Burlap Wreath DIY Close Ups

Most commonly made of pine gathered and fastened in a ring, the wreath has a history of symbolizing strength, as the evergreen lasts through even the harshest of winters. May we be reminded to stand strong like the evergreen-- living our lives as women of strength and dignity. Knowing we can make it through the harshest times to enjoy growth and new life.

This past fall, I made a wreath. It was posted so quickly amidst a blogging break and the Thanksgiving holiday, that you actually may have missed it. This little wreath never did quite get the love it should have. And since I've been lacking in the DIY department lately (which is probably bumming a lot of you out), I've decided its time to share the archived photos of when I put together this pretty burlap wreath. The tradition of wreaths and wreath making take root from the autumn and winter months, but I actually really like this particular one as a spring and summer wreath too. The chevron burlap and the white lace add a touch of lightness to it. Why make it stay in a box half the year, am I right?

This style of wreath is simple and easy to make, and would be super cute as decor at a bridal or baby shower. Or behind a door or chair back. It really can be made with any fabric of your choosing, even with brown paper bags as a children's activity. Originally, I shared this DIY over at Darling Magazine. Scroll down and enjoy some up close photographs and step by steps, and check out the original article here. Happy weekend, lovelies!

What you need

Wreath base   |   Burlap, fabric, or brown paper bags   |   Scissors   |   Hot glue gun 

 Hot glue sticks   |   Ribbon or lace (about 2 ft for hanging your wreath)

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Step 1 Using your scissors, cut out leaf shapes from your burlap (or from your brown paper bags or fabric if this is the material you chose for your wreath). The leaf shapes can range from 1"-3" and should be more oblong in shape. The size and thickness of your wreath base will determine the amount of burlap or fabric leaves that you need.

Step 2 Starting on the outer part of the wreath base, hot glue a leaf shaped piece in place. Secure your burlap with a pea sized amount from your glue gun. As you glue and layer on more "leaves", they will stay securely in place. Repeat this step, glueing leaves onto the outer part of your wreath, and slightly overlapping the fabric pieces as you glue each piece.

Step 3 Begin layering on more pieces. Glue your "leaves" working from the outer part of the wreath base to the inner part. Focus on small sections at a time. Layer the fabric pieces gradually so that a portion of the leaves under each new piece peeks through for texture. Continue this around the entire wreath base.

Step 4 Once your wreath base if fully covered with your fabric leaves, add a bit more texture to the inner part of the wreath and any areas that may seem bare. Take a fabric piece and hot glue a pea sized amount directly in the middle of the oblong shape. Fold up the bottom of the fabric and press the it to the glue so that the bottom edge is just below the top edge of the "leaf". You will have a folded leaf shape that you then can glue to the inner portion of the wreath, adding a bit more texture. Add as many as needed to look full and complete.

Step 5 Glue the additional folded leaves that you made in Step 4 to areas on your wreath that may seem bare. This will help add fullness and more texture to your wreath.

Step 6 Snip your ribbon or lace to a length that is perfect for hanging your wreath. Loop the material around the top of your wreath. Find the perfect place in your home to hang it, wrap your wreath up as a gift, or use as decor at a spring or summer event!