Another of the projects that I’ve wanted to tackle forever has made it to completion.  There’s a beautiful wreath on page 92 of the Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog made with the Leaves #2 Originals die (113459, $15.95).  I had my own color scheme in mind, and over the past couple of weeks I’ve cut out leaves and figured out what to use for a form.  I finally took a big breath and starting attaching the leaves to the base.  I often get stuck at that commitment point – my idea seems so clear in my head, and I get all the components ready to go, but putting the project together makes my fingers go all shaky.

Yesterday the wreath came into being and I am very pleased with the results.

• Big Shot, Sizzix Leaves #2 Originals Die, and Stampin’ Up! Backgrounds 1 Texturz plates
• So Saffron, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, and Soft Suede cardstock
• Thoroughly Modern, Old Olive Patterns, and a retired Designer Series Paper
• 12″ Wire wreath form, cheesecloth, hot glue and gun, and purchased Gold 1 1/2″ wire edge ribbon

Here are the basic construction steps:

1. Wrap cheesecloth around the wire frame and secure with loose basting stitches
2. Cut 24 sheets of leaves (4 leaves per sheet)
3. Attach leaves to outside edge of wreath, one at a time, using hot glue and overlapping
4. Repeat process for inside edge of wreath
5. Fill in the center of the wreath, balancing for shape and color
6. Attach ribbon and bow; hang wreath and admire!

Here’s what the wreath form looked like before the leaves went on:

I hope you’re inspired – it was much easier than I thought it would be.  It’s a great way to use up those odd sheets of Designer Series papers, too, as each page yields 4 sheets of leaves.  Now pull out that Big Shot and get crankin’!!