Gather your supplies. Wire, wire cutters, brush cutters, and bases for the wreath. I have a bunch that I bought years ago that I reuse year after year. Much easier than making it on a metal clothes hanger. When we go tipping we cut the tips off the tree at about 6 inches.
Stack 4-5 and start wrapping with wire.
Then move down a bit, overlapping and wrap your next. Note that pink braclet I'm wearing, story behind it to follow in a future post.
Easy! Done in just a few minutes. Decorate to you liking. I keep it simple with just a bow but this year I added a few battery powered lights we had in our decoration box.
Looks better with the lights off but I had to use my night mode so you could see.
I have made wreaths for over 10 years. Every Christmas it was a tradition that I made my grandparents one along with a few other friends and relatives. They were always so grateful! After they died (still a tender topic for me even though it's been a few years) I only make a couple up. I guess I just lost my enthusiasm about them. I made one other wreath for the "horse people" as MM calls them in trade for several loads of manure John loaded onto the tractor a few weeks back. 
I finally broke down and bought some vodka and made some vanilla extract. I wanted to start by making a small batch. I used 1/3 of a fifth of vodka, 2 vanilla beans (cut an half with seed scraped out and placed in jar in addition to beans). In 2 months it will be ready....another first.
Wow! You are soooo talented! Nice work!
ReplyDeleteWOW! You make it look so easy! What a beautiful wreath! Thank you so much for sharing this - I am going to make my own now! I am going to use some Fir boughs that came down in our last storm. You rock!
ReplyDeleteWOW, so much easier than wire coat hangers!!! I get so fusturated with it and they never come out right!!! LOL!!! I'll get over my cheap little self and buy some bases, you've renewed my hope!
ReplyDeleteThanks
You really do make that look easy. As a generally klutzy person, I have my doubts it would go so well in my house!! LOL
ReplyDeleteLet us know how that extract comes along. I have been interested in doing this myself.
Oh, I *love* you, country girl! I've been wanting a simple straightforward tutorial on wreathnmaking forEVER. I am obsessed with wreaths. This is very cool. We've got fir and holly everywhere around here - can't wait to try your technique!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Hmmmm...ok, me again. Just a *couple* questions for you. (sorry, i tend to really think things through before jumping in) :-)
ReplyDelete1) I notice two different kinds of wreath bases in your picture. Seems like the smaller, multiple layer one would be easier to secure the branches to have them stay in place. Do you prefer one base over the other? Is the larger, single-wire one difficult to secure things to?
2) I'm assuming the wire-wrapping happens just at the base of the tips, or does it need to move up into the center of the branches so they don't slip?
I think that's it. Hard to believe it is really that simple. :-)
THANKS CR!
ReplyDeleteFR, IT IS EASY. IT IS ALL IN THE BASE.
SAHMFM, IT IS EASIER, I'VE ATTEMPTED THE COAST WIRE THING...ALL SET. THESE BASES REALLY MAKE THEM FUN TO MAKE.
FM, I AM NOT THE MOST GRACIOUS. MY MOTO IS KEEP IT SIMPLE AND IT IS JUST THAT! I WILL LET YOU KNOW ABOUT THE VANILLA.
FG, THANKS, YOU MAKE ME SMILE!
SWAGS ARE REAL EASY TO MAKE TOO ALONG WITH GARLAND (JUST WRAP THE BOWS ONTO ROPE).
1. SMALLER THICKER BASE WORKS BEST.
2.I START WRAPPING AT THE BASE BUT GO UP ABOUT 1/2 WAY TO SECURE. IT WILL BE COVERED BY THE NEXT LAYER.
EVERYONE DOES IT DIFFERENT BUT THAT IS MY TECHNIQUE. I BET YOU TUBE HAS SOME GOOD VIDEOS TOO. HOPE THIS HELPS!
Beautiful wreath! So THAT'S how you do it. I tried making one using a grapevine wreath as the base last year. It didn't look as nice as yours.
ReplyDeleteI must try making my own vanilla extract sometime. It looks very simple and probably tastes a whole heck of a lot better than the store bought stuff. Can you tell a difference in your baking I wonder?
thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog today! congrats on your first debt free year! i love your wreath, nice job! you're really good!
ReplyDeleteHey you! Great tutorial! It makes wreaths look doable.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get your email, would you mind trying again? Try hopelesscook at yahoo.com or usuheinerfam at yahoo.com. Sorry it's been such a pain...
Cool wreath!
ReplyDeleteWe have hooch that comes in a jar around here in WV...I wonder if it would work? It's a little stronger than vodka though...might be dangerous! Anyhow, good work!
Pretty wreathes. I love them. I have always loved wreathes.
ReplyDeleteI, like you, have been wanting to do the vanilla extract forever. I never have vodka hanging around and never seem to buy any. At one time, I even had a little kit to do it all....minus the vodka, of course. So, is yours going to have to sit for 6 mos or just 2?
You are one talendted gal!
ReplyDeleteMaybe someday I will try my hands on making wreath.
AMY, THANKS! I AM NOT SURE IF YOU CAN TASTE THE DIFFERENCE BUT I GUESS IT IS CONSIDERED PURE VANILLA EXTRACT RATHER THAN IMITATION WHAT I NORMALLY BUY.
ReplyDeleteEMILY, THANKS. I LIKE YOUR BLOG. I FOUND IT THROUGH RHONDA JEAN AT DOWN TO EARTH.
SARAH, I WILL SEND YOU OUT AN E-MAIL AGAIN ASAP.
FM, THANKS. I WAS PLANNING ON LETTING IT SET FOR 2 MO. I GIVE IT A LITTLE SHAKE ALMOST DAILY.
YD'S, THANKS.
Love your wreath..simple but beautiful. Your own vanilla-- you will LOVE it...it's the BEST!!
ReplyDeleteVanilla Flavored Vodka, HUMMMM, I wonder what new strange drinks you could make with that if it doesn't turn out as vanilla extract.
ReplyDeleteWow,that wreath is beautiful.You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteStop by my blog & enter my giveaway,if you haven't already.
Prim hugs & Blessings,
Sharon