Wednesday, December 14, 2011

.......................A Christmas Wreath....................


This is a project from me to you, and REALLY it comes together rather quickly.

You do have to click on the piece to see the gorgeous colors the Alcohol Inks create.

So, let's get started!


To begin, cut about 30 of the Holly Leaves and 3 of the Branches from the Tim Holtz die Holly Branches.

I used the plastic packaging from all the products I can't live without.

Then, using the Alcohol Ink Applicator Tool and Felt, add several different Green inks.

I used Pesto, Lettuce, and Bottle...at touch of Espresso and Metallic Gold Mixative.



This is the back...see how splotchy it is....leave areas for the paint to fill in.



This is the front (shiny side). Yes, looks like there is at least a 12 point match on my fingerprint!


You can tell the BACK because the inks will make if feel rough. The FRONT is smooth to the touch.

The Heat It Tool can be used to bend the leaves. Not a lot of heat is needed. And if you don't like the way it looks, just reheat and do it over.


The next step is to add Lettuce and Gold Acrylic Paint Dabber OVER the Alcohol Inks.

All the layering of ink and paint is on one side.




This shows the FRONT of the leaf after I've dabbed all the paint and ink on the BACK.


The paint fills in the spots the Alcohol Ink hasn't covered.



Use the same technique to add Metallic Gold Mixative and then Gold Paint Dabber to one side of the 3 branches.

When dry, heat and scrunch up to form a bed for your Holly Berries.


Now, this is a bit of a twist. When completely dry, you can run the leaves through the Vagabond with the Swirls Texture Fades.

The folder will clean off with a toothbrush and soap if you get a bit of paint on it. No worries.

These leaves I left flat since heating will remove the embossing.



The biggest problem I had was what to use as the base. After trying several ideas, I cut a 6 1/2" circle out of thin corrugated cardboard, and then a 4 1/2" circle out of the center.

Don't be too critical of your cut, as it will not be seen under the leaves.....really!

I used Forrest Moss and Peeled Paint Distress Stains in swiping motions for a mottled effect.

You'll see why later.



I dried the circle with a hair dryer, it works well and doesn't get too hot.

Then I sprayed it with Forever Green Perfect Pearls Mist.....and dried it again.



This is something I've had forever. It's a twisted paper ribbon.

I tied it through the 3 gold bells and wrapped it around a skewer to curl.

Next I applied Art Glitter Glue and sprinkled with Red Glitter.



It may take a couple of times to get it covered the way you want it.



This is a closeup of the Gold Branch after it's been heated and scrunched.

I used a low-temp hot glue gun to add the berries. I found these a couple of years back in Minnesota.

They came with the snow already on them! BONUS!



I punched 2 holes with the Cropadile, and added large black eyelets.

Since you'll be covering the front with leaves, use the black side of the eyelets for the BACK.

This shows the gorgeous Perfect Pearls Mist at a different angle. The 2 colors of Distress Stain make it have a wonderful glow with the Pearls.



The Red and Gold Cord is tied in a square knot through the 2 holes and frayed out.

I bought this at Scrapaganza before they closed...I miss them already:(

Then lay out your 1st layer of leaves. Since I only heated the embossed leaves LIGHTLY on the edges, they go well as the 1st layer. They're flatter.

Add with the hot glue gun.



Then lay out your second layer and start gluing. This shows the beautiful Bottle Green here and there.

Make sure to leave just a single layer at the top where the bow will go.



Add your bells and berry pieces with the hot glue.



The bow is tied and added to the top for the finishing touch!

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial. It really doesn't take a lot of time to make this wreath, seriously.

I put it together if a few hours.
So give it a try, and put your own spin on it.

Have a great week.

We'll draw for the winner later this week, so don't forget to add your comment to the previous GIVEAWAY post.

I found some more goodies to add to the package. When you open a drawer here, and there's always something new you've forgotten about!

Linda

32 comments:

Helen said...

it is really beautiful, Linda and will grace your home. have a fabulous Christmas.

misteejay said...

Thank you so much for sharing this 'how to' - the wreath is beautiful.

Toni xx

cheryl said...

oh Hun this is just brilliant,you are so talented Hun one amazing artist,love to you and your family too Hun,wishing you a wonderful Christmas and new year hugs Cheryl

Gio said...

Thanks for sharing this tutorial. The wrath is so gorgeous!

Elaine A said...

Hi Linda -

Love the wreath, what a great project. Love the fact that you've used recycled packaging too. The colors are amazing. Thanks for posting the tutorial for us.
By the way, I'm guessing your a crime show addict like me - LOL! 12 point match - LOL!!

Elaine Allen

Art By Wanda said...

Beautiful wreath!!!! Thank you for the wonderful tutorial!!!!

marymac said...

I would love to have this hanging on my door. I guess I better get my inks out.

Stampin2day said...

This wreath is gorgeous! Thank you for the tutorial! Putting this on my "must do" list!

SusanK said...

Beautiful!!! And I have plenty of packaging to use..I bet I could make one for everyone on our street! lol

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous wreath! Just stopped by after a long hiatus from visiting the site (internet problems since BEFORE Thanksgiving!!) and now, 1 1/2 hours later, I'm gonna get back to crossing chores off my list. Thanks for the creative break!!!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous!! Thanks for the deets!

Lori said...

Gorgeous, Linda! Thanks for sharing, it looks fairly simple to do... lol.. now just to find the time... great use for the packaging too! I have a whole bag full of it!lol

Pam Perry said...

Beautiful wreath, Linda! Love the colors and the extra touch of the bells. Off to cut some holly!
Merry Christmas!!

slbt17 said...

beautiful Linda ... I know what I am making my husband next year .... He loves wreaths and this is beautiful!
Thanks for the directions -
Sandra ltb

Lynne Forsythe said...

ahhhhh.....my CREATIVE ~ GREEN ~ CREATIVE FRIEND!! thanks for the tut!!!

Daniele said...

wow what a stunning wreath, love the embossed holly leaves
hugs

Linda said...

Linda - your work is just amazing and inspiring and doable .... what a great tutorial ... who wouldn't want one of these wreaths? Love the idea of recycling the plastic packaging material. Why didn't I think of that. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

Linda

Candy C said...

Look at you...you smarty pants!! What a clever idea!!! Thanks for sharing it with all of us!!! It's way cute!!! <3 Candy

Marjie Kemper said...

This is so totally gorgeous! Thanks for showing the steps, especially that great embossing idea for the leaves. Happy & Merry to you and yours!

Marijane said...

Lovely, festive wreath and it didn't seem too difficult. Great idea putting the leaves in the texture fade. The variations on this theme could be endless by varying the ink colors, texture folders, and even using different leaf shapes, flower shapes, etc. Cooooooooooooooooooool!

sandysewin said...

Ooooooo, that is so pretty! I have most everything to make it, except the holly die. Hmmmmm..... do I want to be hand cutting all those?

Thanks for the great tutorial and the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Love the wreath. The way you did the holly looks so easy, I will have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

2amscrapper said...

amazing project---it looks fantastic, Linda!

Mary Luxa said...

Oh, Linda - thank you soooo much!! I had wanted to do a wreath this year with paper stuff, but hadn't been able to think of anything. This is perfect!!! What a wonderful tutorial.

Barbara said...

I love the wreath and the techniques behind it. I, too, have a drawer full of plastic packaging from the products that sneak into my craft room!

Thanks for the tutorial and for the chance to win!

Barbara in FLA

Leslie said...

Linda your wreath is beautiful. I've been saving all my plastic packaging and have Tim's die so guess I will give this a try. Thanks for sharing!

jaclee said...

thank you for sharing "how to" for such a great project!

Electra said...

Wow. Gorgeous!

Jen Crossley said...

Linda this is just sensational what a awesome wreath I'm totally amazed

Wilma said...

Love this sensational wreath! Thanks for the tutorial!!

Shelly Hickox said...

I love this, Linda! Beautiful work!

Anonymous said...

Linda it's just goregeous