Materials:
Because I had some extra cuttings, I decided to make a swag as well. I simply gathered several longer pieces together and wrapped them with wire. Then, I put three small pieces facing the other way (to form the top of the swag) and wrapped those on. I made a bow of red ribbon and attached it with wire. I twisted some of the wire on the back to form a small loop and hung the swag over the fireplace on a thumbtack.
HELPFUL HINT: To clean any pitch off your hands, pour a little vegetable oil on and rub it around. Use soap to get the oil off and you're in business (with very soft hands, I might add).
I don't have a super-detailed how-to for this, but I'll try to describe things clearly. Cut your greenery into smaller pieces (I used approximately 5 inch lengths) with the pruning shears. Keeping your wire on the paddle, wrap around the bottom of the wreath form a few times as an anchor. Grasp three pieces of cut greens together making sure the cut ends line up fairly well. Place them on the wreath form just to the right of your anchor and wrap around them twice with the wire. Continue placing small groupings of greenery and wrap them twice, working your way around the wreath form counterclockwise. Each new grouping you lay on the form should cover up the wire wraps of the previous grouping. Make a small bow out of ribbon and attach with wire.
Total time spent: approximately 45 minutes
US Dollars spent: approximately 5
Please note: Unless otherwise noted, all of these instructions, photographs, and ideas are mine. Please give me credit (and send me pictures!) if you work off of these designs. The sale of any items based on these designs is prohibited.
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