WOODLAND RUFFLE WREATH TUTORIAL-2 COLORS WREATH BASE
MATERIALS:
- 2 Rolls of 10″ Deco Mesh (Any Colors)
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Self-Healing Mat
- 14-18″ Wire Wreath Form
- 18 Chenille Stems/Pipe Cleaners
- Wire Cutters
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STEP 1: CUTTING YOUR DECO MESH
I am using a poly deco mesh for this particular wreath tutorial, but any 10” mesh will work. You will begin by cutting your 10” deco mesh with a rotary cutter on top of a self-healing mat. If you do not have a rotary cutter you may use scissors but it may be a little more difficult and more time consuming. Cut each color of your mesh into 18” pieces. I use this measurement because it will guarantee you will have all the 18 pieces in one 10 yd roll of deco mesh. Also, stacking the mesh colors on top of each other will keep it looking full. When using one color, some designers prefer to use 35″ pieces to maintain fullness.
Measure out 18″ pieces of your deco mesh.
Use a rotary cutter on a self healing mat to cut, or use scissors to cut your deco mesh.
We will be using a 14″ wreath form with 18 ties (3 in each section). If you don’t have a wreath form that already comes with ties, you can use a regular 12-14” wreath form and add chenille stems to make the twist ties. Visit the tutorial DIY Work Wreath Form-Woodland Ruffle to learn how to make this.
STEP 2: MAKING THE RUFFLES
To begin your ruffle, lay the cut piece down on your table where it naturally wants to curl up on itself. Use something heavy to hold one end. Start by making a curl on one end. Roll the mesh about 2-3 turns making sure that the cut end is completely hidden inside the curl. This helps with the fraying that naturally occurs when you run anything across the cut end. You can attach a chip clip or clothespin to the middle of the curl to hold it in place. While your clip is holding the first curl turn your mesh around to the other end and begin curling that side. Once rolled, pinch the middle of the curl.
While holding the second curl begin scrunching the mesh up the middle to create a ruffle. Once you get to the curl that’s being held together with the clip you can undo the clip and grip it all together.
Lay your deco mesh where it naturally wants to curl up.
Roll 2-3 times until edge is completely hidden.
Use chip clip to hold down the curl.
Turn and roll the other end.
Pinch in the center until you meet the two ends together.
This is your completed ruffle.
STEP 3: ATTACHING RUFFLES TO THE WREATH FORM
Starting on the inside ring of your work form, attach your ruffles horizontally with the curl side up. Repeat process for each piece of mesh and add to a tie on the wreath form. You want to make sure when adding each ruffle that they don’t overlap each other. Pull each piece up so that they meet each other and stand up like a bookend.
Use the ties to attach the ruffle to your wreath form.
Lay the ruffle horizontally.
You will be placing your first color on all the ties around your wreath.
Once you fill up all 18 twist ties, you can now place your top layer color. You will be creating the same type ruffle piece and placing on top of the bottom layer in each tie. Place the second layer horizontally so that they also line up like bookends. This will give your wreath a fuller look. After you have placed all of your ruffles down you will need to adjust them to be sure they are evenly spread out.
Place the second color on top of the first and tie.
It is easier to start with inner ring first, then finish placing them on the outer ring.
Here is your finished product.
Your wreath is now ready for ribbon and accents!