This diy comes from www.bystephanielynn.com . This could be used all year long, almost anywhere that you would want to put it. Just a real nice project to add some decor to your home or apartment.
How to Make a Preserved Boxwood Wreath Topiary
I love the classic look of wreath topiaries not only for the holidays, but throughout the year, and boxwood is one of my favorites. A quick web search will show just how expensive some of the pre-made versions can be, however with a few supplies you can easily create your own, even if you don't have a lush boxwood bush right in your backyard.
Materials Needed:
Fresh Cut Boxwood Tips
Foam Wreath
Wooden Dowel
Floral Wire
Floral Foam
Vase or Container
Additional Supplies Needed:
Scissors, pruning shears
{optional} If you would like to preserve your box wood stems you will also need an extra container, glycerine and water.
If you are not lucky enough to have mature boxwood plants right in your own backyard, fresh cut tips can be purchased right from your local nursery or even Home Depot this time of year. A 1lb bunch only cost around $5.00 and will give you more than enough cuttings for a 10 inch wreath form.
If you want your wreath topiary to extend past the holiday season the cuttings will need to be preserved prior to making the wreath; as preserved boxwood can last for quite a long time. To do this mix one part glycerine
with 2 parts water in a small container. To help the stems absorb the mixture, re-cut a quarter inch from the bottom of each branch, and place them in the solution for at least two weeks. You may need to replenish the solution as it evaporates.If you decide not to go the preserved route I would suggest to at least soak the cuttings in a container of warm water for at least 24 hours prior to making the wreath.
To help conceal any open spaces the wreath form used should be green. I purchased the 10 inch foam form used for this project at the dollar store, however any forma can be spray painted green as well.
To prepare the wreath form cut a wooden dowel the length needed to fit into the container you will be using. {the dowel should be long enough to touch the bottom of the container} Stick the dowel into the side of the foam wreath form - If it is loose, a little hot glue can be used to secure in place.
Begin by placing three to four boxwood cuttings on the wreath form and secure them in place with floral wire. The initial round of cuttings should cover the top and both sides of wreath fairly well.
After securing the ends of the stems, bend the cuttings around the wreath form and secure a second time with more wire, as shown above. The very tops of the cuttings should be left unsecured at this point. {see below}
Take the next three to four cuttings and slide them under the tops of the first layer, then secure in place as above.
Continue until the entire wreath form is covered.
Turn the wreath over and trim the floral wire, tucking the ends down so they do not snag anything. The same process as above can be used to cover the back of the wreath if desired.
Tuck in additional cuttings to cover any wire that may be showing.
Wrapping the entire wreath only takes about twenty minutes to complete and it is a really simple process.
To finish, cut a piece of floral foam to fit into the container you will be using. Stick the dowel through the foam to secure into place.
The topiary can be decorated with ribbon or ornaments or left natural for a classic look that can be used year round.
I hope you have been inspired to bring a little of the outdoors inside this holiday season.
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