Crafts Inspire Me

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How to Make a Lilac Wreath

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

Lilacs are such beautiful flowers, and their scent is intoxicating. I wish they could bloom all summer, but we can only enjoy them for a few weeks each spring. By creating a silk wreath, you can enjoy lilac blooms year-round. Let’s get started.

Heart- Shaped Grapevine Wreath

I chose a heart-shaped grapevine, but you can use any shape wreath made from whatever material you prefer.

Flower Layout

While shopping for a wreath, experiment with flower colors and placement. You will also need wire cutters and floral wire. As an alternative to wire, you could use brown twine.

Wire Floral Picks

Choose a starting point and begin attaching each floral pick. Because I am working with a heart, I started at the top center point, and moved along the left side, placing each bloom as though it is growing upward.

Progress Photo

Continue adding flowers. When you reach the bottom of the heart, turn the blooms to climb up the right side.

Progress Photo

Adjust the flowers and leaves to fill in any gaps. Trim any visible wires as needed or tuck them into the back of the wreath.

Finished Wreath

I used a piece of purple ribbon to hang the wreath upon a wall. As an optional step, you can recreate that heavenly scent by simply spritzing the finished wreath with lilac essential oil.

I hope you enjoyed this project. Wreath making is a fun and easy craft anyone can do. Over time, the wreath can be easily updated with new flowers to coordinate with your décor.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

A Change of Seasons – Autumn Wreaths

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Crafts Inspire Me

Colorful Leaves
It’s hard to believe the summer is over. Where did the time go? We pack away our beach toys and the kids go back to school. Autumn’s arrival signals the coming changes in nature. It’s time to change your décor and update your home with a few of your own handmade creations. Below are a few photos to inspire your next fall wreath project:

Fall Leaves Wreath
Silk leaves can be easily arranged from lightest to darkest. This decoration can be hung upon a door or used as a centerpiece on your dining table. Additional leaves can be sprinkled upon the table to enhance the autumn ambiance.

Leafy Wreath
This wreath has a red, green and yellow color scheme. Coleus plants have the most beautiful leaves in blended shades of purple, burgundy, green, pink and red.

Berries & Peppers Wreath
Orange peppers and berries bring bursts of color to this lush green leaf wreath. In cooler climates, genuine fruits and veggies will last from several days to several weeks depending upon the type. Warm locations will require the use of faux produce, which will last for years to come.

Wreath with Heart
A straw or grapevine ring serves as a base for this festive wreath made from dried grasses and berries. Raffia ribbon and a simple wooden heart and nautilus seashell complete the look.

Wreath Pinecones
If you happen to have pine trees on your property, collect the pinecones to make this lovely wreath, with the addition of seedpods, and faux cherries and berries for pops of color.

Wreath Ribbon
This is a great beginner’s wreath and it’s easy to change for every season. Simply wrap a straw wreath with overlapping ribbon. The large bow also serves as a hanger.

Wreath Twigs
Whether you live near the beach or near a forest, driftwood or twigs are available in abundance. A little Spanish moss finishes this decoration in a style suitable for Mother Nature herself.

Wreath Wheat Flowers
This wreath is all about the abundant harvest, made with dried grasses, wheat, and a few silk flowers. If you have a wheat allergy, substitute corncobs or dried flowers.

Orange Floral Wreath
Celebrate Autumn’s favorite color with orange flowers and berries, accented with touches of maroon and green.

Gourds Pumpkins Wreath
Greet your guests at the door with a lovely fall wreath. To make one, start with a grapevine wreath base. Tie or glue on pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and berries. As an added burst of color, glue red and orange silk leaves on poster board and secure it to the back.

Mickey Mouse Wreath
Mickey Mouse fans will love this festive decoration, which will adorn your home with a bit of whimsy from fall through Halloween.

Floral Veggie Wreath
Hydrangeas, berries, and dried fruit adorn an English ivy wreath. As Thanksgiving approaches, replace purple and blue flowers with more seasonal reds and oranges.

Wreath Whimsical
While you are gathering your wreath making supplies, consider including something unexpected, such as this mushroom.

Hedgehog Wreath
How about this adorable little hedgehog? You could also use a squirrel, a baby fox or fawn, or any little woodland creature you can find at craft stores or online. In a place of honor, centered upon your front door, it’s sure to make your guests smile.

Purple Blue & Green Wreath
Who says fall wreaths must be particular colors? This gorgeous purple, blue, and green wreath would look amazing all year long. What is your favorite color? There are no rules, so go for it!

So many fall decorations can be made with found objects, such as pinecones, acorns, leaves, etc. It’s a nice time of year to take a walk and admire Nature’s changing colors. Why not get the whole family together to enjoy the fresh air and collect a few twigs or ornamental leaves along the way? Time spent with family is a precious gift, and the crafts you make will remind you of these shared adventures.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Decorating for the Holidays

Posted on November 24, 2020 by Crafts Inspire Me

Hand Painted Glass Ornaments
It’s that time again when we deck the halls, shop ‘til we drop, and dream of snowflakes and gingerbread fresh from the oven. Decorating your home can be stressful. There are so many styles and colors to choose. Where to begin? Let’s review several options to pique your interest.

Mood Lighting
Dining Room Ambiance
The festive contemporary vibe in this dining room is created solely through the clever use of lighting. Round white lights adorn the table and trendy letters upon the back wall, which is bathed in soft lavender light and soft blue accent lights.

Traditional Candle Wreath Centerpiece
Candle Centerpiece
The traditional red and green Christmas color scheme is accented with nuts and pinecones in this evergreen centerpiece. The aromatic scents of the great outdoors will last for weeks. To convert this to an Advent wreath, replace the red candles with three purple and one pink.

Contemporary Candle Un-Wreath Centerpiece
UnWreath
Create a contemporary candle centerpiece, without the wreath, by using a gold or silver tray covered with pinecones, artificial fruit, and assorted small decorations.

Contemporary Candle & Glass Ornament Centerpiece

Christmas balls can be glued together to form a wreath, which is great as a centerpiece, or you can hang it on the wall for a colorful, reflective focal point.

Sophisticated Gold & Brown Centerpiece

This unusual gold and brown combo brings to mind boxes of Godiva chocolate. The rich colors and just the right amount of glitter make this an elegant, eye-catching choice.

Traditional Style Meets Contemporary Flair

Red & green are traditional, but here we have a glass bowl filled with natural elements, such as moss, apples, and pinecones, mixed with glass and carved wood ornaments, and metal spheres. The candlelight is supplemented with flower shaped mini lights tucked among the greens like little blooms.

Red & Green Glowing Glass Centerpiece

What sets this display apart is the lighting hidden inside the fluted glass bowl. This inner glow reflects off the tabletop and twinkles upon the glass ornaments.

Fresh Cut Flowers Centerpiece

Floral centerpieces can be quite expensive. As an alternative, make your own with evergreens, pinecones, and berries from your yard, and add a few exotic looking fresh cut flowers for maximum impact.

Colorful Foil Garlands

Many trees are decorated with silver or gold garland, but there are many other colors and styles available.

Beaded Garlands

If you look at historical photos of decorated trees, you may notice beautiful beaded garlands. Originally they were made from glass, but today plastic beads provide the same old-fashioned look without the added expense and fragility of glass.

Floral Garlands

Those fortunate enough to be living in warmer climates may choose genuine flower garlands for natural tropical flair.

Popcorn Garland

Another old-fashioned choice is popcorn garland, which is easy and inexpensive to make. For a dash of color, alternate popcorn with cranberries.

Semi-Homemade Ornaments

Transform store-bought ornaments with a little personalization. This crafter started with purple glass ornaments. A glitter paint pen was used to draw vertical line, and then gold rhinestones were randomly glued along the stripes for a regal appearance.

Christmas Ornament Kits

Due to the small sequin size and intricate sewing, the two ornaments shown above would be for the more advanced crafters, but there are plenty of options for beginners and kids.

Festive décor varies based upon the holiday being celebrated and your personal style. Below are several different theme ideas to inspire and consider for your next holiday.

Festive Bells
Christmas Bells
Bells make pretty Christmas ornaments. Collectors adorn their trees with bells of all kinds, typically from around the world. If you have a prized collection, whether it’s snow globes, porcelain figurines, dolls, etc., consider displaying it this festive time of year using your own creative style.

Blue & Gold
Blue & Gold Tree
For some, it’s all about the lights. Here we have blue lights and fancy gold ribbon taking center stage.

Blue, Silver, & Gold with Purple Accents

On this tree, ornaments are the main focus, accented by silver snowflakes and gold poinsettias.

Red & Silver
Red & Silver Tree
Glitz and glamour are achieved with mirror-finished ornaments, pinpoint white lights, and last but certainly not least, a sparkling reindeer.

Red, Purple & Gold

Colorful ornaments and two shades of garland vie for your attention in this beautifully coordinated tree.

Turquoise & Silver

This tree is exotic in so many ways. The combination of turquoise and silver is as rare as the color of the tree, which is brown! The silver ornaments vary in textures, shapes and materials. It is truly a one of a kind.

Mother Nature’s Tree

For nature lovers, decorate with pinecones, berries and cute little birds. Animal themed trees have been very popular for the last few years. Whatever strikes your fancy – owls, birds, sea horses, etc. – decorations can be found or made to make your vision a reality.

Nature’s Fragrance
Natural Scents
Perfume the air with pinecones and cinnamon sticks.

Wintry Forecast
Snow & Ice on a Window
Christmas is typically associated with winter, but not everyone has a white Christmas. To create the look of ice and snow, use blankets or bags of artificial snow and aerosol cans of spray snow, which cleans up after the holidays with window cleaner.

Our Furry Companions

Let’s not forget an ornament or two for those lovable family pets. In case you didn’t know, tree skirts are very popular places for afternoon naps.

A Room with a Fabulous View

Curl up with a good book by the fire, or find a cozy spot overlooking a winter wonderland. The holidays are a wonderful time to decorate our homes and celebrate the season with family and friends. May your holiday dreams be happy, filled with peace and love.

Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!

How to Make an Ocean Themed Wreath

Posted on September 2, 2020 by Crafts Inspire Me

Fishing Net with Life Preserver
A day at the beach – the warmth of the sun upon your skin, seagulls chattering nearby, damp sand between your toes, the laughter of children, and the ebb and flow of the waves depositing tiny treasures upon the shore. Whether it’s sea glass or seashells, each has unique colors and patterns courtesy of Mother Nature. Creating an ocean themed wreath is a great way to display your shell collection and as a reminder of those days in the sun and a promise of vacations yet to come.

Ocean Wreath with Open Center
Ocean Wreath Version 1
The ocean’s creatures hitch a ride upon this wreath as it floats along the surface of the sea. All the items shown are small to medium scale to coordinate with the life-size fish and crab. (Alternate option: The open center reminds me of a life preserver. If you really want to play up the life preserver look, you could use a white foam wreath base, let some of the white show through the netting, and add a thick piece of rope around the perimeter similar to the one shown in the photo at the top of this post.)

Supplies:
16” Wire Wreath Frame
Fishing Net
Glue Gun with plenty of Glue Sticks
Old size 6 (or size G) Crochet Needle – to “fish” the twine through netting
Life-size Crab and Fish Figurines
Seashells – different sizes, shapes and colors
3 Starfish
Tan twine – to tie on larger shells, crab and fish
Faceted round diamond shaped rhinestones – glued upside down on starfish legs
Optional blue paint – to blend twine ties over bodies of fish and crab
Optional black foam core and painted wood sea horses for second version of wreath.
Anchor Wreath Hanging Hook

Crafter Tip: A word of caution about fishing nets – The netting is available through craft stores and online. If the product description includes the words “recycled materials,” it really means it was used for fishing! I’m sure it must have been rinsed, but the fishy smell may still be present. Air it out first before use. You may want to wear gloves while you are handling netting, and keep it out of children’s reach. Also fishing nets often contain mismatched patches, which add character and a bit of a background story for your finished project.

Crafter Tip: Before you start, cover your worktable with newspaper. You will be flipping the wreath over multiple times to tie the decorations. It’s helpful to have someone assist with this project. One person can hold wreath up on end while other ties the knots in back. That’s a real time saver.

Close Up – Twine Tie

Wrap the fishing net around the wire wreath frame. Be sure to make thick layers to completely conceal the wire. Use tan twine to tie the netting in place in multiple locations until you are satisfied with the fullness and coverage. Refer to the red highlighted rectangle in the above photo. Using the crochet needle, “fish” the twine through the netting to the back of the wreath. The twine forms single stitches upon the face of the wreath, which will blend with the natural color of the netting, and will be covered by shells. If you purchase white fishing net, use white string or twine. All ties for this project should be secured on the back, and tied in double or triple knots. Crafter Tip: To ensure ties remain tight, add hot glue to each knot.

Close Up – Crab

Close Up – Fish

Crab & Fish Figurines – Because these figures are the stars of this project, they should be attached first. Originally they were meant to stand as statues upon a shelf or mantelpiece, but in this case they were the perfect size, color and shape to use as wreath decorations. Due to their weight, be sure each is securely tied to your wreath. Crafter Tip: Because the underside of the fish might be seen from the side, it was painted blue to blend with the body or look like splashing water. The twine ties across the crab and fish figures were painted blue to be less noticeable.

Close Up – Starfish

Attach the starfishes next. These three were positioned in an asymmetrical pattern, but you can add as many as you like. Crisscross ties over the center of the starfish and cover the twine with a seashell. To add a little sparkle, glue diamond shaped rhinestones onto each starfish, three per leg. Use glue or twine to attach the seashells. Lay them out and move them around to create an attractive arrangement. Work quickly with the hot glue, which dries fast. Larger shells may need to be tied instead of glued. Distribute accent colors evenly throughout the wreath to unify design.

The second option for this ocean wreath has a filled center with additional sea life.

Option 2 – Ocean Wreath with Solid Center
Finished Wreath Version 2
This version offers additional opportunities to display your shell collection. Use black foam core in the center with punched holes around perimeter to tie onto the wire wreath frame. Punch additional holes if needed to tie on large shells or figures. Cover the foam core with a layer of fishing net and glue on additional shells and sea horses. For instructions to create the painted wood sea horses shown in photo, please click here.

Close Up – Wreath Hanging Hook

This decorative anchor hook fits the overall ocean theme and will provide sturdy, heavy-duty support for this large, heavy wreath. Crafter Tip: Be sure to insert the hook through all the rings in the metal frame. Place a seashell over the tip of the hook.

Thanks for reading & Happy Crafting!

Spring Wreath Making 101

Posted on April 15, 2020 by Crafts Inspire Me

Snow Daffodil
Ah, the first blooms of spring! It’s that time of year again when Old Man Winter steps aside to make way for an abundance of beautiful flowers. Our thoughts turn to backyard barbecues and fabulous days in the sun. Spring is a popular time for cleaning the house and updating our décor. Making a new wreath for the front door is a nice way to celebrate the warmer weather.

Pink & Fuchsia Floral Spring Wreath
Pink Spring Floral Wreath

Periwinkle Blue Floral Spring Wreath
Blue Floral Wreath

Pink & Blue Floral Spring Wreath
Pink Blue Wreath

Pink Berries Wreath
Pink Berry Wreath

Orange & Yellow Floral Wreath
Orange & Yellow Wreath

How To Make A Multi-Color Butterfly Spring Wreath:
Detail Butterfly Wreath
Butterflies are a hot trend this year, and you can easily incorporate their brilliant colors in many ways around your home on tablecloths, napkins, pillows, and floral arrangements. This wreath was not only fun and easy to make, but it was also inexpensive. Similar ready made wreaths sell for $60, and even when there is a sale or discount coupon, it can still cost $24 to $30. The project described below cost approximately $12, and it’s just as pretty as the more expensive versions.

Supplies:
Grapevine Wreath, 18” diameter
Floral Butterfly Garland, 6’ long
Scissors
Brown Twine

Grapevine Wreath

Choosing a base is the first step in wreath making. There are multiple options, including wreaths made from foam, standard or wispy grapevines, metal wire, and straw.

Butterfly Floral Garland – (sample)

In terms of ornamentation, you can use flowers, berries, seashells, or leaves. A flower garland with attached butterflies makes this project quick and easy to assemble.

Detail of Tying Garland
Detail Tying Garland
This garland has large plastic chain links. Choose a starting point on the front and tie the garland to the grapevine, arranging the flowers and hiding the ties with leaves as you go. Repeat this process until the entire grapevine base is covered. Stand back to look at the wreath, and then make any adjustments by shifting the garland and adding ties.

Back of the Wreath
Back of Wreath
As you can see from the above photo, only the ties are visible from the back, while all the flowers have been placed on the front of the wreath. This makes the most of your garland by creating thick layers of flowers where they will be most appreciated.

Finished Butterfly Spring Wreath
Finished Butterfly Wreath
A piece of twine or ribbon can be used to hang this wreath on the door. Compliments are sure to follow.

Tip: You could use a glue gun, in lieu of twine, but I would advise against it. Glue can be messy and stringy, which can create havoc with the vines. By using twine, there’s no mess, it is easily adjustable, and best of all, if you decide want to make something new, simply cut the ties, remove the garland and reuse the grapevine wreath. You could also reuse the garland for another project.

Even on a cloudy day, this finished wreath is a colorful way to welcome spring with pretty blooms and butterflies.

Welcome Spring & Happy Crafting!

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