| Natural Wreaths for All Seasons |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-119 |
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Home craft expert Kathi Cardinalli explains how to make a beautiful wreath from found and inexpensive items. Take a walk in the woods to find peace and tranquillity, and bring back the makings of a beautiful wreath. You can use almost anything: bark from fallen trees (never strip bark from living trees), pine cones, pods, dried weeds, moss, vines, dried flowers. Once you have your finds, spread them out to dry thoroughly. After they're dry, you may want to microwave them on high for a minute to kill any insects. Put them in boxes until you are ready to create your wreath. Materials:
Large scrap piece of wood, approximately 18" square
Long heavy-duty nails with no heads
Hammer
Optional: drill
Large hot-glue gun and glue
Floral wire
Wire cutters
Found vines (e.g., from grape, wisteria, ivy or honeysuckle), or purchase a ready-made vine wreath
Various dried materials: pine cones, pods, bark, moss, flowers, even weeds
- Place nails about 4" apart on the wood square to form a large circle. Use a dinner plate as a guide, or draw a circle with a compass. If the wood is very hard, you may need to start the holes with a drill first. Headless nails are preferred so the completed wreath can be easily lifted off.
- Weave the vines between the nails. As one vine ends, use floral wire to attach the next and continue weaving. If the vines aren't pliable enough, soak them in warm water before weaving (figure A).
- Continue weaving until you've reached the desired thickness. Vary the types of vines to combine colors and textures.
- Wire the wreath together at four points, then lift it off the nails.
- Hot-glue pieces of bark or moss to cover the wreath. Add other dried materials, if desired. You'll have a beautiful wreath to enjoy for years (figure B).
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