Good Sunday morning. I have a fun white on white window scene with bight pops of color to share with you today. I really love the shape of Susan’s Conservatory Window. I think it is decorative and so perfectly crisp on an all white background. It certainly creates a perfect stage for the mini wreath, stockings and kitty cat.
I have posted a see thru window tutorial that shows the steps create an open window. You can find it here. I thought I would create a step by step tutorial on how I create a mini wreath.
Start with a circle about 3/4”. You can use your circle dies if you wish but I think it is too much trouble for such a small wreath base. I just punch out a circle, cut in about 1/8” and then cut out an inner circle. I finish by gluing the two ends together to complete the circle. You won’t see the uneven cuts after you apply the foliage.
I hate to admit this to you but for all the years I have been making these mini wreaths with the Branch Punch I never thought of the time saving steps I’m about to show you until recently. The branch needs to be smaller for the mini wreaths. I only use the top three sections and cut off the rest. I can’t tell you how many times I have punched whole branches and hand cut off the bottom branches with my snips. One day I grabbed a thin strip of scrap cardstock that I thought was just wide enough to get the size cut I wanted. Ding dong! The doorbell rang in my head and I realized I could save time and energy just by using a strip of paper just wide enough to cut the top section.
Insert your strip of cardstock and place the edge in line with the bottom of the top section and punch. You will need to turn your strip a little sideways in the punch. Punch, punch, punch and you have a nice pile of tiny branches. LOL! I am so slow!
I start the wreath by attaching the first branch straight on the circle.
I attach the second branch turning to the left,
I attach the third branch by turning to the right.
Repeat the rotation-straight, left, right all the way around the wreath circle until you have it totally covered. By rotating you will create a more even design.
I got my wreath a little full and didn’t leave an opening in the center of the wreath but it doesn’t matter. It still works and shows off the tiny decorations. I photographed the wreath with a ruler so you could see how tiny it really is. You can decorate your wreath with any tiny object you have.
I couldn’t resist taking a close-up photo of the tiny embellishments together. I love bright red and green against white for Christmas projects..
I cut two windows, one for the front and one to finish off the inside of the card. I used the window as a template to draw cutting lines and cut it out using my craft knife. I attached the front window with mounting tape for dimension and then attached the inside window with ATG adhesive. I attached the wreath and cat to the window with glossy accents. I used mounting tape on the toe of each stocking to hold them away from the wall and attached them to the window with glossy accents.
Here’s a photo to show how nice and finished the inside window opening is. I punched out another 3/4 circle and attached it to the back of the wreath before attaching so it would look more finished from the inside.
I hope my mini tutorial is a help and that you are encouraged to try one for yourself. You can use any of the punched or die cut foliage you may already have. The wreath in my Saturday post was made using the Pine Sprig Cluster die set branches. I cut those off with my snips to make them fit for the tiny wreath.
Here are links to two larger wreath tutorials that you may want to check out.
Garden Flowers and Foliage Wreath
Here is a link to the Wreath category on my blog that will take you to all of my wreath projects. You may get ideas for how you can use wreaths on your cards or project.
Thank you for stopping by today. I appreciate it and I hope you are enjoying your weekend.
beautiful - all your attention to detail makes a lovely piece of art!
Sandra ltb
Posted by: Sandra ltb | November 17, 2013 at 12:55 AM
What a piece of art! You are just so talented! I am not sure if I can remake this card even with your step by step instructions! I am glad that you will be showing us your creation in the CLASSroom. Maybe one day I can make one half as good as yours!
Posted by: Catherine | November 17, 2013 at 02:31 AM
Gorgeous wreath!! Thank you for showing us how to make on too! I really like the image of the cat gazing out the window -I just want to reach out and pet him!
Posted by: Shelly | November 17, 2013 at 03:10 AM
Beautiful card
It looks so clean and fresh
xxx
Posted by: sue yorkshire | November 17, 2013 at 04:44 AM
Oh, Kittie, this is gorgeous. I could spend all day (weekend) on your blog reading and learning. So inspiring.
Posted by: Stephanie Bonin | November 17, 2013 at 07:42 AM
What a great tutorial....Kittie....you take so much time showing us how to create (hopefully) cards similar to yours. Pretty cool idea for the foliage for the wreath. Good idea about cutting into circle with scissors...I have punched circle and then punched inside making the wreath.
Love this card with all the minnies..so adorable...I saw a small Christmas flag for the yard yesterday with a cat..and thought of you. You may have to have it. I think I will take a pic for you.
Posted by: Vickie | November 17, 2013 at 07:59 AM
Everything is so tiny and in proportion ... such a cheerful little card.
Posted by: bonnie weiss | November 17, 2013 at 08:14 AM
Absolutely stunning, thank you for the tutorial.
irene
xxxx
Posted by: irene | November 17, 2013 at 08:51 AM
Kittie, what a wonderful Christmas card again!
I love the red against the white and ALL the details.
Thank you very much for the tutorial, is so clear.
Now I have to try also make such a wreath.
Have a nice Sunday!
Hugs, Eva.
Posted by: Eva van Buuren | November 17, 2013 at 09:14 AM
So pretty--thanks so much for the wreath how-to! Love that the kitty has some holiday bling on too :)
Posted by: Renee M. | November 17, 2013 at 11:14 AM
Great card and tutorial....thanks so much for sharing Kitty!!!!! Love it!
Paper Hugs,
Jan
Posted by: Jan Castle | November 17, 2013 at 11:50 AM
The wreath is awesome! Can't wait to make one. Love the brick background too, may have t look into that one.
Posted by: julie | November 17, 2013 at 12:54 PM
This card is beautiful Kittie! Love every single detail!
Posted by: Deb L | November 17, 2013 at 03:10 PM
And yet another beautiful card! Thanks for the tutorial. Now I know why my attempt at making a wreath of any size turned out less than desirable. So excited to go back to drawing board and make one the right way! :)
Posted by: Lu C | November 17, 2013 at 03:34 PM
Super pretty. Thanks for the wreath tutorial. That helps, especially to see it in pics.......dianne
Posted by: mickeydee | November 17, 2013 at 05:37 PM
Congratulations n making it into the Classroom. Love your work!
Posted by: Virginia Ogg | November 17, 2013 at 05:48 PM
Love this card so much...and especially love it when I have the dies to make a similar card. You made me laugh out loud with your "ding dong" comments....Love your instructional tips....thanks, as always. Congrats on your new venture.
Posted by: Jan D., Florida | November 18, 2013 at 07:00 AM
I love how you've dressed up my Conservatory Window for the holidays--just purrrfect! XOXO
Posted by: Susan | November 18, 2013 at 09:39 AM
way too cute, love those little stockings and the collar you made for the cat!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | November 18, 2013 at 09:54 AM
Your cards are Stunning. your little wreaths are so lovely.
thank you for the tutorials
ColleenB.
Texas
Posted by: ColleenB. | November 21, 2013 at 04:32 AM
Great Idea Kittie...I have 2 of these punches....and this card is sooo cute....
Posted by: victoria | December 04, 2013 at 08:11 PM
Spectacular work! You know you've done an outstanding job when the creator of the dies sends you a comment. The window is magical and the wreath tutorial is priceless. TFS.
Posted by: Juanita in OH | December 03, 2014 at 02:43 PM