Design Crafters

One of my favorite things to do is to create a personalized holiday gifts and decorations. Here’s a craft that would work for either, a homemade grapevine holiday wreath.

Grapevine wreaths are literally made from grapevines. If you have grapes, you know they produce miles and miles of vines. Mine take over everything if I don’t hack them back regularly during the growing season. They also must be pruned back significantly in the late winter in order to ensure a good crop. The end result is that you have a whole big bunch of vines.

Grapevines are flexible right after harvest. They can be fashioned into any shape, and are often used for baskets, wreaths and furniture. If you want to try making your own grapevine wreath, here’s what you will need:

• Grapevines (several yard’s worth, not necessarily all in one piece)
• Floral wire
• Ribbon and/or other decorating material

If you don’t have your own grapevines, you might be able to purchase them from a florist, craft store or online supplier. Or find a neighbor or vineyard…they will have plenty! If you are working with dried grapevine, not green, you will need to soak it in warm water until flexible.

It is a fairly simple process. Just start shaping the vines into a circle, using your floral wire to secure as  you go. I like to let the vines dictate the shape, so mine are irregular…some more oval than circular. But I think that adds to the beauty, and it is less work. Once you have the vines in place, make sure you have them secured well. Create a wire loop and attach to the back of the wreath for hanging. I like to add a simple bow at the top, using wired ribbon. But, you can decorate it in a myriad of ways.

Homemade grapevine wreaths are one of my favorite ways to personalize the holidays. Give it a try, I think you will have as much fun as I do!