My sister Laurie picked up the art of making the most beautiful and festive holiday wreaths on a whim. I can remember a few years ago when she first started making them. Right before Christmas, she thoughtfully hand-delivered wreaths she made for me, my parents and a few “lucky” others. Festive holiday wreaths are the most amazing and heartfelt gifts to receive.
This year I asked my sister to share with us how to make these very special festive holiday wreaths. It warmed my heart that she was so willing to share her creative process and provide her very best tips for a most gorgeous and festive wreath.
Similar to a recipe, you will need a few items before you get started with this endeavor:
- wire framing (circular or square, depending on the shape you desire for your wreath and in any size) – (found at a local craft store i.e. Michael’s, etc.)
- green bendable and sturdy wiring – (craft store)
- wire cutters/heavy duty shears – (Home Depot, craft store, etc.)
- small clear plastic rubber bands – (we used hair ties found at CVS!)
- a generous amount of greens – (we used local bay leaves, but you can use pretty much anything)
*optional glitter, glue and paint brush
Firstly, you want to set up a generous station so you have plenty of room to create! Keep in mind that this project can be messy, with wild tree trimmings, glitter, and glue. Knowingly, we opted for Laurie’s garage which proved an excellent space.
We then laid out all of the trimmings on the floor and set up all of the tools and utensils on folding card tables.
Laurie’s method is to take individual sprigs (of whichever green you chose, we opted for bay leaves which are also delightfully fragrant) and cluster them into threes. She recommends that you turn each bunch so the upside of all the leaves faces toward you (aka the pretty side). Laurie also added that in the cluster of three, you can hide the least attractive set of leaves in the back and layer the prettier sprigs as you work towards the front.
Once you have the desired cluster of three, take the shears and cut the bottoms so that the sprigs all line up evenly. Take your clear rubber band and wrap around the base many times until it’s bound tightly.
Continue to do so many times over. You want numerous bunches on hand. The more bunches added to a wreath, the more full it will be.
After many bunches are created and set aside, you are ready to start crafting your holiday wreath.
Take your wire framing and unwind some of your green wire. Place one bunch on the wreath (keep in mind you want all bunches to go in the same direction).
With the green wire in hand, wrap around the bunch and the frame. Wrap many times around firmly (about four times), like so:
Gather another bunch and layer in the same direction on the trimmings that were just wrapped to the frame. Be generous with your layering. You want bunches to be tight and to have a “fruitful” appearance. The more generous, the better. Keep it thick and continue to layer. Continue to wrap the frame with wire with each additional bunch as before until the frame is completely covered.
Once your wreath is completely covered, you can leave the wreath as is. It depends on whether you want a rustic looking wreath or something a little flashy. I wanted some flash and I wanted some glitter.
If you are looking for a little flash like me, consider some glitter (I opted for gold). Red is also a good option against the green leaves. Have on-hand Elmer’s glue and a small paint brush.
Depending on the size of your wreath, Laurie recommends placing glue in only sections. It makes it easier to work considering glue will start to dry. Coat the leaves you want to glitter. Laurie said that it is best to paint on the glue lightly so that the glue spreads clear and is not white and thick.
Once you have the pattern of glue you desire, sprinkle glitter over the glued section. Paint the next section of the wreath and repeat the same process until the wreath is complete.
Laurie recommends once the wreath is glittered to let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes to let it set. Once the wreath is set, give it a few gentle shakes to rid of excess and loose glitter.
Keep in mind, you can garnish the wreath with ribbon, layer on a different color of glitter, or you can add in holly berries. The options are endless and so much fun to entertain.
These wreaths make the most personal and touching to gift. Or if you can hang on your door, above your fireplace or even as a table centerpiece (I like candles in the center). Keep in mind if you use candles that leaves are flammable, so be mindful of space and what you are using. Enjoy for yourself or give a very special and festive gift for the holiday season.
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