Mesh Christmas Wreath

So, this is my first attempt at making a wreath with mesh ribbon.  I finally found it at A.C. Moores.  Michaels didn't have it and I never checked at JoAnns.  I'm a little skeptical of it and am so afraid that I didn't make it right.  I was inspired to make one of these by Liz at Savvy Seasons by Liz.  She is an amazing home decorator and oh what a beautiful job she does with every season.  Go take a look at her blog, click here.

Cast of Characters

1 wreath ring ( I couldn't find the foam ones Liz suggested so this is all the stores had but it worked out great)

2 rolls of decorative ribbon, different colors/pattern, 3-5" wide

2 different color metallic mesh fabric (21" x 10')

1 box greenery pins (U shape)

Scissors

1 decoration for the center of wreath

Take one of the 3" rolls of decorative ribbon and roll it around the wreath.  Note:  I did not take the plastic wrap off the wreath, I just went ahead and kept it on only because I knew the if I had, the straw would be prickly and get in the way of the ribbon and those two just wouldn't get a long and would make life miserable.  Keeping the plastic on made life smooth and easy and it wasn't at all in the way.

All wrapped up.  It's so much prettier in person, I was almost tempted just to leave it as is.

This part made me very nervous.  I just didn't know what I was doing so I studied Liz' tutorial very, very close and hard.  This mesh stuff tends to be stubborn and has a mind of it's own.  It's very stiff yet pliable,  and once it was pinned, it wasn't going anywhere, like a beehive hairdo.  So anyway,  I bunched the end altogether, folded it over one time and pinned it!  Voila! That was it.  Proceeded to do the same every 4" inches.

I then took the other mesh ribbon roll and did the same.  Once again I was a little apprehensive as to where to start and where to pin but this project seriously ended up being a "can't fail" project.  So easy.

Continue with the second ribbon until it looks something like this.

I took the original ribbon I used to wrap the wreath at first and cut a couple of 6"inch strips, folded it over like  so and pin it to the wreath to use as not only as an added decoration but also a filler.

I also made a bow and tucked it in along with the center decoration.  As you might be able to tell, I intended to use a snowman decoration (see Cast of Characters pic) for the middle but didn't like the way it looked.  Went down to the basement, searched through my Christmas boxes and found this angel of an angel :)  I pinned it onto the wreath and then I went ahead and propped the wreath on my front door just for the photo shoot.

Here it is propped up in my dining room.  The walls are a cranberry color and am so excited about this being our first official Christmas season here at Spottswood Place

This angel has seen many a Christmas but on a different wreath.  What great timing to pull it out and place it on a new wreath, in our new home

I moved it to my sunroom, by this time it was already dark outside so I had to turn the lights on inside and whaddya know? a different kind of lighting effect!

This wreath was so much fun to make and it took no time.  Best of all, no glue, no mess involved (except glitter).  I have plenty of ribbons left and can probably make at least two more wreaths.  I think I will for gifts. I love these wreaths, great idea and thanks for the inspiration Liz, you're truly gifted and amazing!

**UPDATE**

11/15/11

I made this one today (at work during my lunch hour) as I had a friend ask if I could make one for her group who will be putting them up for auction and funds benefit local non profit organizations.  It will be on display/auction at the River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg, VA so any of you locals, go support this festive and worthy cause.

I used green metallic ribbon this time.  Not as pretty as the gold but still pretty.

I took three small ornaments and tied a ribbon of different lengths, to fit in the center of the wreath.

After I added the both color mesh fabrics, I added some embellishments, berries in this case.

I then added a thin ribbon, a decorative thicker ribbon, some green mesh ribbon in the back and then the ornaments in the center

A closer view of the thicker, decorative ribbon

Here it is hung on the coat rack in front of an office door.  I tried to take the picture without the door handle but it just wouldn't work.

It's still nowhere close to the way Liz makes them but I guess practice makes perfect.

**UPDATE 11/19/11**
My Rustic Wreath

My third "mesh" wreath and once again, I still have the same mesh fabric leftover, probably enough to make a  fourth wreath.  This will be going on our front door on Sunday.

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