Friday, August 17, 2012

How to Make a Dried Hydrangea Wreath

A few months ago, one reader asked for information on how to make a dried hydrangea wreath.  I had intended to make one myself, and post pictures of how to do it, but alas, the time has gotten away from me, and my hydrangeas are all done blooming.  I still can tell you how to do it,though.

Here's what you do:

1.  Dry the hydrangea flowers by hanging them upside down from their stems in a cool, dry place.  It takes about a a week to dry.

2.  Get 3 willow stems from your local craft store.  These should be about 3 feet long.  You can also use grape vines.

3.  Remove any leaves from the willow stems.  Then twist them into an 8 inch diameter circle by weaving them over and under each other.

4.  Secure the wreath with floral wire.  Be sure to wrap it around the entire circle.

5.  Now you'll need the hydrangeas.  You should have 2-3 dozen hydrangeas.  They should have stems of  approximately four inches.

6.  Attach the hydrangea stem to the willow wreath by wrapping floral wire around it.  I do about three or four wraps.

7. Place another hydrangea stem right below the first, making the flowers as close as possible.  Secure with floral wire.

8.  Continue adding hydrangea flowers and stems until the wreath is complete.

9.  If you'd like, you can finish it off with a pretty ribbon.  Just tie the ribbon and attach it with some floral wire.

10.  If needed, make a hanger with more floral wire and attach it to the wreath.

Hang on your door and enjoy!  (By the way, these wreaths only last about a year or two, so you'll have to make a new one when your old one starts to look shabby.)

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