fbpx

Ruched Ribbon Garland for Wreaths

In an excerpt from her book, Wreaths: With How-To Instructions, Laura Dowling shares step-by-step instructions for a versatile ribbon garland base for wreaths
ruched ribbon galrand, Laura Dowling wreaths

Laura Dowling shows how to make a ruched ribbon garland base for wreaths in this excerpt from her book, Wreaths: With How-To Instructions (Stichting Kunstboak, 2018).

The base layer is the foundation of the wreath that can be made from a variety of materials: evergreens, folded leaves, burlap, ribbons and paper. Much like a mat that goes underneath an area rug, the base layer creates a textured backdrop for lifting and supporting the materials on the wreath, preventing them from slipping. In this case, the base layer also adds color, complementing the design and coordinating with the fruit, vegetable and flower elements.

RUCHED RIBBON GARLAND

ruched ribbon garland for wreaths
This technique is a fundamental key to the overall look – not only does it provide dynamic color and texture, it is perhaps the best method for supporting the materials and framing the wreath. The ruched ribbon is basically a one-sided ribbon garland that results in textured loops. It can be made from various widths and finishes (e.g., satin, burlap, etc.) and can be re-used again and again. For the festive and wintry reindeer wreath pictured at left, I used faux fur ribbon as the backdrop for the silver bauble and acorn design. Here’s how to create the ruched ribbon garland:

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

1½–3 inch ribbon (e.g., satin, burlap, mesh, etc.)

Bullion wire  •  Scissors  •  Wire cutters  •  Wreath form

HOW-TO INSTRUCTIONS

Click the arrows (or swipe if on a mobile device) to see more

1. Holding the bullion wire in one hand, create a 1-inch loop with the other.
2. Wrap the bullion wire tightly around the base of the loop as close to the base as possible.
3. Wrap the wire around the loop, going around twice or 3 times.
4. Holding the loop with the ribbon extending behind it, make another loop as close to the original loop as possible. Wrap the bullion wire around tightly to secure.
5. Continue making a garland of loops in this manner until there is enough material to cover the top and sides of the wreath.
6. Add the ruched ribbon to the wreath frame, tying the sides with bullion wire, working around the wreath until the form is covered.
lime wreath, Laura Dowling wreaths
This technique is used with emerald green ribbon to create Dowling's Lime Wreath with Holly and Berries.
TIP: Work evenly and precisely for best effect. If done correctly, the underside of the garland will resemble a textured pattern.

Excerpt from Wreaths: With How-To Tutorials by Laura Dowling (Stichting Kunstboak, 2018)

laura dowling wreaths book

MORE FROM LAURA DOWLING

MORE WREATHS FOR HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND

TRENDING NOW

As Ye Sow: Saving and Planting Poppy Seeds

“It’s like shaking pepper out of a shaker. It’s that simple,” writes gardener Mary Walton Upchurch of the seeds saved from dried poppy pods. Sow your own poppy seeds this fall, and reap the benefits year after year.

Zinnia Flower Arrangements We Love

From simple handpicked bouquets to artistic masterpieces, easy-to-grow zinnia flowers shine in seasonal arrangements from late summer through early autumn.

Growing Orchids at Home

Becky Brinkman, the Fuqua Orchid Center Manager for the Atlanta Botanical Garden, shares tips for selecting healthy orchid plants, growing them at home, and daily care of your orchids

Easy, DIY Flower Crown

Flower magazine’s Jessica Cohen shows how to make a simple, fresh, flower crown with step-by-step instructions. This easy design only takes about 10 minutes to create and is ideal for parties, festivals, or weddings

Share