This might seem a little late to show how to make these wreaths, but just by changing out the fabrics and ribbons and maybe even altering the shape of the wreath form, you can make these wreaths year-round.
I was able to complete two of these in just a few days during my “TV” time. Both were made as gifts, and the recipients loved them. I am going to make several this year. I have several friends and family members who saw the ones I finished and asked for one this coming Christmas, and I’m going to try to sell a few.
But, enough of my plans… let’s get to the how-tos. First, a picture of one of the finished wreaths.
You will need several different styles of ribbon and fabric. I think tulle adds a lot to the finished wreath, but you can substitute fabric or ribbon.
You will also need a wreath form. You can use a wire coat hanger and bend it to the shape you want, or purchase a wire wreath form from your favorite craft store. Twist ties and a glue gun will come in handy, but you can make this without.
I gathered my materials, and made my wire wreath form a little wider by cutting out a cardboard circle an inch wider than my wire form, then wrapped it with a strip of muslin to make it more attractive.
I cut strips of fabric of varying widths. No rules here, just 1″ to 2″ wide. Then cut my ribbons and fabric strips into 4″ to 6″ lengths. I didn’t measure any of them, and found it really didn’t matter.
After I cut them all, I began stacking varying bits into “bows”. Start with the widest, longest bits on the bottom, then add the shorter, narrower strips until you have a look you like.
Pinch your bow in the middle, and secure with a piece of tulle, ribbon or a twist tie. I used twist ties because I had too much trouble holding the bow and tying a piece to tulle in the center with only two hands. I highly recommend the twist ties, but you can use tulle, or one of your ribbon or fabric pieces to tie your bow.
I then tied on a strip of tulle to hide the twist tie and add more texture and interest to the bow.
I made enough bows to fill the entire wreath form. For the size I used (about the same size as a wire coat hanger bent into a wreath form) it took about 75 bows. Yours will vary depending on the size and shape of your wreath.
Then, it was on to the gluing. The first wreath I made, I tied every bow to the form with tulle. The second one went much faster by using the glue gun.
Finally, the finished wreath. I tied a large florists bow to finish the wreath, and also added a loop at the top for hanging. These are fun and super easy to make.
Once you have your wreath completed, you can also make a beautiful matching garland by tying or gluing more bows to a length of twisted muslin or a length of rope or twine. Add clips and you can have a card holder, or just use the garland to decorate your mantle, tree, or whatever.
I’d love to hear about your wreaths, or other ribbon projects
Sandi L