Wreath Craft, Kalpna Patel. Photo, Erik Putz.
Put your holiday notes to good use with an easy craft project that’s a sentimental—and sustainable—twist on the traditional wreath. Hung on a door or over the mantle, a paper alternative made from used greeting cards keeps wishes from your nearest and dearest close throughout the season. Here, a step-by-step guide to making your own.
Cut a simple leaf shape out of the back of a greeting card. Use it as a template to trace and cut leaves (about 40), taking care to save special design elements and handwritten notes to add a personal touch to your wreath.
Gently score the back of each leaf down the centre with a craft knife, making sure not to cut all the way through the card. Fold the leaves along the cut.
Spread the leaves out in a circle to decide how you want the final arrangement to look. Try grouping similar colours together, or contrasting dark and light designs.
Using plates as guides, trace a large circle (at least 12 inches in diameter) on a piece of cardboard and a second circle within the first one (about an inch smaller).
Poke holes at the top of your base and thread a piece of string, twine, ribbon or yarn through to hang your wreath.
Starting at the top of your base, glue the leaves, working counterclockwise so they overlap.
Find the perfect spot for your wreath and reuse year after year to keep wishes from your friends and family close throughout the season.
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