Whether you are looking to make a large evergreen wreath for Christmas or a natural wreath of twigs, grass or dried flowers, a hula hoop provides an inexpensive base for the wreath. Generally available in the toy section of department store, hula hoops range in size from 32 inches in diameter to 36 inches. Smaller or larger hoops may be available. Although they can be ordered online anytime of the year, those found in stores are generally limited to the summer season.
Instructions
1. Select a hula hoop in the size you desire. Lightweight plastic hoops make the best base, as they are easy to work with and reduce the weight of the finished product. The color or design on the hula hoop does not matter, as this will be hidden from view.
2. Gather the wreath-making supplies. Lay the hula hoop on a table in front of you. Attach wreath wire to the hoop by wrapping it around the hoop rim and knotting. Lay the spool of wire in the center of the wreath.
3. Grasp a handful of your desired wreath material. If using evergreens, you will need three or four tips, otherwise select an assortment of your material that is about ½-inch thick. Place the wreath material on the rim of the hula hoop with the ends facing to your right and wrap the wire around the cluster twice securing it to the base.
4. Flip the wreath toward you so that the cluster rests at the base near your body. Gather another cluster of wreath material and place it directly on top of the first cluster. This cluster will be on the opposite side of the rim. Wire in place. Flip the wreath back to the starting position.
5. Gather wreath material and place the ends 3 inches to the right of the first cluster's ends and wire in place. Continue flipping and adding wreath material in clusters until you have worked around the entire hoop. Tuck the ends of the last cluster under the tops of the first group to hide the ends and finish off the wreath.
6. Slip a section of wire under the evergreens and loop around the hula hoop to create a hanger for the wreath. Add decorative bows, cones or any other embellishments and glue in place with hot glue.
Tags: hula hoop, wreath material, first cluster, Flip wreath, material place