After two consecutive weeks of spring feels, I decided it was time to DIY some seasonal decor! Please note the italics; because after all, I do live in Upstate NY.
Trader Joe’s however, is manifesting Spring for all of us with the most gorgeous blooms. This week they had me at $4.99 for a bundle of Pussy Willow branches. For this project any flowering branch will do, just be sure it has some bend/flexibility to it.
With branches in hand, and a bit of twine, I went to work creating a simple wreath. In the past, I have purchased a wreath form (wooden or styrafoam), but I wanted this wreath to be simple and rustic.
Now you might ask, “Why not just buy a wreath?” First, in my experience, whenever I have something in mind, I have a really hard time finding it. Second, I can make most things I envision myself at a fraction of what it would cost in a store. Third, its an experience. Things that you make by hand have so much more meaning.
I started by prepping the branches. I snipped off the tough woody end of each branch, leaving just the flexible top 3/4.
Next, I began tying branches together with a bit of twine, each time overlapping slightly.
Once you have enough length, you can begin to form the shape. This is where things get a bit tricky. You will notice that some of the branches will form right angles (see below) To remedy this, I layered smaller branches over these areas. It does not need to be perfect! Just keep layering until you are pleased with the way it looks. Some pieces may still escape, and that gives the wreath a loose delicate quality.
It is always a good idea to apply some sort of protective layer to a natural wreath, especially if you plan to hang it outside. Any type of clear acrylic will do. You can buy this in the spray paint aisle at any hardware or craft store. I mixed 2 parts glazing medium with 1 part water, and applied 2 coats. That worked well too!
At this point, you can decide if you want to keep it simple or add some embellishments. A ribbon, a flower, feathers or leaves would all be interesting! I decided to take a field trip to my backyard to gather some possibilities.
I ended up finding some cute little pine cones, but when I added them, it didn’t really feel like spring. Then….inspiration! Pro tip: when in doubt, ask a child. My son told me that Spring is when “baby chicks are born.” BOOM.
We gave the kids a box of Model Magic for Christmas – the perfect medium for some little eggs. Crafting in my house is a family affair. We have made so many memories creating things for our home. My son and I went out back, sat on a rock and rolled up 4 little eggs. One for each member of our family.
To give them texture, we splattered a little brown paint.
Model Magic adheres really well to hot glue – so that did the trick for attaching the little eggs.
On our way home from school we came to the conclusion that the wreath would be an excellent homecoming gift for my parents, who have been in Florida for the winter.
I love the way it looks against their blue front door.
Has the feeling of Spring inspired you? Do you have any fun projects planned?
See you soon!
