Make this lovely wreath!

This is one of the simplest wreaths I’ve made (especially since I make ones from real greens closer to the holidays), but I absolutely love it. The grapevine wreath I used is 30 inches across, but you don’t need to go that big. This project can be made with grapevine wreaths of any dimension, as long as you adapt your greens and ribbon to the proper size. You certainly wouldn’t want to use three-inch wide ribbon on a six-inch wreath–unless you’re going for a different sort of look, of course.

First, I covered the floor in the craft room with some painter’s tarp. The good thing about using the tarp is that you can reuse it again and again and it is very thorough protection for the surface where you are working if you’re not waving your paintbrushes through the air, lol. I couldn’t work on my usual table, because the wreath was way too large.

I used white chalk paint for this project. I bought Folk Art chalk paint with a matte finish from Michael’s, but you can use whatever you’d like. I also bought a cheap, flat brush. Using the dry-brush technique (where you dab off excess paint onto a paper towel or the like), brush paint over the grapevine. Don’t cover the entire surface with paint. Leave the natural vine showing, giving the wreath a “frosted” look.

Next, I applied Christmas-themed faux greenery (which I happened to purchase from Walmart–the price was very reasonable). The cotton bolls I bought along with some pinecones several years ago. I attached the greenery and cotton with hot glue from my hot glue gun, three picks to a side at the bottom of the wreath, leaving a space in between for a large bow to be tied. Remember to use caution with a hot glue gun. I never realized the glue can get up to 400 degrees. I found out the hard way. Ouch. It took a while for the skin to heal on my right middle finger.

I made a bow from this beautiful black and white plaid ribbon, which I purchased from Michael’s, as well. Fortunately, it was on sale, because otherwise it was running a bit high in price for my usual inclination. You may be able to find the ribbon or something similar at other places. However, as I plan to make tiebacks for my curtains with the remainder to match the wreath now hanging above the front door, the price I did pay was worth it to me.

Lastly, I tied a bright red bell beneath the ribbon using a short length of red and white twine. I received a bag full of these bells from a neighbor. They had belonged to his wife, who passed away. A lovely lady, and I am proud to use them when I can.

And that’s it, really. Very few steps and I think the result is quite pretty!

I will shortly start putting up craft videos on YouTube. My channel is simply Robin Maderich, but you can also search for @robinmaderich6745. Look for the Tumble Creek Cottage playlist, coming soon.