Wreaths can be decorated with a wide variety of materials, limited only
by your imagination. First, decide on a color scheme. You might want to
go with traditional red/green, or you might want to use old-world Christmas
colors of burgundy and gold. Or maybe you just want a mish-mosh of b and
shiny. Whatever you decide, remember that your ornaments will be jostled
every time the door swings open, so you'll need to decorate your wreath
with items that can be secured tightly to your wreath base. (I love the
addition of bells to a door wreath, every time I open the door to welcome
guests the bells tinkle!)
Select one or two ribbon colors to match your scheme. Starting at the
"top" of the wreath, weave one length of ribbon in and out of
a loosely wrapped grapevine base, or if the base is tightly wound, simply
wrap the ribbon loosely around the outside. As you wrap, twist the ribbon
and secure to the base with a spot of hot glue at varying spots. Secure
the ends with a spot of hot glue. If using two pieces of ribbon, start
the second ribbon slightly offset from the first, and wrap / twist in
the opposite direction.
Make your "main attraction". I like a large bow with decorations
attached to its center. For instance, remove the center of a large bow,
glue a small cluster of pine cones to the center of the bow, and then
a few small bells hanging down the back of the bow.
Now, you'll need to decide whether you want your wreath to look symmetrical
or assymetrical, sparse or full. I prefer a slightly sparse, off-kilter
look, so I usually place the most prominent decorations at 1 o'clock,
with smaller decorations at 7 o'clock and/or 5 o'clock, and let the ribbon
do the rest. For a more symmetrical look, place your main attraction at
the twelve o'clock position on your wreath. Attach it with wire and hot
glue so that it hides the ends of the wrapped ribbon. Whenever you use
wire to attach a piece, twist the ends together with your needlenose pliers,
and then bend the ends down so that you don't have sharp wire ends sticking
out.
Start attaching your smaller decorations at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions
on your wreath. Place the largest decorations first, securing them with
wire and/or hot glue. If you want a fuller look, keep attaching decorations
until you're happy with your wreath.
Just about anything can be used to decorate your wreath. Use things
that are colorful, sparkle, or just things that please your eye.
Some ideas for decorations:
- Pine cones
- Pine tree branches, live or silk
- Eucalyptus leaves/branches
- Small bells
- Cranberries
- Apples
- Small dolls
- Cookie cutters, especially Christmas shapes
- Aluminum Foil shapes
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cattails
- Holly leaves and berries
- Dried fs
- Christmas tree decorations
- Miniature wreaths, decorated with similar themes
- Garlic cloves
Often you can hang a grapevine wreath by hooking one of the top vines on
a nail, but if necessary, loop a small piece of wire through a vine at the
top and twist the ends together. Then hang your wreath by a nail in the
center of your front door for all to enjoy! |
