It’s been a busy day today, I decided a quick job would be making 3 wreaths from scratch, didn’t go exactly to plan. I have made the 3 foliage bases but only had the energy to complete one. I thought I would share how I did it and make a few recommendations if you fancy following in my footsteps.
So what did I start with; a tree that needed pruning, some mini baubles I got mine from M and S and the Range, some lengths of green floristry wire from the range, wire wreath bases that were £1 each from the works (i think they had stars too), then I had bought some reels of wire (wilkos but from the range) but decided it was too thick so used some I already had. The reels of floristry wire from the range would have been ideal but chesterfield has sold out. I also used some old scissors to cut wire (wire cutters would have worked better but I couldn’t face the cupboard I keep them in at home) and a pair of secateurs. Oh and randomly a mug worked really well to keep wire in reach, together and easy to pick up.
Next I chopped down part of my tree and started off working in the garden to save messing up my kitchen but it was freezing, raining and I gave up and came in when I lost the feeling in my fingers. I then cut the wire in half and chopped the branches into smaller bundles. Each bundle had 3-7 stems depending on size of stem – I tried to do this randomly with different lengths and a bushier one in each bundle. I then tightly wrapped the end of each bundle with the wire. Starting in the middle and wrapping one end first and then the other.
Then I attached the bundles to the wire wreath base using the reel of thin wire. I did attach the end of the wire to the base before I started adding the bundles. Then i wrapped sometimes around the whole base and sometimes through the gap and just around the bundle and one ring of the wreath. I did not cut the wire at all just kept wrapping. Previously I have used wreath bases that are 3d and made from more natural materials and I currently have mixed feelings to which I prefer. It was quite hard to secure the bundles to the wire base so I think if you haven’t tried before a more 3d base maybe easier. It would definitely have been easier when it came to positioning the baubles but attaching them was possibly a little simpler with the wire base.
I added 3 to 4 bundles in each quarter section of the base so I used approximately 12-16 bundles for one wreath. Then I started adding the baubles using the half lengths of floristry wire twisted around the bauble and then around the wreath base. I put the baubles on in 3’s (as Del a Soul said 3 is the magic number) until I was happy with how many I had on. Then lastly I used some the the left over bits of foliage to poke in to fill gaps and cover up exposed wire on bundle ends. To be honest I did not do this bit very well and expect to pick them up off the floor tomorrow after an evening in the wind.
So if I did it again what would I do… Add a large ribbon bow at the bottom probably off set to one side a bit. I would have searched more for a small pack of battery operated twinkle lights and I would have wound them in as I attached the bundles. Also I think I would use a 3d base next time. Also I think I would have liked to have maybe added one more ornament type but honesty no idea what currently, if it hits me I will come back and add it here.
If you have a go at making your own please share your pictures we would love to see what you create, and before you start no baby reindeer will die because I have put it up already! I may try and add some twinkle lights if I can find any.
Lots of love, Karen x