The holiday season is a time of joy, a time for togetherness - and, let's be honest - a time for crafting! Thanks to Support Volunteer Judy, we have step by step directions to create a wreath with your loved one.
A renowned artist (see her work here), Judy spent several years in Japan, studying Ikebana (Japanese floral design) and taking part in competitions. On her return to the states, she developed her talent even further – culminating in a 15-year career as a floral designer. We’re grateful to Judy for sharing her expertise.
We’d love to see what you come up with. Share your completed projects with us on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram.
And now - grab some supplies, turn that hospital table into a craft center and get creative! (This project also makes a wonderful gift if your loved one isn't up to a full-on-crafting session.)
WREATH ONE
(THIS IS THE FIRST OF TWO POSTS. CLICK HERE FOR ANOTHER FUN OPTION.)
Materials:
Grapevine wreath
Wire edged ribbon for making a bow, or a pre-made bow.
Flowers with a point, like Hyacinth, or Hollyhock
An accent flower (Judy used white as an accent.)
Eucalyptus, or something in that shape
A small dried, fill in flower
Leaves
Wire cutters
Floral tape/floral wire
Scissors
Hot glue gun/glue sticks
Cut flowers apart to serve as accent flowers.
Eucalyptus or similar flower. (Judy selected these gorgeous look-alikes.)
Dried fill in flower & bunch of leaves (also to fill in where needed)
Directions:
Cut 9-12 inches of wire and wrap with floral tape. Wind the taped wire through the wreath, leaving enough to form a loop in the back to use for a hanger. Fasten the wire firmly in the front of the wreath and make a loop in the back.
To make your own bow, gather the ribbon between your thumb and finger as shown.
Twist the ribbon so the front is always on the outside. Tie it in the center, where the twist is, with more of the same ribbon. Tie a length of wire around the center of the ribbon and attach the ribbon to the top of the wreath.
Make two loops tied with wire, as shown below.
Glue three of the flowers you chose around the bow at the top of the wreath. Put one loop on each side of the wreath. (The loops should go on the streamer on each side of the bow.)
Cut the leaves and put them around the bow and flowers.
Glue in the eucalyptus and accent flowers.
Fill in with baby’s breath, or some kind of very small flower, if you want. You can stop here, or continue with some flowers at the bottom of the wreath.
If you choose to put more flowers at the bottom of the wreath, work it the same as you did above, except without the bow. Use greens and small flowers to replace the bow.
Hang and enjoy!
