I’ve seen many types of wreaths just like this and I have always been intimidated to give it a try. I finally got up the courage to give it a try and I found it was beyond simple. This type of wreath is so versatile – you choose the sizing, the colors, the fullness, the embellishments… the possibilities really are endless. I will list out the supply list and instructions that I used for this particular wreath, but keep in mind the final look is totally up to you. For the most part, I chose to stick with reds, greens, golds and cream colors.
Supply List
6 Inch Ribbon Strips (depending on the size of the wreath the quantity will vary)
A Wire Framed Wreath Base (it can have 3 or 4 levels)
Fabric Scissors/Sharp Scissors
A Lighter
Building the Wreath
NOTE: Depending on the size of the wreath frame and the fullness you are looking for, the amount of ribbon strips you will need will vary. I used an 18 inch wire frame wreath (inner frame was 14 inches) and I needed about 500 ribbon strips in total. I worked on this project about 3 nights in front of the TV and was able to complete it. All in all, it took about 12 hours start to finish.
1. Cut ribbon strips that will work for your project. I cut about 500 assorted ribbons into 6 inch strips. You can use thicker or thinner ribbon, but for me, 7/8 inch and 1 inch wide ribbon worked best.
2. Start to knot the ribbon around the wire frames. The easiest way to explain it – do the beginning steps to tie your shoes without the loops. I did not do a full knot. Vary the colors as you desire. For a fuller wreath, add more ribbon on each wire section. I fit about 12 in each section and my wreath was 4 wires deep so each section needed about 48-50 ribbon pieces. Again, make this as full or colorful as you desire. Continue around the wreath repeating the same steps.
3. Before you complete your ties, you need to make a loop that will be used to hang the wreath. I tied the ribbon to the vertical wire (section divider) and left the ends long enough to blend in with the other ribbon ties. Please refer to the picture below to help with this step.
4. Once you have finished all of your ties, you may need to clean-up some frayed edges. I found only some of my ribbon frayed – you can see it in the picture above with the red and black checkered ribbon. The best way to “seal” the edge is to run a lighter across the end. BE CAREFUL! You have a full wreath in front of you filled with ribbon that will ignite quickly. You really just need a quick pass with the lighter along the edge of the ribbon to remove the frayed edge. You will see it cleans up easily. You can also add embellishments if you like at this point. You could add pom-poms or leaves or maybe little gift boxes or bells. Again, this step is up to you.
Now that you see how easy this was, I hope you will give it a try. I will definitely make a few of these for presents for next year. Please share your creations, and feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Happy Crafting!!
Cards By DeCaro 