Making of Wreaths 3

Thin wire may be used to bind the greens to the frame, but I prefer fast-colored florists' thread, No. 6. First fasten the binding thread or wire securely to the frame. Tie on a bunch of greens by pulling the binder tightly around the lower two inches. Four or five turns are sufficient. (Drawing 2)

The wrapping should cover at least an inch of the stem, or the bunch will not remain in place on the frame. The binder is carried around the frame in one continuous piece and is not cut until the wreath is completed. If it is necessary to leave the work before it is finished, the wire or thread may be anchored by pulling it between the frame and the stem ends of the greens. (Drawing 2)
The bunches of greens need not be large or thick. If too much material is put into them, the wreath will be too heavy. Enough should be used so that you cannot see through the wreath, but no more.

The second bunch should overlap the stems of the first. With a little care it is easy to make a continuous line. The size of the final wreath is partly determined by the arrangement of the bunches; if they are set at an angle, the wreath will be larger than if they follow the contour of the frame.

Making a good joint between the last bunch of greens and the first requires care. Here the thread is cut and knotted. This finishing is more easily accomplished if the wreath is turned over.

Beginners tend to pull the greens in the direction in which the binder is pulled. This can be prevented by carrying the thread or wire from inside the center of the hoop out over the top. Work the greens in counter-clock­wise. (Drawing 2) The pulling is then toward you and makes for tighter wreaths, less likely to fall apart as they dry. This also insures a hole in the center of the wreath. If the thread is drawn toward the center, the greens may become a solid mass.

When they are all attached, the wreath is ready for decoration. It is advisable first, however, to hold it to the light or before a mirror to check for weak spots. Defects can often be detected in this way.

If the wreath appears heavier or larger in one section, this should be chosen for the bottom of the finished decoration. Small white pine cones can be wired in to fill gaps or round out the circle.
 

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