DIY Network

Hanging Holiday Centerpiece From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-264

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Although designed for Christmas, this wreath can be altered to celebrate holidays throughout the year. Replace the ornament with a painted egg and substiture flowers for the berries to create an Easter wreath just as lovely. Eucalyptus is another festive choice of greenery that also adds a wonderful fragrance.

Designer Kurt Cyr demonstrates his technique for creating a hanging double wreath. This wreath is an excellent way to dress-up a holiday table without taking up valuable table space .

Six 18" lengths of 12-gauge floral wire
22-gauge floral wire
Monofilament (fishing line)
Green floral tape
30 metallic beads
Wire cutters
Needle nose plier
s Rosemary sprigs
Springs of bright berries or small flowers
3 yards of decorative ribbon
Decorative ornament

1. First, begin by building the larger frame for the outer wreath. This frame will use four 12-gauge wire lengths. Start by measuring 2" from each end of two wire lengths. Bend the ends to 90 degrees in the same direction to form the tabs that will secure wreaths' sides.

2. Then, secure two straight lengths of wire to one of the bracket-shaped pieces by wrapping them with 22-gauge floral. Repeat process with remaining bracket-shaped wire and wrap all exposed wire with floral tape to create a rectangle measuring 14" x 18".

3. To build the smaller frame, bend the remaining two 12-gauge wire lengths into J-shapes. Each side should be bent perpendicular to its neighbor. (Long side should measure 10", the next should be 6", and the tab should be 2".)

4. Secure the 2" side of one wire to the 10" side of the other by wrapping with 22-gauge floral wire. Repeat for other two ends and wrap all exposed wire with floral tape to create a rectangular shape measuring 6" x 10".

5. To create beaded berry bunches, thread a metallic bead onto a 12" length of 22-gauge floral wire. Twist wire to secure and continue to twist until there is 1/2" twisted wire above each. Continue threading and twisting until a clump of 3-4 beads has formed. Twist off the remaining wire lengths for that each bunch has one stem. Repeat process to create a second bunch.

6. Secure sprigs of rosemary or other greenery to both frames with 22-gauge floral wire.

7. Cut 6" length of monofilament and tie smaller wreath to center of large wreath (there should be about 4" equal distance on each side of the smaller wreath).

8. Beginning with smaller wreath, knot the monofilament and pull tight. Keep the smaller wreath positioned in the center of the larger wreath and knot monofilament to center of the short side of the larger wreath. The smaller wreath should swing freely.

9. Secure decorative ribbon to larger wreath and hanging.

10. While wreath is hanging, attached berry bunches— both real and metallic beaded— to the desired areas, attaching with 22-gauge wire.

11. Cut another length of monofilament and use to suspend ornament in the center of the smaller wreath by knotting filament to the top of the smaller wreath.

12. Hang wreath as desired.

RESOURCES :

Centerpieces Through the Year
Author: Kurt Cyr
(2000)
Finkelstein & Fink Publishing

GUESTS :

Kurt Cyr
Author/Interior Design & Decoration
Cyr is the author of Centerpieces Through the Year. See Resources for information on the book.
Phone: 818-881-0006
Website: www.kurtcyr.com