During the holidays, I rely heavily on synthetic greenery that can be re-used, season-after-season. But sometimes, it’s nice to have something fresh to display. That’s why today I wanted to share how to make a basic fresh winter wreath. But whether you have access to freshly cut greenery – as I do – or only have faux stems on hand, today’s tutorial will walk you through all the basics of how to make your own winter wreath at home.
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MATERIALS NEEDED
1) Fresh cuttings (or Synthetic stems ); I suggest a minimum of 3 varieties to create interest, but if minimalism is your vibe, then 1 or 2 will work beautifully.
2) Wreath Base: I recommend a grapevine wreath form (approx 12-14″ when used for your door) like this one or this one, but you can also use a wire base like this one. Local craft stores like Michaels always carries them as well as your local dollar store.
6) Scissors
7) Twine
8) Ribbon (optional): I used this one, but there are so many other colours and textures available online or at your local craft or dollar stores to suit your tastes.
STEPS: How To Make a Basic Fresh Winter Wreath
STEP 1: Attach Wire to Wreath Form
Taking your paddle wire, attach the end to the wreath form. Start by weaving it into a couple of grapevines so that the tip peeks out the other side.
Then, pull the tip back again, towards the paddle and twist it around the wire, forming one single piece.
Next, begin wrapping the wire around the entire wreath form, as shown below.
Continue wrapping another 3-4 times and pull tightly around the base.
Don’t clip off the wire. To create a secure wreath, you will use one continuous wire to attach your greenery, only cutting it off at the end.
STEP 2: Create A ‘Bundle’ of Greenery
This wreath is made up of bundles of greenery (varying in length, about 8-10 inches) that are attached to the wreath form.
For my first bundle, I am using the following materials:
– Boxwood – 1 cutting (a substantial cutting with a few small stems still attached)
– White Pine – 1 or 2 cuttings
– Balsam – 1 or 2 cuttings
Gather each material and ‘bundle’ together.
If you have the same materials available and wish to duplicate what I’ve created, follow along below, otherwise use the steps below as a guide:
Start by placing the white pine piece(s) on top of the boxwood.
Then add the balsam.
This is what my first bundle looked like.
Note: The bottom cutting is the longest, while the top two pieces are a bit shorter. This allows the boxwood to peek through, once attached.
My aim for this wreath is to create a ‘feathery’ and uneven appearance around the outer edge of the wreath.
STEP 3: Attach First Bundle to Grapevine
Pinch the bottom portion of the bundle together and place over the wire already attached to the grapevine.
Make sure to angle the tips slightly away from the wreath form.
Next, attach the pinched portion to the grapevine by wrapping the paddle wire around both the bundle and wreath form 3-4 times, making sure it is wrapped tightly.
TIP: Wrapping tightly around the wreath form is especially important when using fresh cuttings, because the greenery will shrink slightly as it dries.
STEP 4: Create Second Bundle & Attach to Wreath Form
For this wreath, I will be alternating the look of every second bundle.
The main difference? The boxwood will either be placed at the bottom or the top of the bundle. But I’m also adding one dried floral stem, too.
For bundle #2, I am using the following order:
– Dried floral stem
– White Pine
– Balsam
– Boxwood
Gather each piece, as before. If you are following closely along, make sure the boxwood is the last piece you place on top.
Next,
1.) Pinch the bottom stems together of bundle #2.
2.) Place the pinched portion over the wired portion of bundle #1, allowing the tips of the bundle to flow towards the first bundle, covering about 1/3 of that first bundle. The aim is to overlap slightly, creating one continuous flow of greenery, making sure the wire does not show through.
See the step-by-step, below:
Wrap the wire around the base of the second bundle and wreath form about 3 or 4 times.
This is what my ‘feathery’ wreath looks like with the first two bundles attached.
Once you have mastered bundling and attaching a couple of times, you are all set to continue the process, making your way around the wreath form, one bundle at a time.
TIPS ALONG THE WAY
1. Angle each bundle outward, allowing only a small portion to ‘spill’ into the center – just enough to cover the grapevine. This will prevent the opening in the middle from getting too small when you have completed the wreath.
2. Wrap the wire around both the bundle and grapevine wreath form tightly; this will ensure each bundle is secured. It is especially significant when using fresh greenery which shrinks as it dries.
3. Hold up your wreath from time to time to make sure you are happy with how each bundle hangs from the wreath.
You can modify how thick or sparse you’d like your wreath. For a thicker appearance, for example, place the bundles closer together and/or add a bit more greenery to each bundle.
STEP 5: Attaching the Final Bundle
When you have made your way all the way around to the first attached bundle, you may have a slight gap to fill.
To fill the gap, add one last bundle (or two, if needed) into the gap:
1.) Take the pinched end of a new bundle and 2.) tuck underneath the tips of the first bundle you attached to the wreath form.
You may need to add one or two smaller bundles, but when you’re done, it may look something like this.
To finish things off:
1. Clip the wire off the paddle and weave the tip into the back.
2. Tie some twine on the back to hang your wreath.
3. Optional: Add a ribbon to match your decor.
Time to hang and display!
I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek into some of my winter crafting this season. In fact, I enjoyed making this wreath enough to make a couple of more to display around the house!
Happy wreath-making 🙂
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