I am embarrassed to say that the wreath that has been hanging on our front door was well past its expiration date. It was time for an update. Birds Nest & Burlap Wreath Tutorial.
Birds Nest & Burlap Wreath Tutorial
The old wreath at one time it held a profusion of blooms. Like any beautiful garden, the flowers had wilted and faded away blossom by blossom. The time had come for an extreme makeover.
I thought about the various wreaths and themes I had seen around blog land. There were many wreaths enhanced by jute webbing or burlap.
As well as wreaths made from coffee filters. I believe this look originated from an Anthropologie store display first seen almost 3 years ago.
Both elements were fantastic. I wondered if I could use them both on the same wreath. It couldn’t hurt to try.
A previous post covered the huge roll of jute webbing I bought for a song and the various uses that I found in which to use it. Trying to use things I already had, I thought about other ways to create paper blossoms as I am not a coffee drinker. The thought popped up that several months ago I had purchased two Martha Stewart crepe paper bridal bouquets at Wal Mart on clearance for $2.00.
How To
I threw the brightly colored bouquets out into the hot Arizona sun for a few days so that the color would fade to just a whisper of pink. Afterward, each flower was clipped off to a single bud. I made some strong sun tea and dipped the tips of the blossoms into the tea and let them dry. This added another layer of color. I collected the jute webbing and flowers I had on hand and decided to really max out on favorite themes. The faux birds and eggs were purchased at Hobby Lobby for less than $3.00. The nests were an item I already had.
Playing around with the webbing, I first continuously wrapped the wreath. Then I made some bows and finally decided I just wanted a few pieces of webbing. It was then I used a bit of black craft paint to add a French message of welcome.
Here is a close up of the tacked ruffles. I did this on my heavy duty sewing machine. Do not try this unless you own a machine that can sew through burlap, canvas, and denim.
All The Accents
Then it was time to bust out the hot glue gun. There was no rhyme or reason, I just kept gluing on paper flowers, birds and silk flowers.
I layered the webbing to create a show ribbon of sorts to high light a nest filled with dried Spanish moss.
Around and around and around she goes, where she stops nobody knows. Honestly, I am still adding to and fiddling with the wreath but needed to photograph it for today’s post.
As we have a large covered walkway I thought my small bistro set could use a bit of French flair as well. In the 110+ heat not many plants can survive. I think it adds a bit of Ooh la la.
Can a person go overboard with one too many themes?
Laura
gorgeous! it's a great blend of rustic, french, and just plain pretty!
Wonderful! Very creative blend of French and rustic.
I'm hosting a new meme called “Summer Sundays” and it's all about what summer means to YOU! It could be a beautiful new wreat! Hope you'll come and join us.
You really did such a creative job on that wreath.
– The Tablescaper
I love it! I always see that jute and think, “What can I do with that?” Now I know. 🙂 And the best part is the use of tea and the sun….things we all have on hand everyday. I need a wreath for the front door. I'll give you credit if I copy.
Did you see my painted lockers? I gave you credit for that already. 🙂 Lisa~
How pretty!! I love how it turned out!
That is a gorgeous wreath! I love how the paper flowers turned out. I just bought a grapevine wreath on sale and I don't know what to do with it yet. I am not very good at wreaths.
First, I have to tell you that I am loving that turquoise header…gorgeous! I am also loving the wreath…very pretty and unique.
Your new wreath is gorgeous. What a change. LOVE it.
Carolyn/ A Southerners Notebook
Love it, Laura! What a great idea and great use for the burlap webbing. It seems to be a versatile fabric/trim/notion to have around for crafting.
I'm so glad you jumped on my ruffle bandwagon! That way I discovered your WONDERFUL blog! I'm now a follower! Sue@awelllovedhome.com
I do love burlap! Also, great tip on leaving the flowers out in the sun to age them.
Laura, both are so pretty. I love the use of the burlap in the arrangements. Gorgeous. Hugs, Marty
Laura! Great job! It's those “fly by the seat of your pants” projects that always turn out the best!
Love this!
Have a wonderful week!
Karen ~ Some days are diamonds
Love it! Did you stencil on the burlap??
Just beautiful!
i love your new wreath and your blog- the header w/ all the aqua is gorgeous! that is currently one of my fave colors! thanks for visiting my blog today~ i'm honored!
~decdiva1
What an incredible wreath you created. I loved learning the technique you used on the roses, I'm going to try that. Simply a gorgeous piece!
And no, one can never go overboard with too many themes, keeps it exciting and a feast for the eyes.
Laura,
Your welcome wreath is gorgeous. The faded crepe paper flowers and jute give it a vintage look. Beautiful!
Your Friend,
Deborah
Laura – your wreath is delightful! I love the french theme combined with the more rustic burlap-look. It's just divine.
Have a great week!
Marie @ Sally Lee by the Sea
“Celebrating the Coastal Lifestyle”
Ooh! I REALLY love the webbing! Such a neat idea!
How precious Laura! You are creative and very talented.
Blessings, ~Melissa 🙂
Very nice! Love the femininity of it! Romantic colors.
Have a great week.
Sherry
Hi Laura,
I literally gasped out loud as I saw your gorgeous wreath! It is stunning, and I have never seen one like it before! Of course, I adore anything French, little birds, nests and flowers, and your wreath has it all! Love, love, love it! Thanks so much for stopping by. I am your newest follower.
PS: I was so excited to read recently on your blog that you are a descendant of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I was an avid reader of all of her books when I was little!
So lovely! The flowers look like some vintage French millinery found at a flea market, so chic and evocative. Combined with the jute and nest they are wonderful. It sounds like you have the sewing machine I want.
Wow! Laura!
Like your wreath is over the top Gorgeous!
What a fabulous job you did, very creative and very original!
Hey, I've been to Mackinac Island twice and it's just a magical place!
Hugs, Cindy
Ooh la la, it came out tres' chic!
Hugz,
Kim
Oh, Laura! This is exactly why you're the most wonderful one! Your wreath is gorgeous! Who would have thought of dipping the blooms of the flowers in tea and then sitting them out in the sun to turn a bit? I love it! I just love it and your little table looks lovely also.
I'm honored that you would like my pillow, Most Wonderful One! 🙂
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Love the wreath makeover!
Hi Laura…
Ohhh…what a beautiful wreath, my friend! You have incorporated some really beautiful elements…love the burlap and your pretty “Welcome”! I have never seen the Martha Stewart crepe paper roses but they're aboslutely gorgeous and I really like how you faded them and added the tea stain! Just perfect! And…I can never resist a sweet bird, nest and eggs!!! Hehe! Your entryway looks gorgeous! Thank you for sharing it with us!
I also wanted to thank you for coming by and taking a peek at my master bedroom summer plans! I enjoyed your sweet note!
Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! U are AMAZING!! I loveeeeeeeeeeeeee that wreath!!! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Oh Laura, you are so talented! I love what you've created.
Hi Laura!
Love this! The burlap is so textural and the bird's nest just so sweet!
Thank-you for your wonderful e-mail note. And kind comments!
I have been on break–just now getting back to blogging!
Blessings dear one!
love, kelee @ http://www.katillacshack.com
Wow, you are creative! I love it. The little sign in the middle is such a great touch.
I love how you can SEE things in your mind long before they become a reality with your hard work and talent. That is truly a gift! Love these projects ~ very inspiring!
xx Suzanne
So beautiful! I love it!
I didn't think burlap could look that great!!! Awesome wreath and I love the banner on the basket!
thank you SO much!!!
This is so beautiful! Awesome Job!
Laura,
It's so charming!! Beautiful job. 🙂
SUPER SUPER FABULOUS!
That wreath is gorgeous! I am glad to have found your blog! I can tell I am going to enjoy reading it! Thanks for the comment on my blog (summer fun container)! I am your newest follower 🙂
So pretty, Laura, I never thought to use the jute webbing; loved the tea stain too! You've motivated me to attempt to do something on our own door, though it has to be something that likes to bake in the sun…hmmm you've got me thinking!
Totally dreamy totally in love. GORGEOUS, WELL DONE! Jenn
Its ALL gorgeous! love love love it!
Alyssa
http://lifeoflyssie.com
That is so darn cute!!
Great job:)
I am loving this!! Beautiful!
Londen
This is gorgeous! I've got go find some that burlap webbing stuff.
Beautiful!! I love the ribbon!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
A great wreath. Thanks for the tutorial.
Burlap webbing…I would never have thought to use that. The wreath turned out wonderful. Love it!
xo, Sherry
Very pretty wreath…I have the same hot 110-degree days that you have…but my porch is barely covered so everything I hang on the door is faded and whipped around by the wind in no time. You have a lovely porch and very welcoming. Thanks for stopping by to say hi.
Ahh! Love it. I need to make a wreath for our door, I am being so lazy right now, that's a lie, I'm really busy just not w DIY & housekeeping things like I should be…whoops! SOrry about the linky miscommunication. I put it up every Thurs around 10pm and it closes on Monday's from now on, just for you. 🙂
Heather @ http://www.savingmoneylivinglife.com
GORGEOUS!! love the different textures and the contrast between the new and “aged” so beautiful!!
Love the faded colors, thanks for the tuto!
I love visiting your blog, I'm always inspired by your creativity. This is a fantastic project, what a beautiful wreath and you've made it look fun and a lot easier than I imagined.
I'm seriously envying the burlap webbing you found. Wonderful, thoughtful job. I can't believe you had the notion to snip, bleach, and dye your flowers :).
Now this is fabulous~ Well done!
Very cute! And great tutorial too! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! 🙂
Love the new wreath, I need to do something on my front door!
Laura-LOVE the video! You look darling and the delivery is natural and unaffected. I have voted…several times already. Call your local NBC affiliate radio station and get them on board!
I clicked on the green vote button!
SO proud of you!
You go, girl!!
What a gorgeous wreath, I love it! As soon as I have my own front door (which I really hope I'll have one day), I will also make one of these LOL
Thank you for your comment on my blog by the way!