Sorry to be gone so long—we’ve been busy, busy putting the finishing touches on our winter issue, due out at the end of the year. (Or you can order your copy online now.)

Among the great projects, inspiration, and DIY ideas, you’ll also find a wreath-making party aimed at brightening up your home after Christmas decorations are packed away. The story includes easy party recipes and directions for making our chevron wreath, but as a sneak peek, we’re going to share how to make the adorable flowers, leaves, and pinecones that take this project to a whole new level of happy.

To create flowers:
1. Cut circles out of felt. Trace a spiral design, beginning at the center of each felt circle, spiraling larger toward the outside. Cut out along the spiral.
2. Beginning at the spiral center, curl the felt in a rose pattern, and hot-glue in place as you go.
3. When flowers are complete, secure on the wreath as desired with hot glue.

To create leaves:

1. Trace small leaves on felt square; cut out.
2. Thread a large embroidery needle with yarn in a contrasting color, and “stitch” each leaf to create a dash pattern.
3. Secure one end of the yarn on the backside of each leaf with hot glue, leaving the other end loose on a few leaves to suspend from the top. For all other leaves, trim yarn, and secure both ends to the backside with hot glue.
4. Attach leaves to wreath with hot glue, tucking under flower petals as desired. [Read more...]