paper plate flower wreath

If you are a long time reader, you will know that I love making wreaths and using them around the house year round. With the start of spring, I wanted to come up with a bright white floral wreath that I could use as a fun accent in our home. 

I used paper plates to create a variety of whimsical flowers for my wreath. The great thing about paper plates is that you can fold, bend and mold them and they are thick enough to hold their shape.

I wanted flowers in all kinds of different shapes so I started by cutting the edges of the paper plates. These edges are the petals of the flowers.

I used 4 paper plates each cut smaller and smaller.

Next, I used the end of a paint brush to lightly roll the petals to give them a little dimension.

I rolled all the edges of each paper plate and then using hot glue, I glued and stacked them on top of each other.

To create the middle of my flower, I used the outside strip of the paper plate. I made small cuts into the strip.

Next, I rolled and glued the strip.

Then I glued this piece to the center of the flower.

I repeated this process to create different flowers in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Using a large embroidery hoop, I glued all of those paper flowers to the hoop. 

The result is a whimsical paper wreath perfect for celebrating the beginning of spring!

peace wreath

A long time ago, I had a job making wreaths during the holidays. I learned really fast that making your own wreath from greenery (any kind of greenery is super easy). Every year I like to make all kinds of wreaths and this year I wanted to make a big green peace wreath but instead of all the typical holiday greens I wanted to just use the plants we have in our yard.

1. There are all kind of wreath forms that you can use (styrofoam, metal, wire, grapevine) but these days I tend to use embroidery hoops for my wreath making. You can find wooden embroidery hoops in all kinds of sizes from tiny to really big! I went with really big. Using heavy duty glue, I glued sticks to the inside of my hoop to create a peace sign and let the glue dry overnight.

2. Next I gathered greenery- while we have pine trees in our backyard I wanted some different greens so I picked lots of rosemary, wild salal, ferns and some branches from other shrubs and bushes. 

3. Then I got busy wrapping the greenery around the hoop. I like to grab a small bunch of greens, hold them against the hoop and then wrap floral wire around the greens until they are secure. 

4. I work my way around the entire wreath until it is filled. The last step it fluff and trim the greenery.

I love the way the peace sign turned out- it's a fun way to put a boho twist on holiday decor!

Don't have the time or patience to make a big wreath? Try making tiny peace wreaths! 

I used wire to create my form and then wrapped it with rosemary. It makes a fun and fragrant present topper, ornament or little place setting.

Stars and Stripes Wreath Tutorial

Is is just me or did the month of June completely speed by us?!?! Well, whether I like it or not the month of July is starting and Independence Day is this weekend- YIKES! So I am dedicating the rest of the week to fun, easy and creative last minute ideas for your holiday celebrations! I wanted a creative and fun wreath for the door to welcome company and so far I've had no time to run to the store so I made use of what I had on hand.

I started with the inside of an old embroidery hoop to use as the frame for my wreath.

I created all kinds of stars from old bits and pieces of fabric and paper that I free motion stitched with different colors of thread.

A variation for those who don't sew could be drawn, painted or even stamped stars.

Once I was done sewing I cut out all of the stars

and with craft glue, I glued them to the surface of the hoop.

The last step was to create a little striped loop to add the back of the wreath for a hanger.

And voilà!!!! A simple, creative and patriotic wreath to add a little charm to the front door (with no money spent).

Recycled Wreath Tutorial

My love and passion for toilet paper rolls is soaring to new heights this week! I have been filming and creating non stop for my Haute Holidays online class the last couple of days and this means I am in full holiday mode and trying to find new ideas and projects to share! And this also means finding new and different ways to put toilet paper rolls to use! (I promise my next tutorial will not involve anything related to toilet paper!)

Today, I had the bright idea to make a non traditional wreath from cut up cardboard rolls.

Start by cutting the cardboard rolls into sections- varying in width.

Line up the sections into a circle- this could be small (even ornament size) medium or even really large!

Glue each section together and start forming the shape of the wreath.

Once the wreath is complete, begin to make small circled from the rolls or even from cardboard boxes- roll strips up into a circle.

Add smaller circles to the inside of the larger ones

Build up your wreath with as many circles as possible.

Once you are satisfied hang it on the wall!!

(Optional- paint it, give it a layer of gloss, add a bow, add cardboard shapes!)

I ended up painted my wreath black to match my living room decor!