Easter Spring Wreath

The majority of the arts and crafts I create are riffs on something I saw somewhere else. My Spring wreath is no exception.

While browsing the home arts at a local shop (The Barn, if you must know) I saw a wire wreath with butterflies floating on it. I really liked it and knew my papercrafting friend Amy (of Dearie Designs) would be able to help me get my planned replica just right!

While discussing wreath forms, we happened across 3 old frames with very old Anne Geddes type pictures in them. Not our style at all. But they were free and would be more interesting than a more traditional round wreath.

So we popped the glass and pictures out and contemplated how to cover the frame. I had 2 ideas - twine and ribbon.

Then, the twine wrapping commenced. Let's just say that I don't wish this part of the project on anyone. It took me nearly 3 hours (with a few interruptions from the littles) to wrap the entire frame. And I didn't even both with the corners. At the end of the day, I was very happy with how it looked, but will need to use thicker twine next time. Or not be as concerned about having a tight wrap. And I've grown to like the exposed corners.

From there, I used floral wire (about 8 inch pieces) and wrapped one end around a mini clothespin (50 for $1.99) and the other end around the frame. I tried to get it as tight as possible so I'd have more control over the final butterfly placement.

Then, I clipped in die-cut butterflies that I had made with some extra scrapbook paper I had that looked springy. I let Amy pick out the papers that matched each other the best because she has such a great eye for these sorts of things.

A week or so later, one of my other crafty friend's was selling some wire words that she had made and I added a couple of them to my wreath. To me, the words hope and  joy represent the truth of the Easter season. Jesus' death and resurrection are my source of hope and joy in life and I hope you experience them this Easter season as well.

Overall, I am VERY pleased with how this project turned out. I love seeing it on my door every day. And having grown up watching Friends, I've always wanted a frame around the peep hole in my door. :)

I also made one with the frame wrapped in 1" white grosgrain ribbon. This version is for my little girls' bedroom.

My final thought - since the butterflies are just clipped in, I can replace them seasonally with other die cuts:

Summer: flowers & water drops & suns

Fall: leaves & acorns

Winter: snowflakes

Christmas: nativity people die cuts

Will you show me a picture of your Spring or Easter decorations? Leave a link in the comments.