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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

More linen love: A Linen Wreath



Well, you might already know I love linen, and if you didn't know it, you know it now. (Wink.)

SO...Ever since I made a burlap wreath this past winter, modeled after how my friend Jen at Candlelit Cottage did hers, I have been thinking about using this same idea, only with linen. (Of course!) The original idea was to use an wire hanger and feed the burlap through it. But the whole time I was doing it, I kept thinking how beautiful it would look with linen...

Now I know that burlap has holes in its weave, which makes it a natural for this project. BUT linen is more loosely woven than many fabrics...and the amazing thing is, this actually works!





What you will need:

A wire hanger

Pliers

Wire cutters (I used vise grips. Whatever you use, they just need to be strong enough to cut a hanger!)

Linen, or linen "look alike"~ about 2-4 yards, depending.

Ribbon or fabric for ribbon (optional)

I will admit, it was taking so much fabric to make this I didn't know if I should even share this, as it could potentially get quite expensive. Then I thought of something: if you use a coupon or buy linen on sale at Joann's for example, it is cheaper, about 7.50 a yard if you can get it half off. BUT, if you buy the linen "look-alike" they sell, and use a coupon, it is only about 3.75 a yard. And who would ever know it was "fake" linen, with it torn into strips for this wreath? :) So I decided to show you this after all!
Now I'm all about details, so this little tutorial might seem a bit overkill for a simple wreath; but if there is any thing that drives me crazy, it's a two sentence description of how to do something.

(Small disclaimer here: most of these pictures are not as nice as I would have liked. Our dark, rainy weather was not cooperating.)

For a nice, full wreath, make sure to wash your fabric, and tumble dry. For this project, you actually want wrinkled, crumpled linen! I know it sounds weird, but when you iron it and try to use it for this wreath, it all just kind of flattens together and it doesn't look right.

(This happened to me at first. I was just kind of figuring this out as I went along.)





Rip your fabric into three to four inch width strips. I will admit, tearing linen was a little more work than other fabric, but tearing it gives it even more of a curled, crumpled look.




(I was also still experimenting with the width of the strips as you can see here!)


After using your pliers to open your wire hanger, form it into a circle.






Poke a hole through the center of one end of your first strip of linen.








Just keep poking it through, feeding it onto the hanger into folds.




When the wreath is nice and full, use your wire cutters
(or vise grips!) to cut the hanger if needed and the pliers to bend/tie the ends together, kind of like this:





I put the "tied end" on the side. If it was on the top, all of the fabric wanted to slip toward the bottom. If it was on the bottom, it just didn't look right.





I used a narrow piece of the same linen to make a tie to hang the wreath. It can be easily tucked behind the wreath so you can't see it.




And now you have it: your own linen wreath!





More pictures of the completed wreath, because I have to show at least a few more of the 10,000 pictures I took of it.
(Just in case it was blinking.)











Okay, I think that's probably enough, huh? Yeah...Although I could show you the other 9,994, I will demonstrate self-control here...
;)
So what do you think? Is it ugly? Boring? I'm dying to know your thoughts!

I am linking this to the "For the Love of Wreaths Party" at Domestically Speaking

as well as:

I sure hope you are having a beautiful week so far!

BLESSINGS,

Jenni

83 comments:

  1. Jenni this is absolutely gorgeous! No offense to the orginal wreath maker, but this just blows the other one away. I love the fullness and the size, plus that gray ribbon is the icing! Great job!

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  2. Love, love this idea. I do like burlap but it can get a bit um let's just say "dusty." :) I can't wait to try this idea out. - thank you for sharing!

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  3. I LOVE it! I personally am a horrible wreath maker when it comes to floral, picks, etc. But this is something I might actually be able to do! lol

    And thanks for the overkill, I NEED it!

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  4. okay so luckly i have all the supplies for this project at home already so WooHoo! Easy project, Super cute! thanks for the comment!

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  5. I love love love love!!!!! I can't wait to try it!

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  6. I love this! I bet you could also use canvas painters drop cloths. They are SUPER cheap and rip really nicely.

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  7. I love this!!! So pretty! I am going to share on my FB page!

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  8. That is gorgeous it would look great at my house! Thanks for your kind comment about me not blathering on and on, that made me laugh.

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  9. You could sell these, especially with that gray ribbon. Gray is the big paint color this year with so many bloggers out there (that don't live in the rainy PNW!)

    I think it turned out beautiful Jenni. Just perfect.

    Have a great weekend,
    We are headed to Forks to see all the beautiful Fall Folige and hang out at the ocean with the grand baby.

    Love,
    Me

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  10. I came over from Tatertots and Jello, I find it ironic that of my post and the two above me, we both did wreaths =). Good job.

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  11. My dear, this is FABULOUS!!!

    Kisses from the WhipperChicks

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  12. Oh... lovin' this! I love how full it is. I love the color of ribbon you used with it. SO pretty! :)

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  13. How fun and festive. I don't think I've seen anything like it. Very pretty!

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  14. I love all the new music sheet wreaths out there. I tried one and it was a disaster. This one I could probably do. I love it! Thanks for sharing your talent!

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  15. Love this! The linen really does give it a neat texture, as opposed to muslin or burlap. And the color with the ribbon you chose seems so French to me, so pretty! Cleverly done!

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  16. I think this is fabulous! It's rustic, yet elegant all in one. LOVE the linen look!

    Love your photos too. Nice! I need to be following you. :)

    Donna

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  17. Just saw this today and headed to JoAnn Fabrics. Found the last 2.75 yards of a 100% cotton that looks EXACTLY like linen. Grabbed it, some gray ribbon, 50% off coupon and ran home. Just finished and it looks EXACTLY like yours! I love, love, love it. I put it above my WELCOME vinyl script over my foyer entrance and it looks fab! Thanks for the great idea.

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  18. I think it turned out amazing! Very creative idea and has such a custom look to it!

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  19. I love it! So cute!

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  20. This is downright gorgeous! Thanks for the fab tute! Happily following you... would love for you to check my blog out too (-:
    malia
    www.yesterdayontuesday.com

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  21. Ok, you know how in blogland just about everyone has made a book wreath? Well, I think you just started a new trend with the linen one! It's gorgeous and classy. Love it.

    Yanet

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  22. Hi Jenni. :o)

    I love your linen wreath! Thanks for showing us how you created it, so we can too! :o)

    I hope you have a nice week.

    Sincerely - Trish

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  23. I absolutely love it! You did a wonderful job!

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  24. Thanks for the tutorial...it's a wonderful look. Wonder if a painter's cloth would work as well and be a bit less expensive.

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  25. Der. I deleted your email about my desk-turned-nightstand project and could only reply to you through your blog.

    First, I love your wreath. And I commend you on your biceps. Tearing linen is NOT easy. It's really cute!

    Second, I guess I didn't really understand your question about the desk thingy. My desk didn't have a drawer in the middle, only a little wooden piece of trim, I think it's called an apron. So when I chopped out the middle section, the apron part was sort of glued into a little groove on the side of the desk and I just hammered it until it fell off. So my nightstands do have a couple of grooves on the side that is nearest to the bed, but after I painted it black it was barely noticeable.

    I don't even know if that's what you were asking me. Let me know if I missed the dartboard entirely.

    tara at junkrestore

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  26. Stopping by to let you know I featured this over at Crafts & Sutch. Please stop by and take a peek when you get a chance and grab a featured button too! :)

    Thanks so much for sharing! Have a wonderful week!
    Erin :)

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  27. I love it! I made it in burlap, but it has a completely different look with linen! I hope you are having a good week!...hugs...Debbie

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  28. I shared on my FB fan page...I love this wreath! I need to make one!!

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  29. Hi Jenni, This is one the most fabulous wreaths I have seen. Simply beautiful. I featured this today. Stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Thanks so much for linking to The Sunday Showcase. I greatly appreciate it. Hope you enjoy your week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

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  30. Lovely. Simple. Elegant.

    These words come to mind when I see this! Great job.

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  31. This is beautiful! I love linen and I have a lot of it laying around, I am going to "borrow" your idea. Thanks for the wonderful tutorial!

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  32. This gorgeous! I'm definitely gonna try this one out!
    Simple yet beautiful!
    I'm a new follower!

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  33. Hi hi!! I popped over from Freckled Laundry and I love this!! It is most definately not boring or ugly at all.

    I love, love, love it and will give it a go for sure.

    Thanks so much for sharing this with us all.

    Hugs

    Cath

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  34. This is adorable...so simple in design, but makes such a bold statement.

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  35. This is FANTASTIC!! I have to try one myself now! Thanks for sharing.

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  36. Jenni, this would have to be my favourite project that I have ever come across in Blogland! I am a HUGE linen fan and this wreath is GORGEOUS!!! Well done to you:) Thank you so much for sharing with such a fabulous tutorial, I cannot wait to make one (or two...or three)!! Wishing you a wonderful weekend ~ Tina x

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  37. FABULOUS!! I can't wait to try this myself!!

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  38. This is just gorgeous! I love the color that you chose & what a great tutorial! Would have loved the other 9,994 pics, too :) Thank you for sharing!

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  39. Oh my sooooo beautiful..and I love the colour and love linen!
    Thank you so very much for the tutorial!
    I think I need to go to Fabricland and get that hanger out of my closet!! lol
    :)

    Deborah :)

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  40. i think it is just beautiful. I love your linen color and the lovely ribbon color. Great wreath, for sure!

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  41. I love this wreath!!! I wonder if you could use drop cloth? I have a ton of it and it's washed and wrinkled...I probably can't tear it but I could fray the edges. Thanks for the inspiration!
    Krista

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  42. This is amazingly gorgeous! i'am in ore x

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  43. This wreath is just amazing...I love the colors you choose and I can't wait to give it a try!! I have my coupon and would be running to Joann's if it was open!
    I'll be there first thing in the morning...thank you for the inspiration and so kind of you to give the instructions!
    ~Debbie~

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  44. Thanks for sharing. I'm going to try this out of osnaburg. Can't wait.

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  45. I used your photo (with link to your blog) as inspiration for my Christmas wreath. Just wanted to let you know and say thank you for sharing your creativity!

    Aloha,

    charlie

    Here's my post in case you keep track:
    http://attemptingaloha.blogspot.com/2010/11/blue-and-silver-christmas-day-6-plastic.html

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  46. In L-O-V-E with it !!! I made one for my daughter's room by just tying the fabric around the wreath...but this is oh so much more delicious !!!

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  47. I love this! I wish I had a blog to share it on - maybe Facebook will do - thanks for the great pictures too :) hAndiMom

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  48. I love it! Found you via Tatertots and Jello. Off to try with some white cotton I bought.
    Shannon
    www.akadesign.ca

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  49. I absolutely cannot wait to try this! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  50. Love the look, colors, and the linen! Thanks so much for sharing! I cannot wait to try it! Also, many thanks for emailing me about my wreath. I left a small note of thanks on my post today.. check it out! www.notyourtypicalcrafter.blogspot.com


    Mia

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  51. Love it! Now I'm wishing I still had some of my linen sundresses from the late 90's! :o)

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  52. Fun!!! I can't wait to dig in my linen pile and make this! Your tutorial makes it look so easy! hee hee! I'm a comin' back here for more inspiration, I just found you rabbit trailing!
    :) clare

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  53. I love this garland, thank you for sharing this work :)

    Silvia

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  54. gasp! this is so beautiful!!!

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  55. LOVE it! So cute, it reminds me of a house on the beach at Cape Cod. I think it's officially on my to-do list now. :) Thanks for the tutorial!

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  56. Hi Jenni,

    This wreath is so, so pretty! Just wondering - approximately how many yards did you need to make it? I have some burlap but I'd like to know if I have enough before I start cutting it into strips! Thanks!

    Nan

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  57. Hello, thanks so much for this beautiful idea! IT semms so easy and i will try to realize this week end.
    Desy of Creattivando fromItaly
    I'm a new follower
    http://desidero-creare.blogspot.com

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  58. C'est ravissant!!! merci pour les explications. J'aime beaucoup vitre blog.Je vais le mettre dans mes liens.
    Véro

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  59. found this on pinterest and i absolutely LOVE it. beautiful!

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  60. Just found this on pinterest and it is fab. I am going to try to figure out how to make a larger version to hang above my bed:) Great inspiration

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  61. Love it and cant wait to try it! I also love the step by step directions I need them!

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  62. This is great I am thinking it would be great in a cotton spring fabric colors with a different style bow

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  63. Really love this. Definitely going to make this... I'm not much for crafts but this caught my eye and it would be so cute in my daughters bedroom!

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  64. Made this wreath last weekend. Turned out just a beautiful as the example. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  65. Cute! I know you used 3-4" wide strips but how long we're strips?

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  66. It's gorgeous !! tks a lot Guémalde from Reunion island

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  67. i LOVE IT may just try this this weekend. the linen looks great! love the gray color too.

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  68. For those of you that have made this, approximately how much material is needed?

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  69. To Anonymous~

    About the length of the fabric, I was using a yard here, two yards there, so mine varied. But the length doesn't really matter so much as the width of the strips, because they fold and bunch onto the hanger so that you can't even tell they are different strips of linen. I hope that answers your question! :)

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  70. To Mona Sytsma~

    I wanted to make the wreath look really full, so I used quite a bit of linen. I want to say around three yards, maybe even four yards of linen. {It has been a couple of years, so I'm going by memory here!} I hope this helps some!

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  71. I love this wreath idea! I purchased all of the things to make it, I was just wondering how you cut your hanger? Did you use the whole thing, or cut off the top curvy part?

    Thanks for sharing this!!!
    -Jennifer

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  72. Love it, i will try this. Would you like a picture of my version? Where do i sent it?
    Love Linda, The Netherlands

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  73. I LOVE this wreath. I just bought some fabric to make a wreath like yours. I hope it turns out as pretty. Thanks for sharing this project with us. God bless. Libby

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  74. Jenni Superb tutorial, gorgeous finished wreath. can't wait to try some of the vintage fabric lying in my attic with nothing to do. thanks for the beauty. Blwssings back, Noreen H

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  75. I wld love to try to make this for my niece for a house warming gift but have a few questions.... since your using a hanger you wont be able to hang it right... cause it will sag? Also I don't buy material that often can you be more specific about look alike linen? Thanks for sharing!

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