One skill that can help most anyone bring a touch of whimsy to a home is creating a swag or wreath. Wreaths are round door decorations, while swags are inverted bouquets that can be a great option for those with double doors or to hang from light fixtures on either side of a door.
Here is a guide to making either option for autumn, although the colors and embellishments can easily be customized for any occasion.
Make a Swag
1.
To create this swag, I started with a leafy branch called copper beach, which was already preserved and systemically dyed, meaning it absorbed color through its stem.
2.
I then layered a couple artificial branches with berry, leaf and pumpkin embellishments on top of the copper beach natural branch. These predone stems are known in the floral industry as “picks.” I layered another, smaller copper beach branch on top of that.
3.
Next, I added in a couple artificial stems of rudbeckia for a punch of vibrant fall color. The bendable stems make it easy to weave the flowers in between branches. Then I took a guidewire and twisted it around everything I had assembled so far to keep the materials in place.
4.
I left the ends of the guidewire long, layering on another bunch of rudbeckia plus one of my fall favorites, bittersweet. Add the bittersweet toward the end so that the dynamic vines can be twisted outward for more dimension. I used silk bittersweet for this swag. I also added another branch of copper beach. Twist the guidewire once more to secure everything.
5.
Add another guidewire an inch or two above the first for hanging. Twist it in the front first, then bring it around the back, give it a couple firm twists at the base, and then twist again at the top to make a loop.
Make a Bow
6.
Now it is time for the bow. I used five 3-yard lengths of four different ribbons for this arrangement — a beautiful double-sided blue and gold, a double-sided blue and plaid, a translucent antique gold, and a thinner orange ribbon. Using ribbons with wires helps the bow hold its form. Be sure to trim the ends into a dovetail for a polished look. Simply fold the end of the ribbon in half lengthwise and make a diagonal cut toward the center.
7.
Loop the ribbons back and forth repeatedly, twisting the ribbon with each loop while holding the central point with your thumb and forefinger. I started with the smallest ribbon so that it ended up at the front of the bow. Fluff the ribbon and adjust as needed. I ended up adding another, shorter length of blue-and-gold ribbon to the back of the bow.
8.
Use a guidewire to secure the ribbon at the center. Fasten the bow to the swag using the same guidewire, and thread the ribbons through the floral material you already assembled. Now the swag is ready to hang.
Make a Wreath
1.
Wreaths are another fun item that can easily dress up a door for fall. For this project, I started with a grapevine wreath. Always remember, when working with a grapevine wreath, insert the stems somewhat parallel to the wreath, rather than sticking them in straight on, so they stay better. I usually do not use glue for my wreaths.
2.
I started with two garlands of fall leaves, laying them on top of the wreath and inserting the ends into the gaps between the grapevines. Do not get too worked up about the garland placement. The insertions on top will cover any imperfections.
3.
Next, I took three of the premade picks with pumpkins, leaves and berries and inserted them at different points in the wreaths, weaving the stem through the vines. One could easily use four or five picks, if preferred.
4.
I followed that up with small sections of natural branch, this time in a more reddish color. Angle the leaves away from the wreath to provide more volume and allow the layers underneath to show through. Any colors of leaves can be used. I added some yellow ones at the end.
5.
Do not worry too much about filling in the area where the bow will go. The garland base and a couple insertions should provide enough coverage. I put the bow at the bottom to elongate the door and avoid hiding the wreath, but some people prefer to put the bow at the top instead.
6.
I made the bow as before, using the wire in the center to secure it to the wreath. Use another guidewire to make a hook at the top for hanging.
Remember, you can make your seasonal decor however you want. Experiment with all different kinds of leaves, ribbons and accents until you find what speaks to you. Happy fall, y’all!
Chris Norwood and Christina Day-Essary are co-owners of Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock. For more information, visit norwood-day.com.
Photos by Jane Colclasure
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