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Sunday, September 14, 2008

A Welcoming Wreath

Isn't this Autumn wreath just glorious?
From Victoria Magazine: Supplies: Floral foam wreath (available at flower supply shops) Crowning Glory spray-on flower shield (available at flower supply shops) Fresh cranberries Craft or beading wire About 25 stems croton leaves 1 bag dried oak leaves (available at craft stores) About 20 stems craspedia, or drumstick flowers About 20 calla lilies 1 bunch moonshine yarrow 2 bunches aster solidago 5 feet double-faced satin ribbon Instructions: 1. Buy all components one or two days before assembling. Spray all the flowers with Crowning Glory. 2. On the day of assembly, put the floral foam wreath in the sink, and saturate with water so that it is thoroughly wet but not dripping. Remove, and place on paper towels or newspaper on a table for assembly. 3. Prepare the cranberries: String three onto a piece of craft or beading wire. Leave about two inches of wire at the end for inserting into the wreath. Make about ten of these cranberry “stems.” 4. Assemble the wreath: Cut the croton leaves into the shape of small, oblong leaves, making sure to leave the stems on the leaves when you do this. Insert the stems into the foam at an angle, and push in as far as the stem will go. 5. If you don't like the placement of the leaf, remove and start in a new spot (if you try the same hole, the foam will not hold it in place). Stick them all around the wreath in this manner, remembering to put some in the sides as well. Don't worry about covering all the foam; you can fill the empty spots with filler flowers later. 6. Tuck the oak leaves into the foam wreath in the same manner. 7. Trim the stems on the calla lilies to about two inches, and repeat process with the calla lilies. 8. Follow with the craspedia: Trim the stems to about three inches, and place them into the foam, making sure they are visible above the leaves and calla lilies. 9. Repeat process with the cranberry “stems.” 10. To fill the empty spots: Trim the moonshine yarrow and aster solidago, and use them to fill any holes around the wreath. 11. To hang: Have someone hold the wreath for you; thread one end of ribbon though the center. Bring the two ends of ribbon together, and pin to the door or wall. Trim the excess, or tie a bow and trim.
Of course, the one I try to make will probably look more like, well, um...let's just say it will not look this good but a girl can dream right?

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

GOOD GRIEF. it is beautiful, but the WORK! cannot wait to see your wreath, if you do it. jkj

Mom2fur said...

That's really beautiful, but I bet yours will be even nicer!

Meggie said...

I'm with you SusieQ. If I followed each of those steps...to the letter...my wreath would never look like that. I usually spare myself the grief and buy one at a local craft fair.

Ruey said...

Hi SQ!
Thanks for stopping by. It's always so good to hear from you.
I am sure your wreath will turn out just beautiful. Why not add your own spin to it so you can call it your own creation?!
Can't wait to see the finished work...
Have a blessed Sunday!!!
xxxoo Ruth

Justabeachkat said...

Hi Susie Q

I can't wait for Fall. I actually did a few things around the house (and posted some pics on my blog) even though it still feels very much like Summer here.

Sorry I haven't visited in awhile. For some reason (why oh why?), I decided to clean out my master closet, just my side mind you, and somehow it has caused me to do my husband's side and then the two guests rooms too since I stored more of my things in them. Oh Lord...one thing leads to another which leads to another! Anyhoo, I've been bad about my blog reading. It's been fun though catching up with you this afternoon.

Hugs!
Kat

Unknown said...

That really is a glorious autumn wreath!

nikkicrumpet said...

It's stunning...but I can't even imagine having that much time or talent to create it. I hope yours turns out even more glorious!

Stink Bone Jones said...

Your welcoming wreath is quite welcoming indeed! Just beautiful.

So happy to have happened upon your lovely blog.

best wishes,
Jaime

Latharia said...

Thanks for hopping by my blog to see my happy zinnias! :D The wreath does look lovely ... but man, I don't know if I'd have the patience to do it! Just gorgeous!!!

Anonymous said...

it is beautiful and im sure yours will be also. I just haven't started my stuff yet. I have bought some flowers and things to get started,but my clock doesn't have enough time on it =)

Susie said...

It's beautiful SusieQ! It does look a bit "labor intensive" Can't wait to see yours..
xo

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

It is awesome!!!...m...

Terri said...

That is lovely. I think, though that I will stick with a grapevine wreath. Simple is good for those of us with simple minds! LOL

Alice said...

Beautiful but if I tried to make it, I'd need not moonshine yarrow but straight up moonshine.

Melissa said...

I was thinking the same thing - it's like trying to recreate one of your grandmother's recipes - you can buy all the ingredients, but something's just not the same!

Carolyn said...

Pretty..... to bad the wind got it!

Janet said...

Wow, they sure make it sound ridiculously hard and very expensive. I bet yours was fabulous and very *you*. I am so sorry we will never get to see it!

Janet

Gretchen said...

I'm ready for my wreath now.

Oh...you're telling ME how to make it. I thought you were taking orders... ;)