Monday, March 11, 2013

The Wreath in my Blog Header-tutorial

 
     I have had several comments about the wreath in my blog header. I thought I would show you how it all came together. I don't really have a plan when I start one of these...I just know that I don't like things to be all "matchy, matchy" and so I put things on a wreath in a random way. For this fairly large wreath, I used 2 large hydrangea bushes (one blue, one green) that I took apart, separating the greenery from the blossom stems. I also used about a dozen white hydrangea blossoms. I used almost my entire bolt of blue burlap wired ribbon and about half of a larger bolt of green ribbon.

 
    I wanted to add a white birdhouse, but I didn't find one that was the right size...so, I bought the one above and pulled out my Annie Sloan paint and gave it a coat of white first and then trimmed the flower opening in a robin's egg blue.
 
 
     My first step is always to place some background greens on the wreath (an old wreath that I stripped the flowers and old glue off of). You will notice that the right side is an ivy and the left side has leaves...as I said, I don't like things to be symmetrical when it comes to florals...live ones or silk ones. After they are in place, I attach them with a glue gun.

 
     My next step was to add the white blossoms. I scattered them in singles and pairs around the wreath (and forgot to take a picture). The blue and green blossoms (some with leaves) were added next and then the glue gun was used to attach them. I didn't worry about spaces as I knew the ribbons would be filling in gaps.

 
     When using two colors of ribbon, I like to make my bow by using both colors, layered together as I make the loops. When the bow is complete, I simple pull the loops in opposite directions so that the colors mix together well and both colors show. You can see how to make a bow on one of my older posts-click here. Placing one large bow off to the side and letting the streamers go both up and down creates a more professional look. I always put a few "ruffles" in the streamers and touch the glue gun in a few random spots to hold them in place.
 
 
 
     Another "floral secret" is to cut a smaller piece of ribbon and pinch the middle to create a little insert. Touch the pinched point with the glue gun and insert one or more into the wreath.

 
     I actually had some sticks to add to come out the top, but I forgot to put them on the wreath. This hangs on a wall above our open stairway to the basement and I have to walk very carefully along a ledge with my husband behind me to catch me to hang it...I'm not taking it down and fixing it at this point! If you enlarge the picture, you can get a better idea of the random ribbon pieces that add that florist touch that you don't often think to do on a homemade wreath. Ribbon truly is the key to how a wreath turns out. You can make a beautiful wreath out of almost any greenery or flower, but don't skimp on your ribbon...use wired ribbon and lots of it!
 
 
I am joining Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday
 
 

14 comments:

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

It is beautiful....you are very creative! I am in danger when I have a glue gun around...although I have found that it does make a very solid "finish coat" on finger nails!

koralee said...

So pretty..loving all the spring I am find here on your pretty blog today...happy Monday.

koralee said...

So pretty..loving all the spring I am find here on your pretty blog today...happy Monday.

NanaDiana said...

Sue, Your wreath is beautiful. Your winging it worked perfectly. It is springy and wonderful-xo Diana

Barbara F. said...

I really love this wreath, the colors are so pretty, and you make really good bows, too. Blog background complements the header very nicely. xo (congrats on your win at Purple Chocolat!)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

You are really good at this Sue!
Thanks for the tutorial, I love that wreath.
You are too creative and crafty.
We do use our garage door openers.
Hubby was able to adjust and tweak and they work just perfectly.
He is rather handy that way. lol.
Hugs friend,
Cindy

Glenda/MidSouth said...

So pretty and perfect for Spring!
Thanks for the tutorial.
Have a great week.

Ricki Treleaven said...

So cute and springy! :D

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi Suz,
You've been holding out on us, saying you aren't crafty, this is gorgeous!
Looks better than any of have seen to buy anywhere! Really is lovely hon,
Where are you gonna put it....in the
house or on the front door maybe??
Love the colors too.

Very nice job............
I need some of your inspiration right now........if I don't get busy soon, I want get to use any
of my Easter Decorations this year.

Blessings for a great week,
Nellie

The Quintessential Magpie said...

You are so talented, and this is so cute, Sue.

I always flop when it comes to bows, and I love yours there. So full and nice, and I like what you used on this wreath.

XO,

Sheila

bj said...

This is so pretty and springy. I just love the colors you chose.
Thanks for showing us how to do it.
xoox

Patrice said...

I love that little birdhouse, Sue!

Anonymous said...

It's a beautiful Spring wreath, Sue!

Gypsy Heart said...

I don't like "matchy matchy" either! This wreath is adorable ~

xo
Pat