Who doesn't love Valentine's Day? Well, apparently a lot of people! I, however, am hopelessly devoted to the traditions of the holiday. Never one to hate Valentine's Day (a.k.a. "Single Awareness Day"), I'm totally stoked to decorate for it each year!
I've proudly jumped on the burlap bandwagon, and love the organic-chic look of it! I know this stuff has a loyal following in many places. However, St Louis is not one of them, so this stuff is way hip to me!
So, for my first official burlap decor project, I made this ca-ute heart shaped wreath, inspired by this one on
Craftaholics Anonymous. I wanted to add a splash of color with the felt rosettes. Here's what you need to make your own:
- wire (I used a wire hanger)
- wire cutters and pliers
- 1/4 yard of burlap (there are many color choices)
- 4 pages of felt
- ribbon
- scissors
- hot glue gun
Cutting burlap can be tricky, so I learned a lot from
this link, also from Craftaholics Anonymous.
Step 1: Using pliers, take your wire (or hanger) and form into shape of a heart. Leave a little extra for twisting it closed when you're finished placing the burlap. The closure can be at any spot on the heart.
Step 2: Cut your burlap into several 2 1/2 inch strips. I used 6 strips for mine. Take the strips, and thread them (accordian style) onto the wire as shown below.
Do that for all the strips, and choose how full you want your wreath. After you've added the burlap you want, arrange it and decide where you want your rosettes. The rosettes will be placed permanently in their spots, so keep that in mind.
Step 3: Begin making your rosettes by taking one piece of felt, and cutting it into a large circle, using most of the rectangular sheet of felt. Then take that circle, and cut the edge into a random wave-like pattern all the way around. After you make the whole circle wavy, begin to cut about a half inch strip inside the circle, following the outside of the circle (only no waves this time). You'll cut the circle into a spiral. When you approach the end, stop cutting and leave a small circle of felt attached to the spiral.
Begin rolling the top of the spiral as shown below, and place dabs of hot glue along the way. Note that you have a wavy side of the spiral strip, and a flat edge. Be sure to line up the flat edge, as the bottom of the rosette.
When you get to the end (or desired size) of the felt, you'll come upon the circle you left uncut. Flap that over the bottom of the rosette as a cover.
Step 4: Spread the burlap flat on the desired spot of the wreath, and hot glue the rosettes to the wire and flat strip of burlap.
Step 5: Twist the wire closed, and wrap ribbon around the top of the heart, tie a bow, and hang up your wreath! Quick, easy, and fun! I linked up to
Craft-O-Maniac, so check out the other great stuff over there!
