Friday, December 18, 2009

Crafting: A Ribbon Poinsettia Wreath



Today I have a fun holiday craft project that lends itself to so many applications, making ribbon poinsettias. I'll be showing you how to make a wreath out of them but you can also make single blooms or a small cluster to sew on a hat, wear as a brooch or to decorate your holiday gift packages.


What you'll need:
A styrofoam wreath form (I used an 8" for the finished wreath shown)
Satin or velvet ribbon, 1.5" width, various colors
Straight pins
Artificial flower stamen (or beads)
Thin craft or floral wire


When choosing a color scheme, you can go traditional Christmas with red, gold and pine green or try something different like yellow, goldenrod and seafoam green.


Start by wrapping your wreath form with ribbon. Secure the ribbon end with straight pins and wrap tightly around until completely covered. Secure end with pins. I used ivory ribbon but in hindsight, I think green would have looked nice as well.


To make the flowers, cut the ribbon end into a point. You can experiment with different angles of the point for slightly different sizes and shapes. Fold the ribbon over on itself and cut the other end to match the point. Also cut different length pieces for a variety of bloom sizes. I used ribbon pieces measuring 3" - 4" from point to point. You will need 3 cut pieces for each flower.

Note: Handle the ribbon with care as the edges will start to fray the more you work with it. You can also seal the edges with a fray block or similar product.


Fold each piece of ribbon in half, with the top on the inside, then fold each flap down in half. Hold with a straight pin and repeat with the other two pieces of ribbon. Place them on the same pin.


Holding all 3 'petals' together, wrap tightly around the center with wire and remove the pin. Then wrap around once in between each petal, this helps to spread them out a bit. Secure the wire at the back and trim loose ends. You can then shape the flower.


To make the leaves, cut a length of ribbon about 4.5" long. With the back facing up, fold on an angle at the center. Next fold the left tail shown above back behind the first fold. Pinch together at the bottom and secure with a piece of wire.

Note: I used a wired ribbon for the leaves because it was all I could find in the green I liked. It worked with no problems but you'll need ribbon without wire for the flowers.


To add the stamen, cut the tops off the artificial stamen and secure with clear craft glue. You can also glue or wire beads on as well.

Secure the flowers and leaves to the wreath using straight pins. I think it actually looked quite lovely with just 3 flowers and a leaf on the ivory wreath, so you can play around with different designs. You could also wrap a piece of thin red ribbon around the exposed ivory wreath for a cute candy cane effect.


You can hang the wreath from the wall on a nail or hook, or you can loop a ribbon around the wreath to hang it from on the wall or a doorknob. Aside from a lovely decoration, I think this would make a very special gift.

I'm making a larger 12" wreath in yellow and goldenrod for myself so I'll be sure to share some photos when it is complete. I'd love to hear what you think about this project and how it goes if you try your hand at making these little ribbon poinsettias. Happy crafting!

15 comments:

WWLeaderStephanie said...

You are sooooo unbelievably talented!!! I wish I had an ounce of your talent and creativity. I LOVE this wreath!!!!

Sydney said...

So so so pretty!! I have to go to Hobby Lobby this weekend, guess what's getting added to the shoping list, haha. Thanks for always sharing these great ideas!

Leila Marvel said...

Oh my goodness, how elegant and so simple to do.

Valorie said...

Aaah, you have far more patience than I have! It turned out beautifully, and I know I would have gotten over the fun of it within .30 minutes and never would have enjoyed the finished product.

Heather said...

Great project, will definately try!

Unknown said...

That's gorgeous! Some are definitely showing up on some of my wrapped packages this year. Thank you for sharing.

Charmaine said...

I love this. I am hoping to have enough time to give it a go before Christmas!

Charmaine

Jen @ Holiday Craft Projects said...

Very pretty! I love poinsettias! I've linked: http://www.holidaycraftprojects.com/?p=63

Stacy said...

That is utterly beautiful!

alexkeller said...

what a great project! i'll have to work on this one next year, though :)

Kristin said...

Gorgeous! I really, really love that wreath!

S and O said...

beautiful!!
what an elegant idea...
xoxo
Olivia

Ngan {eNVe Designs} said...

so pretty and so creative! i'll have to do this next year!

Jori Hodgson said...

Oh I love it! I wish I would have found this before Christmas. I made a rag garland for my tree is similar colors and bought one of those styrofoam wreaths too. I planned to do something else, but never got around to it because I wasn't 100% happy with it. Hmmm, maybe I'll still do this and save it for next year :) I'm a little confused on how you did the leaves though. If you have some spare time I would love to hear more on it. jori.hodgson@gmail.com

kamagra oral jelly online said...

Absolutely marvelous pattern..Beautiful creativity..I think you have fabulous creative mind and art..keep it up and keep sharing your creativity with us!!