Grapevine and Ivy wreaths and decor
To many gardeners Ivy can be a nuisance. You plant it and let is grow, and before you know it, it takes completely takes over. I have a front wall covered in Ivy that I am forever trimming to keep in shape. But I can't wait for new shoots to grow so that I can use them for home decor crafts.
Ivy or Grapevine is perfect for making wreath frames, topiary frames, twig balls and bird nests.
I used Ivy to make the basic shape for the nest and then threaded through lavender sprigs. As it dries it has a wonderful scent. You can use Ivy shoots in so many ways and in this feature I'll show you how to make a basic wreath frame.
First off you will need to collect some ivy. Cut off lengths of about 1 metre long. Peel off the leaves and use a pair of scissors to cut off any offshoots or bent sections. For the first two pieces you will use, bend them gently all along the length to make them more pliable.
After bending a length to make my circle, I use fibrous leaves to join them together with neat knots. Grasses and palms are perfect for creating your own ties, as these leaves are tough to break. Use the tapered ends of your grasses to ties small knots.
These are the first two lengths that have been tied together to create my basic wreath frame. Because I softened the ivy, it is far easier to shape.
Use more grasses to tie all the pieces firmly together. This frame will form the basis of the wreath.
Now you are going to start weaving more lengths of Ivy around the basic frame. Don't soften these - it's easier to work with them in the springy form. Hold one end while you wrap the other end around the frame.
Continue wrapping lengths of Ivy around the frame until it appears sturdy enough. You can tuck any stuck out ends into the frame for a neat finish. You need to let this dry for a few weeks before you use to create a spring wreath. Or put it aside until December so that you can create your own Christmas wreath.
Here are some ideas to use for your spring wreath. Natural materials work best for crafting a spring wreath: fresh spring flowers, twigs and branches, sprigs of herbs, and small decor accessories that you can easily make yourself.
craftaholicsanonymous.net
My favourite! Those brightly coloured felt flowers definitely say that Spring has arrived.
DIY spring wreath featured on projectwedding.com. They even provide step-by-step instructions on how to decorate the wreath.
Spring wreath as seen on moonlightgiftsonline.com.
A homemade wreath with fabric flowers from socialsalutations.blogspot.com. For this wreath you will need to add more lengths of Ivy to create the bulky frame.
Add colour to your spring wreath with Rust-Oleum 2X spray paints and dress up with foliage and flowers as done by makeandtakes.com.
copycatcrafts.com
