as you work, but it doesn't matter.
You will need a sturdy wire ring, to make this, I swiped a coat hanger out of the husband's wardrobe and used that (he hasn't noticed yet, ha ha ha). Cut off the hanging part, then bend into a rough circle (you could make a heart shape if you wanted to) and secure with quite a bit of stem wrap to hold it in place.
Take a small bunch of twigs and attach to the wire ring using the reel wire. Wind it round to secure each section. Continue around the circle until you meet up at the starting point. Twigs will snap as you work, but don't worry. They will still hold in place because of the other twigs and the wire. Build it up until you have it as big or small as you require. It doesn't need to be super thick, but bear in mind that you will be pushing stems into it, so it needs to be around an inch thick or thereabouts. This is really very simple to do, nothing complicated. You will end up with scratches on your hands and wrists though!
Step 3Add your flowers and foliage. There is no need for me to say more than that, because you just push the stems in amongst your twig base, and work it the way you want it. More flowers and foliage for a sumptuous look, less for something simple. A helpful tip is to hold your wreath up at a mirror from time to time to check that it's looking even. Don't ask me why, but looking at the reflection makes it easier to spot gaps and mistakes.
As I said, mine isn't quite finished yet. It needs some outdoor lights twirled around it, more Christmas ornaments nestled in amongst the flowers and an organza bow. I bought some silver berries that I haven't used yet, I'm not sure if I want them on there or not. It won't take long to finish off now, the main bulk of it is complete. I've taken a photo of the back of it, so you can see how it looks.
And there you have it. A very easy to make wreath.At the moment I have it hanging up on the back door, so I don't forget to add the finishing touches.
