Today let’s make a pretty Cardinal Winter Wreath. It’s an easy way to decorate post-holidays, all the way through the winter season. You can use any greenery or floral accents you have on hand or pick some up at a local craft supply store. Let’s get making!
Hey everyone! I’m new here and excited to be part of the Bowdabra Design Team. My name is Amanda Lawrence and I’m the owner of Whimsy Wreath Design Company. I’m thrilled to be part of this fantastic team, and I absolutely love all my Bowdabra products! I have been using the Bowdabra bow maker for several years now. It is the best and easiest way to make a beautiful bow!
12” Grapevine Wreath
1.5 yards of 2.5” Cardinal Cottage Ribbon
1 Dark Red Silk Flower (I used a large rose)
Assorted Winter Greenery
Silver Berry Pick
Assorted Red Berries
Pinecones
1 Pipe Cleaner in color to match your wreath
Glue Gun
First, cut a piece of Bowdabra wire, fold it in half, place it in the large Bowdabra and tuck the ends under. Measure 7” of the Cardinal Cottage Ribbon and place the Bowdabra. Twist the center and press down.
Next, make a 5-inch loop of the ribbon, twist it, and press it into the center of the Bowdabra.
Repeat on the other side of the Bowdabra. Measure a 5-inch loop, twist, and press the middle into the Bowdabra.
At this point, you will have two complete loops in the Bowdabra. Repeat steps 2-5 to make two more 5” loops on each side, twisting and pressing the center into the Bowdabra. Lay the second loop on top of the first one.
The ribbon will now be on the opposite side of the Bowdabra from where you started. Measure 7 inches and cut the ribbon, so there is a second tail on the opposite side of your first tail.
Now, use the Bowdabra wand, press down on the wand, and fluff the loops so they stand up on their own. This will help the bow stay in shape when you place it on the wreath. Dovetail the ends of the ribbon.
Finally, remove the wand, then place the end of the Bowdabra wire that has two ends through the loop end to make a slipknot. Pull your bow out of the Bowdabra while securing the wire to tighten around the bow. Once the bow is out, I like adding a double knot to the wire to give it extra security.
Trim the wire to about 2 inches from the center of the bow. Take your pipe cleaner, fold it in half, and put the middle of the pipe cleaner in the middle of the front of your bow. Hold the middle with your thumb, then bring the open ends of the pipe cleaner to the back and pull and twist your bow to secure the pipe cleaner around the back of the bow.
Next, get your grapevine wreath and choose where you want to put your bow. I like to put it in the top left corner, but you can place it where you’d like. When you have a spot, put the two ends of the pipe cleaners through the grapevine wreath, turn it over, and twist to secure your bow to the wreath. Trim the excess pipe cleaner after twisting and tucking the ends in.
10-Flip the wreath over and arrange the loops and tails of your bow to your liking. Choose the placement for your large red flower, then use your glue gun to secure it to the wreath. Poke the back stem of the flower through the grapevine.
11-Now, decide where to put your greenery and hot glue into place. Follow the greenery with your silver berries, red berries, and pinecone. Secure all with hot glue.
12-Rearrange everyone one last time to add your finishing touches and decide where you want to hang your gorgeous new Winter Cardinal Cottage Wreath.
Thanks for joining me on my first Bowdabra blog post! I can’t wait to make regular designs using all of the fantastic products Bowdabra has to offer.
