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I found this wreath on Pinterest and really liked it because it was different from the run-of-the-mill floral and mesh wreaths. This was my inspiration picture:
Looked easy enough!
Here's what you'll need for this project:
- 12" metal ring (Joann's)
- 1" / 25mm wood beads (Amazon)
- Assorted greenery and focus flowers (I used Lamb's Ear from Walmart; Pussy Willows and Magnolias from Michaels)
- Hot glue
- E6000 glue
- Small bolt cutters
- Wire cutters
- Leather strap
- Leather hole punch
- Medium Nickel Rivets
- Pliers
I first purchased my beads at Michaels, but afterward found them on Amazon for a whole lot less! You can find the stained beads here and the natural beads here. For a 12" ring, you'll need about 45 beads. I used the stained beads as I thought the natural beads would look a bit washed out when hung against a lighter background.
The metal ring is about 5/16" thick, so you'll need bolt cutters to cut the ring apart in order to slide the beads on. I had to purchase bolt cutters and found that the 14" cutters worked just fine. Home Depot has them for varying prices starting around $20 and going on up. That said, if there's a man in your life, you can always sneak into his tool bin and abscond with them. Sure, you can ask, but it's more fun to sneak. If you don't have a man in your life, ask a neighbor or go buy your own.
This is a slightly pricey project as I've made it, but you can save some bucks by purchasing some of your items elsewhere. For instance, check out the Dollar Tree for flowers and greenery. You can save quite a bit just there. I wanted magnolias and they just didn't have them there, so I had to get those at a craft store. Additionally, use those coupons even if you have to make multiple trips.
The Hanger: I had a leather strap on hand that I had purchased for another project. You can save some bucks by hitting the thrift store and buying a man's plain leather belt or if you have an old leather purse, cut a strap from it. It will be a lot cheaper than paying $12.99 for the strap at the craft store. Alternatively, you can use leather lacing to make a loop hanger or simply hang it without one. Up to you. I also had a rotary leather punch, but again, you can save some bucks by buying a single punch if you don't think you'll have a need for multiple hole sizes down the road. Single punches can be purchased online at Tandy Leather. Just add a rubber mallet and a scrap block of wood to the tools needed.
Gluing Tip: This wreath can be made using only hot glue if you plan to hang it inside. But if you live in a hot climate, you shouldn't hang the wreath outside as the glue will likely melt in the summertime. If you want to hang it outside, here's a tip:
Since E6000 takes a while to set, make your wreath using hot glue. When done, flip the wreath over and liberally apply E6000 to all contact points, making sure you're not using so much glue that it seeps to the front. Let set overnight and you're good!
OK - let's make a wreath!
STEP 1 - PREPARE THE METAL RING
Find the joint and cut the ring using your bolt cutters. Now sneak back to the tool bin and replace them. He'll never know!
STEP 2 - ADD BEADS
Slide the beads onto the ring until full. If you end up with a stub on the ring that isn't long enough for another bead, apply some hot glue to the ring, slide on another bead, then glue the beginning and ending beads together.
STEP 3 - ARRANGE AND GLUE GREENERY
Cut flowers from main stem. Glue to wreath.
Cut stems of Lamb's Ear from the main stem. Arrange, trimming as needed, Glue in place.
Cut stems of Pussy Willows. Arrange, again trimming as needed. Glue in place.
STEP 4 - MAKE AND ATTACH THE STRAP HANGER
Fold leather strap over beads allowing a length to extend beyond the wreath. Mark for cutting. Remove from wreath and fold again, making sure the front strip extends past the back strip a bit (so the edges won't be even). Using a pen, mark for hole placement. You'll need one hole on the front of the hanger and two holes in the back. The top hole in the back will be the hole used for hanging.
Once the holes are punched, wrap around the beads and insert the rivet. Press together until you feel it 'snap'. Cover the rivet - both front and back - with some heavy fabric or paper towel folded a few times so it's thick. Press rivet together with the pliers to set. You don't need to apply a lot of pressure to set, so use a light to medium touch. If you press too hard, you can damage the rivet and it won't look very good.
Now find the perfect place to hang your beautiful wreath!
TOTAL PROJECT COST (without coupons)
Metal Ring: $2.99
Beads: Stained: $18.39 Natural: $15.99
Lamb's Ear: $1.99
Magnolia Bush: $5.99 (on sale - normally $14.99)
Pussy Willow Stem: $6.99
Total Cost: $36.35
Hanger (without coupons)
Leather Strap: $12.99
Rivets: $6.99
Total Cost: $19.98
Grand Total: $56.33 with stained beads or $53.93 if using natural beads. Again, total cost does not reflect the use of coupons or less expensive alternatives for supplies. Also, you will have most materials left over that will allow you to make more than one which will pretty much halve the cost.
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