Swags

The second project is a very fragrant one. We'll be creating a fruit and spice swag on a lemongrass base. Listed are some suggested items, but feel free to experiment and use your own favorite selections. Whole bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, small dried lemons or limes, dried apple and orange slices, thin wire and a hot glue gun. Begin by making three bunches of lemongrass, each 20" long and about the size of your thumb. Next, wire each bunch together. Using one piece of wire, place the wire about 3 inches from the top of the first bunch, secure the grass, continue and wire the second bunch and then the third. Create a loop and secure the wire. This is the hanger. Next, braid the three strands of lemongrass, wiring it at the bottom so that 10" to 12" of grass hangs loose. Take a few strands of grass and create bow. Glue it onto the bottom wire. Now you're ready to create the swag. Lay the foundation first. Place and glue the bay leaves from top to bottom. Be sure to face them at right and left angles. Next, gather several leaves together creating a fan. Wire the stems then glue the fans onto the base. Again, place the fans at an angle. Starting at the top, glue several orange and apple slices at angles onto the base. Be sure to use the items to cover any wire showing. If you decide to use the whole cloves, insert the spice into a lemon or lime and then glue the fruit onto the base. Strategically glue the cinnamon sticks. This is a very visual swag and the placement and arrangement of the items is unique to how you visualize the creation. Once you finish, step back and take a look. If the swag looks in balance you're fine, if it seems lop-sided, adjust by adding an offsetting cinnamon stick or orange peel. If you're interested in preserving the swag the same procedure holds true as with dried flower wreaths, spray with a sealant. Check with your local craft store.

Our last project is definitely for the kitchen. For this project, we will be using a paper ribbon base. Items needed are paper (you select the color), dried thyme stems, garlic bulbs (5 to 6), bunch of red peppers, (cayenne, red chili) and a glue gun. Unwind the paper and cut three 20" pieces.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic