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These retro-inspried mini bottle brush wreaths harken back to festive dime store wreaths of the 1950s and 60s. They're super easy to assemble and can be made in hundreds of different color combinations to suit a variety of decor styles. Use them as ornaments, package tie-ons and more! Completed wreaths are 2" to 2-1/4" across.
Supplies: Small Bottle Brush Wreaths, 6mm Glass Beads, Bell Beads, Miniature Fruit, Berry Stamen, Tiny Mushrooms, Foil Leaves, Velvet Leaves, Miniature Flowers, Velvet Bows, 1/8" Velvet Ribbon, Dresden Bows, Dresden Christmas Scripts, 26 Gauge Wire, Clear-drying Glue (like Elmer's or Alleen's Tacky Glue), Scissors, Needle Nose Pliers, Paint Brushes or Pens (to wrap wire around)
General Assembly Steps:
Step 1: Gather and arrange supplies. Trim off wired stems to isolate fruits, flowers, leaves and mushrooms. Cut Dresden pieces away from main sheets. Hold up items to determine placement and mix.
Step 2: Add hanger. Details for adding hangers are noted below.
Step 3: Add bell(s). Details for adding bells are noted below.
Step 4: Glue on decorative elements.
Adding a hanger: We added two styles of hanger: a wire loop attached to the wreath and a tied-on length of red ribbon. We added the hangers first to allow us to easily center the hanger before decorating the wreath.
To add a wire hanger:
-- Cut a 7" length of wire. At center, wrap wire around a paint brush handle to form a loop. Twist wire around itself to secure. Place tails of wire on either side of wreath, gently nestle loop into bristles. Bring tails together on inside of wreath and twist to secure. Cut remaining tails leaving about 1/2". Use needle nose pliers to twist and curl wire up into the bristles.
To add a ribbon hanger:
-- Cut a 12" length of 1/8" velvet ribbon. Loop through wreath and tie securely at top of wreath, nestling ribbon into bristles. Loose ends can be tied into a knot near the ends to make a closed loop or be left open to use as a gift tie-on later.
Adding a bell: Adding a bell is very similar to adding a wire hanger.
-- Cut a 9" length of wire. At center, wrap wire around a small paint brush handle to form a loop. Twist wire around itself to secure. Add bell to wires. Place tails of wire on either side of wreath, placing top of bell at bristles. Bring wire tails together on top side of wreath and twist to secure, nestling twist into bristles. Cut remaining tails leaving about 1/2". Use needle nose pliers to twist and curl wire into the bristles. To add a second bell, repeat technique.
Tips:
- To achieve a more balanced placement of decorative elements: first add a hanger, next add your bow, then glue on additional items.
- It tales less supplies than one would imagine to achieve a striking result, like the "A Merry Christmas" wreath below center, second row. It has 6 glass beads, 1 bow, 1 Dresden script and a red velvet ribbon hanger.
- Add a narrow velvet ribbon bow by tying a length of 1/8" velvet ribbon just under the loop of a wire hanger, like the Silver Foil Candle wreath below center, first row.
- When in doubt, keep it traditional: red and green plus gold or silver are always a hit and classic Christmas.
- So many combinations of beads + leaves + fruit + bows are possible. 9 of our favorites are detailed below.
Item No. GBR6AQ
These glossy aqua round mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6RB
These glossy blue round mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6BR
These glossy brown round blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold in g...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6C
These glossy copper round mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold i...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6G
These glossy gold round mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6GR
These glossy green round mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold in...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6HP
These glossy hot pink round mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6LTG
These glossy light green round blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sol...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6PUR
These glossy light purple round blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". So...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6PRF
These pearl fuchsia pink round blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sol...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6PRGR
These pearl green round mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold in ...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6PRBL
These pearl light blue round blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold ...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6PRT
These pearl teal round blown glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold in gro...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6RP
These glossy purple round mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold i...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6R
These glossy red round mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold in g...(click for more)
Item No. GBR6S
These glossy silver round mercury glass beads are handmade in Victorian era molds in the Czech Republic. They're blown, silvered and colored by hand. These are thin and hollow glass beads made especially for Christmas garlands, decorations and ornaments; they are not appropriate for jewelry. Please note the photo shows the bead style larger than actual size in order to show detail. Actual size is 6mm, which is just under 1/4". Sold i...(click for more)
Item No. MNG010R
1 bundle of approx. 72 specialty stamen with green wired stems and cigar shaped white heads with glossy red tips. 2 1/2" long overall with heads measuring about 5/8" long and 1/8" wide. Handmade in the Czech Republic.
Item No. VAT513
Set of 12 miniature textured light orange berries or oranges with green wired stems. Each berry measures 3/8" tall x approximately 1/4" wide with a 2" stem. Old stock vintage fruit made in Germany.
Item No. VAT515
Set of 12 miniature textured red berries with green wired stems. Each berry measures 1/2" tall x approximately 3/8" wide with a 2" stem. Old stock vintage fruit made in Germany.
Item No. VAT516
Set of 12 miniature glossy yellow bananas with green wired stems. Each banana has a brown stripe and dot and measures approximately 1/2" tall x 1/8" wide with a 2" stem. Old stock vintage fruit made in Germany.
Item No. VAT514
Set of 12 miniature textured yellow-green lemons with green wired stems. Each lemon measures 5/8" tall x approximately 1/4" wide with a 2" stem. Old stock vintage fruit made in Germany.
Item No. VAT517
Set of 12 miniature glossy yellow-orange pears with green wired stems. Each pear measures 1/2" tall x 1/4" wide with a 2" stem. Old stock vintage fruit made in Germany.
Item No. NAT-91
Bundle of 12 red fabric poinsettias with subtle gold glittered centers. Blossoms measure approx. 1/2" across with green wired stems measuring 5" long. Imported from Austria. These blooms are exquisitely made using antique dies and flower crafting techniques.
Item No. MN-CZ72
A bundle of 36 double-ended mushroom stamen for a total of 72 mushrooms. Each mushroom measures 1/2" tall x 1/4" across the cap; stems are about 2" to 2-1/2" long overall. These have glossy red lacquered caps with white spots. Each is formed and lacquered by hand so no two are exactly alike and sizes vary slightly. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ42
15 old store stock composition banana stamen in yellow with green accents and handpainted brown stripes. Each measures just over 3/8" tall on a 1.5" brown paper covered wire stem. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ45
18 old store stock textured composition lemon stamen. Each measures just over 3/8" tall on a 1.5" brown paper covered wire stem. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ44
18 old store stock textured composition orange stamen. Each measures 3/8" tall on a 1.5" brown paper covered wire stem. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ41R
18 old store stock glossy lacquered currant stamen in red. Each measures 3/8" tall on a 1.5" brown paper covered wire stem. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ70
36 glossy red lacquered berry stamen in red with a black dot. Each measures 3/8" tall on a 2" brown paper covered wire stem. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ71
36 glossy red lacquered berry stamen in red with textured dots. Each measures 3/8" tall on a 2" brown paper covered wire stem. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ46GR
18 double-ended old store stock green raspberry stamen for a total of 36 berries. Each fruit measures 3/8" tall, overall each stamen measures 2-1/2" long. Handmade in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ46AP
18 double-ended old store stock orange raspberry stamen for a total of 36 berries. Each fruit measures 3/8" tall, overall each stamen measures 2-1/2" long. Handmade in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ46R
18 double-ended old store stock red raspberry stamen for a total of 36 berries. Each fruit measures 3/8" tall, overall each stamen measures 2-1/2" long. Handmade in the Czech Republic.
Item No. VR125-GRN
This tiny plush and soft velvet ribbon trim in green measures just 1/8" wide (3.175mm). 100% polyester. Makes a lovely accent for gift wrapping, craft and sewing projects. Priced per yard, please enter the number of yards desired below.
Item No. NAT-107
Bundle of 12 white paper edelweiss with mixed yellow centers. Blossoms measure approx. 1/2" with white wired stems measuring 4" long. Imported from Austria. These blooms are exquisitely made using antique dies and flower crafting techniques.
Item No. DF818-AG
Sheet of 12 fancy Dresden scripts that say "A Merry Christmas," each measuring 1-5/8" wide x 3/4" tall. Antique gold foil on the front, white paper on reverse. Overall sheet measures 3-1/2" wide x 4-3/$" tall. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF818-WH
Sheet of 12 fancy Dresden scripts that say "A Merry Christmas," each measuring 1-5/8" wide x 3/4" tall. Antique white paper on the front, white paper on reverse. Overall sheet measures 3-1/2" wide x 4-3/$" tall. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF818-DKB
Sheet of 12 fancy Dresden scripts that say "A Merry Christmas," each measuring 1-5/8" wide x 3/4" tall. Dark blue foil on the front, white paper on reverse. Overall sheet measures 3-1/2" wide x 4-3/$" tall. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF818-GR
Sheet of 12 fancy Dresden scripts that say "A Merry Christmas," each measuring 1-5/8" wide x 3/4" tall. Green foil on the front, white paper on reverse. Overall sheet measures 3-1/2" wide x 4-3/$" tall. Made in Germany.
Item No. DF818-LGR
Sheet of 12 fancy Dresden scripts that say "A Merry Christmas," each measuring 1-5/8" wide x 3/4" tall. Light green foil on the front, white paper on reverse. Overall sheet measures 3-1/2" wide x 4-3/$" tall. Made in Germany.