I'm continuing with part two of my collaboration with Nickel and Suede (here's part one if you missed it), and it's a simple floral DIY that I think everyone should have under their design belt. Greenery wreaths are so easy to create, and they're something you can use to decorate anytime of year, no matter what the season. The principals are always the same, pretty much no matter what type of greens you're using.
Here's what you'll need:
- Floral sheers or heavy kitchen scissors.
- Rafia wrapped wire, or a heavier type of wire. This will be the support structure for your wreath.
- 24 or less gage paddle wire (both of these types of wire should be available at any craft store).
- Greenery. For this wreath I'm using Italian Ruscus. It's sturdy, but flexible, and also very hardy out of water, so it'll stay fresh looking for days.
- Optional: blooms to tuck into your wreath.
First we're going to make the base of our wreath out of our raffia wire. Decide how large you want your wreath (I wouldn't recommend going over 12 inches in diameter with this type of wire, or it can get a little floppy). Cut your wire about three or four inches longer than you need it, and then wrap the two ends together.
Cut your greenery down to smaller pieces. You don't want them too small, but not too long either, or it makes them harder to work with. I cut mine about 6 or 7 inches in length.
Begin by laying one piece of greenery on your wire base, and wrap it with your smaller paddle wire. Layer your greenery by continually laying more stems, and wrapping wire moving around the base as you work.
Continue wrapping and layering until your reach your starting point. Finish off by securing the end of your paddle wire to your starting wire, and you're done! Add a few blooms to your wreath if you desire by tucking them into your wire loops here and there. Your greenery will most likely outlive your blooms so pull them out when they wilt, and refresh with new ones.
I hope you'll give this simple floral technique a try. Learning how to make a basic greenery wreath is something that you'l be so happy you know. It's a great way to add decor to your home in a pinch, especially with the holidays coming up. A big thank you to Nickel and Suede for letting me take part in this collaboration. I'm so excited about Septembers post already guys, so be sure to come back and check it out!
xo - Emily
Make sure to tag your projects #handmakerofthings or @emmyray. I love seeing what you guys create!
