Learn to Make Wreaths

DIY Make A Simple Spring Wreath Bow

March 26, 2015 by Julie Siomacco 1 Comment

I love the simplicity of a loose bow when designing my spring silk flower wreaths. Bows just seem to look better when they are more casual with a few long loops; especially if your wreath style is more on the wild and natural look. In this tutorial, I show you a ridiculously simple method for tying a spring wreath bow. And guess what? There is and no need for twisting the ribbon or having your hands cramp! Yippe!

You will need approximately 5 yards of 1.5” wired ribbon. This produces a bow with 30” long streamers.

Interested in getting instructions on how to make a Silk Flower Spring Wreath like the one pictured here? Just visit this link.

How to Box a Wreath for Shipment

March 3, 2015 by Julie Siomacco Leave a Comment

It is very important to me that my wreaths, which I’ve spent countless hours on designing, shopping for supplies, listing online and marketing actually arrive to my customers in the same condition as when I ship it. When customers receive that huge box, I want them to be Wowed, Happy and Excited about their purchase from me. This just makes for good customer service. Below are the steps I take to box a wreath for shipping. The video is posted at the bottom.

Choose a Strong Shipping Box
I cannot stress to you enough how important it is to use a strong box made for shipping. Do not use boxes pieced together or recycled because they have a greater chance of falling apart during the shipping process. The shipping companies will throw your box around, it will fall on the ground or off shelving in the trucks so you need a strong corrugated box to begin with. Strong shipping boxes can be purchased at various places including online (with free shipping) and directly from a corrugated box manufacturer. For a list of online places refer to my shipping report of my ebook, www.learndecomeshwreaths.com. Choose a box that is 2″ smaller than the diameter of the wreath in order to save on shipping costs.

Supplies Needed
Shipping Box
3” Packing/Shipping Tape
4-6 Pipe Cleaners
Awl (Punch, Ice Pick or Screw Driver)
Box Sizing Tool
Box Cutter
Shipping Label

Taping the Box
Tape the flaps on the bottom of the box together using 3” packing tape made for shipping. Place two strips of tape on the bottom flaps to close the bottom of the box. Using one piece of tape on each side seam, tape both of the unfinished seams of the box closed ensuring all four sides are smooth and will not be caught on something during shipment. Your taping should be in the shape of an “H”. Turn the box over to the open end.

Place your wreath inside the shipping box. If you have to maneuver your flowers to fit the smaller area, make sure to turn all the flowers in the same direction, either clockwise or counter clockwise.

Wire the Wreath inside the Box
To prepare, take the four pipe cleaners and twist them together to form two long pipe cleaners. Please note, if your wreath is heavy, you will need to add more pipe cleaners. Once the wreath is inside the box, search for a place to thread the pipe cleaner safely in the wreath; a place that will not smash the elements on your wreath. For deco mesh wreaths, I choose a place between the loops near the twist ties and around the heavy wire frame. Do not wire on top of a loop, run the wire in between loops, ornaments and ribbon.

Once you have found a place, use a punch or ice pick to punch holes on both sides of the metal wreath frame (or grapevine wreath) so that the pipe cleaner will be able to wrap around the frame. On each side, punch holes through the box and out through the bottom of the box.

Thread each ends of the lengthened pipe cleaner up through the bottom of the box. Be careful because the pipe cleaners sometimes get caught in between the mesh loops and you will need to guide them back to the correct area.

Once both of the ends are threaded and inside the box, pull snug to ensure the pipe cleaner is a tight fit against the outside bottom of the box. While pushing the wreath snug to the bottom of the box, twist the ends of the pipe cleaners together over the metal wreath frame. You want a very snug fit. Keep the pipe cleaners long and showing so the recipient can locate them to untie it from the box.

Follow these same instructions to wire the wreath to the box in a place on the opposite side of the pipe cleaner you just added by repeating the same steps above. If your wreath is heavy, more than 4 pounds, I would secure the wreath in three places.

Shake Test
Turn the box upside down where the wreath is suspended upside down in the air and shake. If the wreath slides around in the box or flops on one side, then the pipe cleaners are either not sung enough to the bottom of the box or you need to add another set of pipe cleaners in the location that flops.

Resizing the Box
It is important to make the depth of the box as small as possible to save on shipping cost. After the wreath is wired into the box, lay the box open on a table. Measure the distance from the tallest point of either an ornament or the wreath mesh to the top of the box. This is the space we need to eliminate. Set a box scoring tool dial to the number of inches you just measured. (For example, if my wreath is in a 12” deep box, I usually cut the box down to 6” deep so I would turn my dial to 6”). Then run the scoring box sizer tool along the sides inside the box.

Once I’ve scored all four sides, I use a box cutter to cut the corners down to the level of the scoring, this allows me to be able to fold the sides down over my wreath. Here is the tool I use to score the sides. I purchased mine at the same place I purchased my boxes but I’ve seen them sold on amazon.com click this link here. You could also use a scoring box sizer tool similar to a pizza cutter; however, you may need to score your box when the wreath isn’t inside the box.

At this point you can add a piece of tissue paper on top of the wreath so that if the box does rub against an ornament it will help to protect it. Close the top flaps of the box down. Note, if your box is more than 27” wide, I would cut off the extra cardboard after scoring on two opposite sides so that they do not hang down onto the wreath which can damage the wreath during shipping. But if your wreath is less than 27” wide, I would not cut off excess box material after scoring.

Taping the Box
Place two strips of tape on the top to close the top of the box. Use two additional strips of tape to tape down any area that may be sticking up due to cutting the box size down. Using one piece of tape on each side, tape the two unfinished sides of the box closed ensuring all four side are smooth (in an “H” shape and the same procedures we did for the bottom of the box).

IMPORTANT AND DON’T FORGET – Now place two pieces of tape on top of EACH of the visible pipe cleaners on the bottom of the box.

Address Label
You can easily print off a return address label from a word processor; type up the return address and shipping address as if printing an envelope. Print off using a printer. Fold the paper and use packing tape to completely tape over the entire label so it will not get wet, if it rains.

Here is a video demonstrating the above steps:

For the complete shipping report that includes where to purchase boxes, how to save on shipping, different shipping options and why I only charge $15 to ship a wreath, refer to my ebook by clicking this link www.learndecomeshwreaths.com.

I hope this helps you box your wreath for shipping!

Happy Wreathing,

Julie

How to Make a Bow with Multiple Ribbons

January 28, 2015 by Julie Siomacco Leave a Comment

If you are a frequent follower of mine, you know that I am a ribbon addict! I can’t get enough of fabulous ribbon because ribbon just makes me so happy!! Therefore, I’ve been searching for a way to make a multiple ribbon bow using only a few yards of ribbon. I saw this technique once at a floral show but only now have I mastered it giving it my flair. You see I had a customer request multiple bows with her wreath order but I forgot to purchase enough ribbon to make full bows. So I started thinking of ways to use the ribbon matching her wreath but where I only needed a few yards and then remembered this technique.

Why I LOVE using this bow technique:

Save money – If you want to make a bow using expensive ribbon use this technique to incorporate the ribbon into the bow and add less expensive ribbon as the other ribbon choices.
Limited Supplies – If you only have a couple of yards of ribbon, you can still incorporate it into a bow.
Whimsical Look – This bow technique is definitely a more modern look but you can use traditional colors or bow fabrics to freshen up any traditional décor to a more modern look.

Here is a Video on How To Make a Bow With Multiple Ribbons

Notes/Tips:

If you have too much ribbon edge showing in the center after the bow is completed, you can trim it with scissors.
I prefer my bows to have an odd number of loops; therefore, making the fourth ribbon tail short tricks the eye into thinking that there is another loop in the bow of that color but you can easily add another loop if you prefer.
Feel free to change the loop sizes to make a smaller or larger bow to work with your craft or décor need.
Feel free to add more ribbon making each ribbon layer 1” larger that the first.

Quick Reference to the above video:
Ribbon 1- 2.5” wide by 1 yd. 11” long (make 3 loops 5” long)
Ribbon 2- 1.5” wide by 1 yd. 28” long (make 4 loops 6” long)
Ribbon 3- 1.5” wide by 1 yd. 22” long (make 3 loops 7” long)
Ribbon 4- 2.5” wide by 1 yd. 17” long (make 3 loops 7” long)

Supplies used in the above video: 4 different ribbons, Scissors, Pipe cleaner

Written Steps to the above video:
Adding Ribbon #1
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the right, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 5” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it to the back to make a second 5” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. You should now have a bow tie with two 5” loops on either side. Form a third 5” loop as you did the first except twist the ribbon tail so that the decorative top of the ribbon faces you. The tail of this ribbon should fall to the right.

Adding Ribbon #2
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the left, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 6” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it to the back to make a second 6” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. Continue making loops this way until you have four 6” loops forming an X behind ribbon #1 loops. Remember to twist the tail of the ribbon so that the decorative top of the ribbon faces you. The tail of this ribbon should fall to the right.

Adding Ribbon #3
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the left, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 7” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it back to make a second 7” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. You should now have a bow tie with the loops of this ribbon falling between the X shaped ribbon #2. Form a third 7” loop as you did the first except twist the ribbon tail so that the front of the ribbon faces forward. The tail of this ribbon should fall to the left.

Adding Ribbon #4
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the left, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 7” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it back to make a second 7” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. You should now have a loop on each side behind ribbon #3 loops. Form a third 7” loop as you did the first except twist the ribbon tail so that the front of the ribbon faces forward. This tail should fall to the left and be short to give the illusion of another loop.

Secure with a pipe cleaner
Reposition the loops if needed and fluff
Dove tail the ribbon ends

Vendors: I purchased this ribbon wholesale but I’ve seen it also at trendytree.com, craftoutlet.com and carolinapottery.com.

Where to Use This Bow: wreaths, garlands, Christmas Tree, home decor, gifts, etc.

This technique may take a little practice to get the hang of but once you do, I’m sure you will love it just as much as I do! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below and I will try to help.

Please feel free to share this blog post and video.

Happy Wreathing,

Julie

I’ve pinned this tutorial on my Pinterest Board “Wreathology – How to Make Wreaths”

How to Use Wood Floral Picks in Wreaths

December 9, 2014 by Julie Siomacco Leave a Comment

I choose to use wood floral picks on my flower or greenery stems that are either too thin or too short. This ensures I have strong mechanics with my wreaths and it enhances the overall quality of the wreath construction. My customers keep coming back to purchase from me because they know I pay attention to detail down to the mechanics of the wreath base and produce strong quality wreaths.

If a flower stem is too thin or the hot glue will melt the stem, then adding a wood floral pick helps sure up the stem, making it sturdy and giving more space for the hot glue to adhere. In other words, the wood picks help to make the flower or greenery stems meatier and therefore stronger.

If a flower or greenery stem is too short, then adding a wood floral pick will help to make the stem longer. Sometimes I need more depth in my wreaths and adding flower or greenery stems at different depth levels helps to create this and gives added fullness to the wreath. Adding wood picks can help extend the length of the flower stem to achieve this.

There are different lengths of wood floral picks and they come in sizes such as 3”, 4”, 6” and 8” both wired and unwired. My go to size for wood picks is typically 4” wired picks. This seems to work best for my wreath making craft…and easier for my fat fingers! Use the wire attached to the wood pick to wrap around the floral stem to secure the flower to the wood pick. The wood floral pick also has a point on the end making it great for sticking into grapevine wreaths or floral foam if you are into floral design.

After you wrap the wire of the floral pick securely and tightly around the stem, you want to cover the wire with floral tape. Adding floral tape on top of the wire helps to keep the wire in place. Floral tape is not sticky until you stretch it and then it releases the sticky residue. Floral tape sticks strongly to itself so, as you wrap, pull the tape to stretch it so it adheres and then overlap it about 1/2 of its width. Floral tape is made in several colors; I prefer green for my evergreen wreaths, brown for my grapevine wreaths and white used for wreaths with a white base used during Christmas and July 4th. Floral tape comes in several widths but I find ½ inch works well and is easily found in stores.

Steps for adding wood floral picks to flower or greenery stems for wreaths:

Place the flower stem into the wreath to measure how far you want the flower to come out from the wreath. Use your fingers to hold the flower stem and to mark it. Then cut the flower stem 3” below that mark.
While still holding the flower in your fingers, place the top of the wooden pick to the mark measured with your fingers and snugly wrap the wire from the pick around the stem of the flower and the pick working your way down the pick. Keep the wire tight the entire time you are wrapping. It’s best when you also wrap the wire below the flower stem and then back up so your flower won’t slip (see video below). Wrapping the wire tight does take practice but it is easy to grasp.
Using floral tape, pull a section of the tape to activate the stickiness. Then wrap the tape around the wood pick you just wired onto the flower stem making sure to overlap the tape as you wrap down the wood pick. Tape helps keep the wire in place.
Use hot glue or pan glue whichever you prefer to add glue on top of the floral tape of the wood pick and quickly stick the glued portion into your wreath.

When all of your flowers are glued into your wreath don’t forget to turn your wreath over and cut the wood floral picks short so they do not protrude from the back of the wreath. Cover these picks with either sheet moss or left over silk flower leaves to help cover your mechanics.

Here is a video clip showing you step-by-step how I use wood floral picks. This video clip is from my Silk Flower Christmas Wreath Video Tutorial:

As you can see, using wood floral picks does take practice but it is easy to grasp. For exact instructions for gluing flower stems into deco mesh or silk flower wreaths, refer to my videos or ebook links to the right.

I hope this tip of how to use wood floral picks in wreaths helps you in your wreath making craft. Let me know what you think or what tips you have or prefer.

Happy Wreathing,
Julie 🙂

How to Attach Plush Doll to Wreath

November 17, 2014 by Julie Siomacco Leave a Comment

How To Embellish and Attach Plush Dolls To Deco Mesh Wreaths by Julie Siomacco of SouthernCharmWreaths.com

Adding plush dolls is a great way to take up space and add interest to a wreath. Since it will be the focal point of a wreath, I like to add it just after I’ve added ribbon or greenery to build up the base of the wreath and before adding ornaments or flowers. Some dolls I find are so gosh darn cute but are way too heavy because they are weighted, made to sit on a shelf. So, they have a heavy base. Let me show you my techniques on how to add plush dolls to Deco Mesh or Silk Flower wreaths:

Make a small 1-inch, x-shaped incision with your scissors to the back or bottom of the doll where the heavy part of the toy is located. This is usually on the bottom part where it would sit on a shelf. If there is more than one layer of fabric, continue cutting x-shaped incisions until you have cut through the bag located inside the animal. That’s right; I said a “bag”. You see the manufacturers fill a plastic bag with either sand or pebbles to help weight the doll and sew it inside the doll.
Place your fingers inside your incision and use your fingers to pull out the sand or pebbles used to make the doll heavy. This may take some time and is messy do hold it over a trash can. Keep putting your finger inside and pulling out the weight until you have the majority of the pebbles out and you can grab the bag. Once you can grab the bag, gently pull it out of the doll being careful not to rip a larger hole in the doll.
From here you can either sew the hole closed with a needle and thread or leave it open if the wreath elements will cover the hole. On this example I left the hole open because the fabric was felt; however, if the material were more of a knit, sweater-like material, I would have sewn it so it would not unravel further.
Use scraps of evergreen, ribbon, berries, leaves or anything you happen to have on hand to jazz up the doll somehow. In this example, I chose to embellish the present the elf doll is holding. This gives the doll a personal, decorative touch and my customers just LOVE my attention to detail!
Use a pipe cleaner or floral wire to wrap around the doll somewhere where it will be hidden and not seen. Usually this location is either under the neck or around the waist of the doll. If you can’t locate a place and the wire is seen, then wrap a coordinating ribbon around and on top of the wire to help hide the mechanics of the wire.
Nestle the now pre-wired doll into the wreath placing the doll off center either to the right or left of the wreath. I think placing focal points like dolls off center is more pleasing to the eye than if it were dead center in a wreath.
Use the ends of the floral wire to then wrap around the metal frame on the back side of the wreath. Since the frame is also another mechanic of the wreath this will ensure the doll is attach to something sturdy.
You can then pose your animal by crossing his legs, propping up an arm, etc. to make the doll come to life and add character to the doll. You can even add more embellishments if you want.

From here I continue designing the wreath adding elements from largest to smallest; so in this example, poinsettias, ornaments and then filler. Be careful not to drip hot glue onto the doll while designing the rest of your wreath, to do this I sometimes cover it with a piece of a plastic bag.

Here is a video showing you EXACTLY how to attach a Plush Doll to a Deco Mesh Wreath

I hope you enjoyed my secret tip of adding a plush doll to a wreath. Let me know what you think or what tips you have for adding dolls to wreaths.

Happy Wreathing,
Julie 🙂

How to Make a Whimsical Funky Bow

October 14, 2014 by Julie Siomacco 12 Comments

Not only do I have an addiction to ribbon but I hoard it! That’s right, I’m so sick that sometimes I find ribbon that I have to purchase and then NEVER use! I’m a sick sicky! I tend to wait for THE perfect wreath or project to use it on. Then, gradually in all my waiting for the perfect wreath, it gets pushed back into my ribbon stash and before you know it, bam, the season is over and I’ve not used my perfect ribbon find. Ugh, I’m ashamed to admit I have done this too many times to count. Then I find I don’t have enough containers to hold my ribbon stash.

So this year I aim to destash my ribbon. To do this I’ve come up with a GREAT Deco Mesh wreath recipe in order to use up my ribbon. This wreath is so great, not only does it use a lot of ribbon but it uses up the leftover ribbon scraps. You know the scraps that are not enough to make a full wreath with but too precious or costly to part with.

Here is the Deco Mesh Wreath style I’m talking about. I just love that this style also uses up my leftover mesh because you only need 5 yards, yes I can’t seem to throw leftover mesh away either. I just shared the full wreath tutorial on making this wreath with my ebook customers and it has been a HUGE hit. However, I thought I would share with my blog followers how I make the funky bow that is used in this wreath. You can use this style bow on gift wrapping, in Christmas trees, in garlands, on mailbox swags, on evergreen wreaths, on top of a pumpkin, accent a bulletin board, etc. Wherever you want a bow.

Here is the video:

Here are more wreaths I made and sold using this Funky Bow:

I can’t wait to hear how you use your funky, whimsical bow on your projects! And if you would like the full recipe of this Deco Mesh Halloween Wreath Recipe, purchase my ebook at www.learndecomeshwreaths.com.

Here is just some feedback I’ve received after sending out the Halloween Wreath Recipe Video to my ebook customers:

“Julie, you are the most generous wreath designer out there. Buying your e-book was the best purchase because you just keep on giving. Thank you so much. I follow another wreath designer who also makes beautiful wreaths but her videos are so expensive and she doesn’t give real “freebies” like you do. May the Lord richly bless you.” ~Julissa Jumper

“You are so generous in everything you do, and I appreciate it so much. For the price of your ebook, we continue to get videos and wreath recipes .Buying your ebook was one of the best things I did to help my business. You are a true inspiration.” ~Carol Hilton

“Hi Julie! Thank you so much for posting this wreath recipe. When I saw it I was so excited to try it because I love working with the grapevine wreaths, but I can never seem to get the mesh to look right. You make it seem so simple so I am looking forward to the outcome. I tend to hoard ribbon also, so this is a great recipe for me to use up some of my extra supplies. I think its great you share your talent and tips with the rest of us. I believe that is the mark of the crafter and creative spirit. This ebook was the best purchase I’ve made. Thank you!“~Erin Gibson

“Julie, I have been viewing and reviewing your e-book for a few months now and I have to say, I love it! I wasn’t sure at first what I should expect. But you are a great designer and I thoroughly enjoy learning with all the new recipes you keep sending us! I would recommend you to anyone! You are an inspiration and I believe really care about your product. Thanks so much for deciding to share your great talent!” ~Sondra Moore

Have a Blessed and Wreath-Full Day!

Julie 🙂

Deco Mesh Mardi Gras Door Decorations-Video

January 31, 2014 by Julie Siomacco 1 Comment

How are you this Mardi Gras season? Do you have your decorations up? Are you ready to “Let the Good Times Roll”? I know a lot of my customers put up their Mardi Gras decorations as soon as they take down their Christmas decorations on Twelfth Night while some wait a little closer to Fat Tuesday.

While we don’t do a lot of celebrating/decorating here in South Carolina like they do in other southern states, I really wanted to change things up this year with my entry door decorations because I just love the Mardi Gras colors of gold, green and purple. Not to mention, there are so many festive decorations that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some! Hee hee I had so much fun decorating and getting my door ready for this Mardi Gras season!

To decorate, I used so many festive elements including deco mesh, tons of ribbon, picks, flowers, beads, and even a fancy Jester Mask! I’ve received many compliments from my neighbors and friends. To show you how I decorated my cold empty planters that go on either side of my door.

Deco Mesh Mardi Gras Jester Mask Door Wreath Video

I’ve made a step-by-step video showing you exactly how I made my jaw dropping Deco Mesh Mardi Gras Jester Door Wreath Here. This video gives you:

Step-by-step, detailed instructions how YOU can make a beautiful deco mesh wreath;
How to add three types of mesh and four different types of ribbon spread throughout;
How to securely attach a fabulous mask;
How to attach wire to ornaments and insert into your wreath;
Download your list of supplies including where to purchase them;
Access the video as many times as you want on your computer, smart phone or tablet;
100% mobile ready using adaptive responsive technology which means it will fit all mobile device screens;
A wreath to display for many years!

Deco Mesh Mardi Gras Garland Video

Of course, you need a step-by-step video showing you detailed instructions on how I made the Deco Mesh Mardi Gras Garland here. This video gives you:

Step-by-step, detailed instructions how YOU can make a beautiful deco mesh garland.
How to add mesh and six different types of ribbon spread throughout.
How to securely wire silk flowers into your garland. Yes, I said wire!
How to attach wire to ornaments and insert into your garland.
Download your list of supplies including where to purchase them.
A secret product I use on just about every project that gives it a professional touch.
Access the video as many times as you want on your computer, smart phone or tablet.
100% mobile ready using adaptive responsive technology which means it will fit all mobile device screens.
This is a festive garland that can be displayed for many years!

How do you decorate for Mardi Gras?

Julie 🙂

Make Deco Mesh Wreaths – Sign Tips

June 1, 2013 by Julie Siomacco 4 Comments

deco-mesh-wreath-easter-sign-lime-pink-1L

Many times when I purchase wooden signs for my Deco Mesh Wreaths there are other embellishments on or attached to the sign that I don’t want or have room for on a wreath. For example, the wooden sign in the wreath above was purchased with ribbon bows glued to the front of the sign and also had hanging wooden ornaments dangling from the bottom of the sign.

Below is a picture showing one of the bows that was glued onto the front of the sign. Do you see the pink pipe cleaner just beside the bow? This is where there was an ornament/embellishment hanging from the sign which I cut off. I then used the hole holding the ornament to attach the sign onto my wreath. (note: for detailed instructions on how to wire signs securely into a deco mesh wreath, please refer to my ebook, Learn Deco Mesh Wreath Design.)

sign tricks-1

When I carefully pulled off the bows that came on the sign it also pulled off the paint; but that is okay, I will show you a trick to fix this.

sign tricks-6

In the picture below, you can see where I’ve pulled off the bows (which pulled off the paint) and the holes that are now on the sign.

sign tricks-5

Once my sign is wired into the wreath, I just hot glue small flowers on top of the holes and where the bows pulled off the paint from the sign. I also add a couple more flowers around the sign to make it look as if the flowers are supposed to be there and not just covering up the mechanics.

sign tricks-2

Tip: Before hot gluing the flowers, place them around the sign to see if you like the spacing first. As you can see in the picture below, I tried out using a white cherry blossom before officially choosing the pink hydrangea blossom.

sign tricks-7

I hope this tip helped with your own wreathing challenges. Please let me know if you have any recommendations or questions in the comment box below.

Happy Wreathing Ya’ll!

Julie 🙂

Deco Mesh Wreaths- Twist Tie Dilemma Solved

May 19, 2013 by Julie Siomacco 2 Comments

I love using wreath forms to make my deco mesh wreaths but there are times when the twist ties on the wreath forms are not evenly placed. When this happens, I have a “twist tie dilemma”! This happens during manufacturing and there is no need to return the wreath form because I have this very simple fix:

1. When one pair of twist ties are right beside another pair of twist ties (or not evenly spaced with other twist ties on the wreath form), use wire cutters to cut off the misplaced twist ties. Make sure to cut as close to the wire frame as possible but do not cut the wire the twist ties are attached too. Put the cut twist ties to the side for later use. You should have 1 set of cut twist ties (2 pieces).

2. Twist a coordinating colored pipe cleaner in the correct location where the twist ties should have been placed. Note: When the color of the pipe cleaner matches the wreath form, it makes for a professional looking deco mesh wreath.

3. Continue to tie in your mesh as usual for making a deco mesh wreath and when you come to the pipe cleaner use it as you would a twist tie by placing your mesh inside and twisting it a couple of times.

4. Add your ribbon as you would normally. You can see a video for how to add ribbon streamers to deco mesh wreaths by clicking here.

5. Keep twisting the pipe cleaner until there is about 1 inch of twisted pipe cleaner and then use wire cutters to cut off the excess pipe cleaner. Wrap the twisted 1 inch part of the pipe cleaner back inside the mesh toward the back of the wreath.

6. Now find the two pieces of twist ties you cut off of the wreath form in Step 1. Add hot glue to the tips of 1 end of the twist ties and stick them into the mesh where the pipe cleaner is.

7. Add in your ornaments and picks as you normally would. I would not put heavy items on the twist ties you just hot glued into the wreath as they will not be sturdy enough to hold heavy items but you can hot glue lighter items.

Here is a video I took on my phone (sorry for the quality) showing the above steps:

The finished wreath, can you spot the pipe cleaner??

Have you seen my FREE tutorial on making a curly deco mesh wreath? This tutorial gives away my secrets for making a full deco mesh wreath, how I cut my mesh quickly without the use of scissors, why pipe cleaners are my best friend and where to purchase deco mesh supplies. Click on the link below to learn how you can download my FREE tutorial on making a Deco Mesh Wreath!

Click Here To Access Tutorial

I hope this tip helps you, if so please leave me a comment! Found a better way to fix this Dilemma, if so I would love to hear it!

Happy Wreathing, Ya’ll!

Julie 🙂

Making Deco Mesh Wreaths is Fun

May 15, 2013 by Julie Siomacco 1 Comment

deco_mesh_hotpink_white_stripe Wreath making has added so much happiness, joy and purpose to my life! It really is so much FUN! You should see me dancing around my wreath shop to the radio as I make deco mesh wreaths. What a sight THAT is…LOL! I love making wreaths so much that I sometimes dream of new designs in my sleep and can’t wait to start them the next morning!

Once you catch the deco mesh wreath making bug…it is fun and ADDICTING! It will be for you too when you start to make wreaths, you will see. Wreath making can become one of the easiest and most rewarding hobbies you will ever undertake. You see, there is no right way or wrong way to make a wreath! You are creating art, just let it flow from your heart and it will be a masterpiece every time. Why? Because it is an original designed by you!

Wreaths aren’t just for doors anymore; a wreath can add so much warmth and a festive flair to any area of your home. Small wreaths look great in bathrooms, children’s rooms, on bedroom doors, etc. And larger wreaths can be used on a screened in porch, family room or even the kitchen. Imagine a wreath matching your favorite sport’s team colors hung in the TV room during the big playoff game! Wouldn’t that be fun and a unique way to display your pride! What about a wreath for a new baby? Can’t you just image a pale pink or blue wreath with bears, raddles,and pacifiers tied in with coordinating ribbon? What about making wreaths to give away as holiday gifts, for wedding showers, as teachers’ gifts? The possibilities are just endless!

I often think how blessed I am that GOD has given me this wonderful opportunity to use my talent in my home based business. So happy that I can make money at home and be home for my children when they get out of school. And not to mention the relief of being able to help with our household expenses, times are hard for all of us.

Additionally, it is equally as important that I make a difference in people’s lives as I share, teach and encourage others with making wreaths (and selling them if they choose). I am so thankful that I have this opportunity. I have already had so much wonderful feedback for sharing my wreath-making secrets and I can’t wait to share and teach more! That’s why I created another FREE tutorial!

This FREE tutorial teaches you step-by-step how to make a curly deco mesh wreath. This tutorial gives away my tips for making a full deco mesh wreath and how I cut my mesh quickly without the use of scissors, why pipe cleaners are my best friend and where to purchase deco mesh supplies. Click on the link below to learn how you can download my FREE tutorial on making a Deco Mesh Wreath!

Click Here To Access Tutorial

Happy Wreathing, Ya’ll!

Julie Siomacco

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