Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Take One Old Wreath...

     Today is another gray day in my part of the country. I really just had to do something to remind myself that spring was just around the corner. I headed to the storage room in the basement to dig out an old wreath to makeover for the front of my house.

     The wreath that was the size I wanted to use had been hanging down there for quite a while. All of the flowers had been stripped from it, all that was left was some old, faded fall ribbon.


     After pulling off all the old ribbon and globs of glue, I had a clean slate to start fresh. On my last visit to Hobby Lobby I had purchased 2 bushes of flowers when I fell in love with the colors. I happened to be there on the day that they were each half off the $24.99 price.


Ribbon was also half price that day.


     When I "build" a wreath, I like to start by tearing apart all of the bushes into blooms, leaves and whatever else happens to be on the stems. For this wreath, I started by placing the blooms randomly around the wreath.


Then I start adding the leaves. I don't glue anything until I have everything in place.


I added all the dark green leaves, then added the brown leaves with the tipped edges.


Next, I stuck in the little branches and twigs to add a little more interest to the shape.


I almost always put a bow on my wreaths.
I don't think they all have to have them, but I love making bows.
You can see my tutorial on bow making here.


I also like to tuck in little pieces of ribbon randomly through the wreath.


The finished product is ready to hang outside on the front of our house...
if the snow ever stops and the sun ever shines!

34 comments:

  1. So Pretty! Makes me long for Spring. The colors are beautiful. You scored to with half price deals!

    ReplyDelete
  2. SUE~ THIS IS STUNNING! you could make a fortune selling these on etsy. I am so glad you made this one for me, I look forward to getting it in the mail! HA, LOL, JUST KIDDING! I LOVE IT! way to go!!! JENN

    ReplyDelete
  3. So beautiful Sue! Well done. I'd love to have you over to make one for me:) Holly

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, that is so pretty and spring-like.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You did a fantastic job on that wreath. It is gorgeous!! I need something on my front door. You have inspired me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sue-This is fabulous! I love the colors and the way you entertwined the ribbon!! Love it, love it! Send one this way :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. How Pretty! I bought a couple of vine wreaths back in Jan. and have not done anything with them and you have given me some ideas. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sue! This is absolutely delicious. OK, I am inspired. I need to change the cheesy wreath I have on my front door! I love the way you wove the ribbons through. Super neat!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your wreath is gorgeous, Sue!! It was very neat watching it come together! Now I am off to see how you make your beautiful bows!

    xoxo
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
  10. GREAT JOB! Love the colors and really love the ribbon!!!!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for all the kind words. This is about the only "crafty" thing I do. I love playing with unexpected color combinations.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am always jealous over the pretty, expensive wreaths I see in the store. But you can make one just as pretty and at a reasonable price, thanks for the great ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I LOVE these colors! You did an outstanding job on it ~ looks very professional. Now, when will you be here to do mine? :-)

    xoxo
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very, very nice. I'm normally not a silk flowers fan, but these a very pretty. It "works"!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sue!!
    How clever you are!! the colours you have chosen are perfect.. compliment each other so nicely and neither are brash!! You should enjoy this everyday not just for it's beauty but clever you made it...!!

    PS Thanks for you lovely comment.. you are too sweet! xx Julie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, this is quite gorgeous!! I love that striped ribbon - very classy.

    What a bright, brilliant wreath to get youthrough the doldrums of winter.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sue,this is so pretty! I have a blank wreath in my studio...hmmm ... I might have to "create" one too! Although I am positive mine would not be nearly as beautiful as yours! Love it!
    Dee Dee

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great job, I love it.
    Grems

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beautiful... I love the colors... THANKS for Stopping by.

    ReplyDelete
  20. So pretty!!! I love the transformation! I still have my Valentines wreath up - lol!

    XOXO
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh wow! That is so beautiful! Have a sweet day!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful! Appreciate how you showed how to build one of these, step-by-step. Now its waiting for the sun like the rest of us, lol.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Absolutely beautiful wreath. Looks ready for spring and summer and will be a gorgeous standout when displayed.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your wreath is a much happier one after your added touches! You asked about my shoe polish lamp base. Because the paint on it was flat paint, the shoe polish adhered so fast. It doesn't come off at all when it is touched. Thanks for asking and for visiting me today. Have a wonderful week and Spring will arrive soon (I hope):0

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is so pretty! We have a huge wreath just like this that I used to decorate and hang between the windows. I don't have any pretty flowers on hand though, so I will have to go shopping. *jumps up and down*

    ReplyDelete
  26. This is a day brightener, very pretty color choices! Joan

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Sue. What a pretty wreath! It looks so vibrant and full of spring. :) You did a great job!
    Blessings,
    Sandra

    ReplyDelete
  28. You're good girl. You know that, right?

    ReplyDelete
  29. hi...
    I love your wreath. Wow! What a difference it makes to view it on your blog spot, instead of the cell phone :) The colors are gorgeous and your bows... i wish we were still neighbors :( Keep up the great work!!!!

    (Someone's bff)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sooooo lovely...I need to get my Spring wreath up too. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  31. Beautiful wreath, Sue....Love the color combination!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh my goodness, just found your blog... I LOVE WREATHS! I GO CRAZY over wreaths! You did an OUTSTANDING job on this one! LOVE IT! I am becoming a Follower! :)
    Best regards,
    Gloria

    ReplyDelete