Teapot Tuesday & Techniques - Christmas Wreath

After seeing someone make a wreath using this punch, I had to have it. So I bought one - about eight years ago! I've used it for other things... a sprig here and there in flower arrangements on cards. But never for what I bought it for... until Virtual Stamp Night last weekend on Splitcoast Stampers.  

Our theme was Here Comes the Sun. Our first challenge was to showcase a circle on the front of our card.  Before I go any further, let me explain that I usually try to use as many of the VSN challenges as possible to do my Christmas cards. Not participating last year is why I was scrambling in December to get cards done. Not this year!

A Wreath is a Circle so I thought this was the time to dive into the wreath made from this bough punch. My card made Favorite of the Week on Splitcoast. I think, partly, because everyone thought the card was complicated. From what I understand, people are gluing EACH INDIVDUAL bough into place. Um.. there is an easier way.

Step 1: Cut a circle base.

I used Circle #2 and #3 from the Spellbinders Circles. #3 cut the large base, then #2 cut the center out, leaving me a frame.  This is a great way to use up scraps!

Step 2: Punch out bunches of boughs in 2 different shades of green. This adds depth to your wreath, without having loads of layers. I punched about 100 from each shade while I was watching YouTube craft videos.

You will also see the glue I used. I bought this bottle at $ Tree:

Step 3: use a removable glue dot and adhere the frame to your craft mat. Then run a bead of glue on the perimeter  of the base. Then apply your first layer of boughs. I used 9-10. If I'd spread them out a bit farther, probably 12.

I suggest letting this set up just a bit before moving on to Step 4. You do not have to, but it does help prevent you pulling boughs back up with your slightly sticky fingers. 

Step 4: Apply dots of the glue in various places around the first layer. Then lay in your alternate shade of boughs. As you do, tuck them under each other and give them a slight press into the glue. The glue is going to dry clear so no worries.

Here you can see my glue dots ready for the next layer.

I set 6 frames out on my craft mat to production line the process:

When all was said and done, this is the card I finished with:

I uses Recollections cardstock in white and a grass green. The white mat is done with the Swirling Snow embossing folder (Darice) The bow is punched from glitter cardstock from SU using their Festive Wreath die. Since doing this card, I've gone back and added 3 dots of Red glitter stickles in a cluster at points around the wreath for berries as well as a dot at the base of each of those little 3-leaf points on the bracket of the sentiment to bring everything together. 

Next Thursday, Challenge #2 was all about Symmetry and replicating the sun's rays. 

Creative Blessings!

Kelly