I haven't made a wreath in a while as I have been working in my gardens.If you enjoy gardening I have a few posts I will be sharing on a variety of gardening topics in the upcoming weeks.I live in Texas and the temperatures are creeping up into the 90's so I will be back to creating more inside rather than outside.I have had this Summer Coastal Wreath on my mind for the last few weeks.While on my recent trip to the seashore I picked up all sorts of treasures, none of them were living not even the perfectly intact tiny sea urchin shell nor the sand dollar, they just washed up on the shore and there they were waiting for me.I did a little happy dance and then grabbed for them just before the foaming tide came in and tried to claim them back to the sea.I tucked my treasures from the sea in plastic bags and cushioned them in-between my clothing in the suitcase then made a little wish that they would make it through the USDA check and then home with out being broken.To my joy, not one single solitary sea treasure was confiscated and not one thing was broken!Smiles around at my home!
I imagine many of you will be taking Summer trips to the seashore this year, so I am happy to be able to share with you a creative way to take those priceless finds and incorporate them into a lasting Summer Coastal Wreath. This wreath serves double duty as a great memory keepsake of Summertime adventures no matter where and what you do this Summer! I am a little dissapointed in the way the sea glass looks in these photos, as I think it looks out of place, but in the actual scheme of things it blends in very nicely.I just couldn't leave the sea glass off, it was one of my favorite finds.I have provided some diagrams for you to follow as sort of a pattern and then you can customize it to your liking!
Coastal Summer Wreath Supplies
- 20 inch Grapevine Wreath
- 3 Star Fish
- Dried Moss, Basil & Grass
- Dried Bell Cups
- Assorted Sea Shells, Sea Urchins, Sand Dollars...etc.( you can also purchase them at craft stores)
- Sea Glass
- Wire Edge Ribbon
- Hot Glue Gun/Glue Sticks (this project requires a whole lot of hot gluing)
- Scissors
- Florist Wire
- Florist Wire Cutters
- Mossy Peel n' Stick Mat
My craft room doubles as my Laundry room so I like to keep the counters as tidy as possible which when working with dried products and moss is nearly impossible.So I always cover my work area with a towel or clean old rug. You will be working with hot glue so be very careful.
Basic Steps for Making Coastal Wreath
- -Hot glue Sea Glass onto Bell Cups and sea shells and set aside.
- -Cut Mossy Mat into even sections, peel off back of moss and place on grapevine wreath and press into place.
- -Using florist wire trim dried grass into desired length and then divide into 6 bunches.
- -Wrap wire around the dried grass bunch and wire to grapevine wreath.
- -Hot glue small clumps of dried moss into place.
- -Separate dried basil and carefully place into open spaces on grapevine wreath.
- -Begin layering sea shells.
- -Make bow and then secure it to the side with florist wire.
This Summer Coastal Wreath took about 4 hours and even though I did become a little tired of gluing, I relived the entire trip all over again, so it was well worth it!
Thank you so much for joining me today and have a wonderful weekend!
Coastal Summer Wreath Supplies
Hi Jemma.. what a beautiful wreath packed with wonderful memories. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend to you Katie! Thank you too:)
DeleteI was just thinking about when you were going to make a summer wreath and here it is! You did not disappoint. It's lovely!
ReplyDeleteHere it is Doreen and this would be a perfect way to save all of those glorious seashells you will be collecting on your walks along the coast:) I am so happy for you! Thank you too:)
DeleteVery creative and so pretty! I love how it is a keepsake for you from your trip.
ReplyDeleteThanks my friend! Every-time I go out the front door I am reminded of salt air, fun and love!:)
DeleteSuch a beautiful reminder of a special trip! Lovely!Enjoy your long weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Laura! Happy Memorial Day weekend to you!
DeletePretty wreath, Jemma. I know EXACTLY how you felt about your found sea treasures getting through USDA and not getting broken. I have felt that many times when traveling across borders. I've always boiled my treasures before toting them (as if they would ever know that going through customs, lol). Love the idea of keeping the memories on the creation. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteRita
Lovely wreath dear Jemma. So glad your treasures made it home. Loving the colors and I can imagine they look prettier in person. Have a glorious Holiday weekend. xo
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty, Jemma. I love that you used little goodies that will help you remember the special times.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! My creativity does not seem to extend to things like wreathes or floral arrangements.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Oh, how pretty! You are so creative and such a blessing! God bless you with a great weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so fun Jemma - Love how you incorporated the moss with dried greens.. keeping the ocean alive in your heart is a good thing... Growing up near the water...well lets just say I get it.... God designed nature with such perfection and as I get older I'm understanding why..
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Carole
Big pretty here, Jemma. I love it when you go "wreathing." It always inspires me to dig out one I don't much like and have at it again with something new!
ReplyDeleteLOVE THIS!!! I was looking for ideas of crafting with shells because I have 5 boxes of all sized shells that I got from a neighbor who lived in Miami and used to collect them. After the 4th of July when I take down my Patriotic decor, I was thinking of doing a Beach Tree and have a beach theme in the Living Room! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Deb
Your coastal summer wreath is just right for the summer months, Jemma. How fun that you collected some of the sea shells on your recent trip, and now you have this fun wreath to remember your special trip. You did a fantastic job on it. I love the aqua and soft yellow star fish.
ReplyDeleteHappy Memorial Day weekend, dear one.
love, ~Sheri
Beautiful, Jemma. I love at the beach and as you can imagine, I have tons of shells, beach glass and the like. I have never thought about using them in a wreath...until now. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI love it Jemma! Not only do you have a great way to enjoy your treasures but you also have the perfect memento of your trip. And it's a wonderful summery wreath!
ReplyDeleteWow, loving all the elements you added. You really amped it up with all te great stuff you added. I've been doing the same outside, so a new wreath is on my "hope to do list".
ReplyDelete