With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about getting our homes decorated for the festive season. Most people choose to hang a holiday wreath on their front doors, as it adds a welcoming touch to the home. With a little time and effort, you can actually create your own custom made holiday wreath, making it to your own specifications.
First, you will need to purchase your supplies. Any craft type store, such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels or JoAnn, will have an ample supply of goodies to choose from to make your wreath. I prefer to use a large straw base, but you can opt for Styrofoam if you prefer. Purchase enough wide fabric ribbon (preferably wired) to wrap around your wreath base. Select some lace in matching or coordinating colors. If you are able to find the small wrapped packages of lace, these are usually much less expensive than purchasing lace by the yard from the spool. Select spools of matching or coordinating narrow satin ribbon. Choose a large box of straight pins, some cool melt or hot melt glue sticks for the glue gun and any embellishments you would like to adorn your wreath. With the holidays, the possibilities are endless, so be sure to look around for that perfect little accent that fits your personal taste and decor.
When you are ready to begin your project, unwrap the straw wreath base from its packaging. Be sure to do this outdoors or over a garbage can, as it will shed a lot and make a big mess. Now that your wreath is unwrapped, take your wide fabric ribbon and start at the top, on the back of the wreath base, and pin into place. Wrap evenly around the entire wreath base, leaving gaps about one inch wide between each section of ribbon. Pin ribbon here and there to keep in place as you wrap entire wreath base. Check for proper placement when you reach your starting place, make any necessary adjustments, then pin securely into place, all around the ribbon.
Now you are ready for the lace. Pinning lace on backside of base, near the top where you began the ribbon, repeat process of wrapping entire wreath base, only this time, wrap ribbon around the bare spaces left from the one inch intervals. If a little straw still shows, don’t worry about it, it only adds to the overall look of the wreath when finished. As before, pin lace intermittently while placing, and when wrapped around entire wreath base, check for placement, make adjustments, then pin entire lace securely into place.
Next, on the front of wreath, cut sections of satin ribbon from spools into pieces about 4 inches long. At first, cut only one piece to see if it’s too long or too short, then adjust accordingly. Take ribbon and fold so that each end meets in the center, creating two loops on each end. Pin this piece in the center of the wide fabric ribbon on front of wreath. Next, cut another piece of satin ribbon, do the same, only this time, affix it to the first piece, only in opposite direction. This will loosely resemble a flower. (Please see photos included with this article for reference. These are my original wreath designs, and the wreaths shown are from my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/CHRISTY1968 and are available for purchase this holiday season.) Next, cut small pieces of lace, fold into small squares and pin into center of “flowers.” Do this for each section on wide fabric ribbon, or only do select spaces for a different look. It’s up to you.
Now, attach any embellishments using glue gun, pins or whatever method will hold them securely to the wreath. Cut about a 4-inch-long piece of satin ribbon, fold in half and affix ends securely to back side, top center of wreath base.This will be what the wreath hangs from, so be sure it’s affixed well and can hold the weight of the wreath.
Remember, this item contains small parts and straight pins, and is intended for decorative purposes only. This item should never be given to small children or pets. You will now have a wonderful, festive, handcrafted wreath that can be enjoyed year after year. I recommend storage in a sturdy cardboard carton, for safe keeping when not in use. Enjoy your new wreath, and have a wonderful holiday season.