In our last posting you saw the grapevine wreath my daughter created using vines from her garden. No grapes in my garden but I did find a 30 inch diameter, basic vine wreath in Portland, Oregon’s City Liquidators store for $2.99.
I have a basement full of silk flowers and floral supplies so I tend to use what I have handy. I also have a wedding cottage and dead twigs, even in the fall, are not what most brides want to see. And then, there is the age thing; my age specifically. I’m almost 65 and my tastes differ greatly from my daughter and her age group. So there you have it, a post for those who like more than the minimal, natural look.
I began with a basic dried vine wreath and a bunch of eucalyptus that I had cut. I added it to the wreath by just shoving the branches into the wreath. I did the same thing with silk flowers and foliage. You can also use floral picks, pine cones, and dried fruit.
![Eucalyptus](https://lazydaymakeovers.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/p1110477.jpg?w=300&h=225)
Eucalyptus can be cut and hung upside down or added to arrangements right after cutting. The scent will fill the room.
Cut stems to fit. You don’t have to use the whole branch. Snip the leaves from the bottom of the stem and it will be easier to insert into the wreath.
For stubborn stems that don’t want to bend a little wire can be used to secure them where needed.
On some flowers I added picks so I could secure them in the wreath and have them stand out a bit. You want to create some depth to give the wreath dimension.
![Orange mum](https://lazydaymakeovers.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/p1110482.jpg?w=300&h=225)
I use a simple wooden skewer and cut it to the length I need. With smaller flowers a round toothpick works well.
Work your way around the wreath adding flowers and foliage, picks or other materials until you’re happy with the look and shape. Don’t be afraid to pull something out or cut some off if it doesn’t look right.
![Too much you ask?](https://lazydaymakeovers.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/p1110479.jpg?w=225&h=300)
Sometimes when you add a large flower like this mum, your first reaction is “Holy Cow!” and you think it’s going to be too much. Hold on for a bit and keep adding to the wreath, you can always remove it later if you still don’t like it. You want to have different sizes and textures in the wreath so it doesn’t look flat and uninteresting..
![Adding flowers](https://lazydaymakeovers.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/p1110480.jpg?w=225&h=300)
To add flowers, just stick the stems into the wreath. Normally it isn’t necessary to wire or glue them. However, if your wreath is in an area where there is heavy traffic and it may get bumped, by all means wire and glue as needed.
Well, that’s it! From beginning to end it took about twenty minutes to create. No talent or skill needed. You can make your wreath as full or as sparse as you like depending on what works for you and your decor.
Have fun and enjoy!
Mamma