Not too late to make a low-cost wreath

photo by honan

Have you noticed the cost of simple ready-made wreaths? If you’re crafty, you’ve probably made one yourself. If you haven’t, it’s easier and costs less than you’d think to create a festive wreath for the interior or exterior of your home for any time of the year.

DISCOUNTS: The average person doesn’t have wholesale access to floral supplies, but you can buy inexpensive materials by waiting for retail sales and craft-store coupons, shopping dollar stores, garage sales and thrift stores or simply using materials you have on hand, such as dried or silk flowers, ribbon, pinecones, jewelry, cookie cutters, shells, small toys and candy.

SELECTING A FRAME: People often make the mistake of buying a large form that requires a lot of material to cover. You can purchase a smaller form and build out versus a larger one that looks too sparse or costs too much to decorate. It’s easier to select a wreath form that doesn’t need to be covered entirely. Buy a willow, wheat, lemon leaf, straw, grapevine or eucalyptus wreath form and not a foam or wire one. It will take less material, you can decide whether you want to decorate the entire wreath or a small section of it, and it won’t look skimpy.

CHOOSING A THEME: If you’re fortunate, you’ll discover seasonal sales that have materials that can be used year-round. Fall colors, for example, can make a lovely jewel-tone wreath and might work with your decor. If you have materials at home, start with them to create a theme.

When selecting materials such as silk flowers, don’t purchase an entire box of a single type or any with hand-wrapped stems, because you’ll be cutting the stems off. Look for floral bushes that have a variety of flowers all attached together in a bundle. This makes it easier because the color scheme is made for you, and it’s less costly.

Making a bow is the most difficult part of making a wreath for many people. When selecting ribbon, keep in mind that the wider the ribbon, the larger the bow. You can buy a smaller-width ribbon, such as No. 9 size, and build a bow to be larger, but a wider ribbon, such as No. 40, doesn’t look as nice when you’re making a smaller bow. You can attempt to make one yourself by stacking loops, starting with smaller loops and gradually making larger ones. Then simply cinch the center and twist a piece of wire in the center, or visit www.save-on-crafts.com/howtomakebows.html for instructions. If you goof, you can always place your decorative materials in the center. Other options include purchasing a bow maker, asking a floral designer at either a craft store or florist to make one for you, or buying a premade bow.

DESIGN TIPS:
– Larger materials make the best focal points, so use them sparingly. Smaller materials can be used as filler.
– Use pan-melt glue because it can withstand varying conditions that typical hot-glue sticks can’t. Plus, you won’t get burned.
– Invest in a wreath hanger.
– Floral picks can be used to get the best bang for your buck.
– Natural materials are best for indoor use. Consider spraying with sealant to prevent shattering of any delicate materials.
– For a more sophisticated look, hang your bow above your wreath and tuck the ribbon tails behind it to make it look like the bow is hanging the wreath.
– Look at retail ready-made wreaths, magazines and catalogs for design inspiration.
– Raffia is a cheap material to use for making a simple two- to four-loop bow, and French wired ribbon can be bent and manipulated for a less casual look.
– They look equally beautiful set flat on a table as a centerpiece as they do hanging.
– Suspend three 10-inch wreaths from a bundle of branches for a pretty display.

Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail [email protected]

Copyright 2007, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

Posted by Sara Noel on December 28 2007. Filed under Home & family.
Sara Noel owns Frugal Village, LLC and is a nationally syndicated columnist with Universal Uclick. Bio, Follow me on Twitter, Join us on Facebook