|
Those admiring glances that you give those wonderful wreaths that you see all year round need not be restricted to just looking. You can make one of your own, with your personal touch added to make it unique.
You can make your wreath any size, depending upon your personal taste and desires. You could even make several small wreaths with a similar look, and attach them in a larger wreath. Small wreaths make wonderful package decorations, while larger ones could be gifts, or used to decorate your house.
Wreaths no longer need to be displayed only at Christmas, you could decorate one with spring flowers (silk, or dried) another with summer fruits, and vegetables. Don't forget fall leaves, and pinecones. The traditional pine boughs at Christmas are not a must, consider using holly, grapevines, small wrapped candies, or even 'pretend' packages wrapped and decorated. Your imagination is the only limit on what your wreath is created from.
What you use as a base for your wreath will help determine what you add or attach to your wreath. You could use a Styrofoam base, or a pre-made grapevine wreath, but you are not limited to just those two bases, you could use a circle made from a coat-hanger, and attach oranges, and wrapped candies as a gift, or an eye pleasing, palate pleasing treat for your family. A round or oval wooden picture frame could become the base for a wreath using fall leaves, or silk flowers.
When attaching the design elements to your base, consider what you will be attaching, and to what. Hot glue works well for most things, although some design elements may be too heavy, or odd shaped to work with anything less than staples. What ever you use to attach items to your wreath, try to disguise the points of attachment with other decorative items.
Before you attach anything you should lay out the items in roughly the same place you will be putting them on the finished wreath. This will allow you to make changes before they become permanent fixtures. When laying out your design, think in threes, and multiples of three. This is far more pleasing to the eye, than two's or four's. Don't overwhelm your creation with color, or texture, allow the beauty of the individual details to shine through.
Try to plan your wreath around 6 to 9 different types of components. For instance 3 different types of fall leaves, and three sets of seedpods, or pinecones. If you have too many different constituents then your wreath will be too busy to be truly attractive. Simplicity is the key here.
When working on your wreath, don't try to finish in a hurry, your results will be better if you can walk away from it for a short period of time, and then come back. This will give you a fresh perspective on what you are doing, and how the finished project will look. Keep in mind though, the only one you have to please is you.
Your project can be an extension of your own personality if you want, just allow your imagination free reign and enjoy yourself. Crafting is a truly personal hobby and should show off your own style and taste. Some people get more enjoyment out of giving the wreaths they craft; others enjoy the ability to admire their art everyday. Do what feels right to you, there is no right or wrong, rather there is only your project finished to please you.
|
| |
