Wreath Tutorial with Deer Butt

This project didn't start out to be a tutorial, but we decided to go ahead and make it into one))) It's a wreath we created for a dear friend who is in rehab recovering from a cerebral bleed. Supplies: XX7504W4 24" Burlap Pencil Wreath RR800118 10" Natural Paper Mesh (2) MD0205 Reindeer Butt & Antlers RG1693R9 2.5" Red Bandana Ribbon RG1690NY 2.5" Cow Hide Print Ivory/Black RG1212E1 2.5" Faded Blue Jean Wreath Construction: The basic 10" ruffle technique was used. Paper mesh is 10" in width; 10 yards in length. It took more than one roll, but not all of the second roll to complete this wreath. Pieces were cut 10" in length yielding a 10" x 10" square. Paper was gathered up through the center (selvage edges to outside) and pinched into a "ruffle" Three ruffles were placed in each twist starting on the outside. Three of the paper ruffles is pretty bulky, so you probably could get by with two layers. We use a 24" x 36" self healing Omnigrid Cutting Mat and a 45mm Omnigrid Rotary Cutter (these are available at Amazon and we have included our affiliate links.) Once the outer ring was done, we applied the same clusters of three ruffles to the inner ring. Paper mesh or any other sort of woven poly, paper or jute material will ravel. Plan on having to clip strings and sometimes it is better to clip versus pull strings. We have been experimenting with product to help reduce raveling and have found that spraying the paper mesh edges (cut and uncut) with Elmer's Craft Bond Spray Adhesive does help reduce the raveling. It's a messy job and you may want to wear gloves and do it outside. Just spray the edges lightly. It will be become tacky quickly. Be sure to gently separate the ruffles once they are spray to help keep them from sticking together. You will generate some strings while you are separating the ruffles, but you can clip them once the wreath has dried. Drying time will depend on the environment. Just let the wreath dry before proceeding to decorating it. Next we attached the reindeer butt and antlers. This really wasn't a Christmas wreath, so the reindeer had to suffice for a regular deer))) Both the butt and antlers have wires that you can use to attach to the work wreath frame. Just position as desired and attach with the wires. The antlers were brought up through the backside of the wreath between the two wire rings and secured with zip ties. The zip ties made them more secure, plus helped to keep the antlers from tilting forward. Next we made ribbon strips in lengths of 12" It's always a good practice to test the size strip you need before you start cutting up your ribbon. You can chevron the ends of your ribbon or just finish them off with an angle cut. Layer your ribbon strips in any desired combination, but do lay narrow ribbons on top of wider ribbons. Pinch the ribbons in the center and open a twist on the wreath (making sure your ruffles stay in place). Place the ribbon cluster down on top of the ruffles and re-secure the twist. You can give the twist 3-4 turns now since this is the last embellishment to be added. We were going to use the 4" chalkboard ribbon to make a banner that said "A Butt Lives Here" but since there was another patient in the room, we decided to leave that off)))) Clip strings for a last time, fluff your ribbons and check the back of your wreath. Have someone else hold the wreath so you can check the back. You don't want to lay the wreath face down or it will crush the paper ruffles. Check for any sharp edges from zip ties or chenille stems and turn them to the inside or cover with tape so they won't scratch your door or wall. You can make a hanger for the wreath by putting two large zip ties together. You could also add a big bow between the butt and antlers if you like. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you won't miss our next tutorial coming out)) Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save