Making a Spring Wreath - Accordian Pleated Flowers

 Its: Tutorial Tuesday Time

I wanted a springtime wreath for my door, so I gathered the elements I had in mind and went to work.

 I cut strips of old sheet music that I had picked up at the antique store where I work.  I made them just long enough to over lap when I wrapped them around the wreath, securing them with Tacky Glue. Then ...

I intended to used the accordion folded flowers I love making (sometimes I call them medallions, when I use them to back letters on banners etc.)

To make these simple flowers you just figure the width of flower you want and cut a strip half that wide.  Accordion fold the strip, keeping in mind that the width of each fold determines the thickness of each flower.  When you have completed folding form it into a fan so you can see how much more you need to fold for a completed flower.  The larger the flower the longer the strip you will need to fold.  After you have the right amount, staple (or glue) them together to form a ring.  Next you manipulate it into a flat flower form, and use Tacky glue to attach a round cardboard disk on the back to hold it in place.  Once you have it in place you will need something of some weight to hold it while it dries, and you go on to make some more.

When you have the number and variety of flowers you want for your project, collect buttons in complimentary colors, and stack them and the flowers using Tacky glue, unless you are in a hurry then you can use hot glue.

Next I used hot glue to position them on the wreath.  I also printed of a sweet picture of a spring bird's next to be the focus point, since I was doing a 'Nesting Theme' for my wreath.  I cut it out and added glitter around the edge, of course, because I cannot seem to make anything without adding some glitter. I found this sweet birds nest at  The Graphics Fairy.  I also made a small banner by printing the words 'Bless our Nest' (more glitter :-)) and attached it to a craft stick I had painted a soft spring blue.

The wreath was completed with a length of pink tulle to suspend it.

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Here is the completed wreath on my front door, ready to welcome my friends and family with a sweet 'breath of springtime'!

Thanks for coming along on this crafty venture!!