Your shopping cart is empty!
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. VR125-SPRG
This tiny plush and soft velvet ribbon trim in spruce green measures just 1/8" wide (3.175mm). 100% polyester. Makes a lovely accent for gift wrapping, craft and sewing projects. Priced at $1.49 per yard, please enter the number of yards desired below.
Item No. VR125-PRD
This tiny plush and soft velvet ribbon trim in poppy red measures just 1/8" wide (3.175mm). 100% polyester. Makes a lovely accent for gift wrapping, craft and sewing projects. Priced at $1.49 per yard, please enter the number of yards desired below.
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. VR125-CAR
This tiny plush and soft velvet ribbon trim in cardinal red 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. VN009
12 old store stock vintage composition and lacquer pear stamen in shiny olive green with rust colored blushes. Each measures 3/4" on a 2.75" green paper covered wire stem. Some bunches have their original paper "Made in Germany USSR Occupied" tags.
Item No. VB08
Set of 6 vintage velvet bows in true red. Each is hand-sewn so varies very slightly and measures approximately 1". Old store stock, made in the USA, excellent condition.
Item No. VB02
Set of 6 vintage velvet bows in deep green. Each is hand-sewn so varies very slightly and measures approximately 1". Old store stock, made in the USA, excellent condition.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. VAS014
1 bundle of approx. 48 double-ended flower stamen. Stems are green, with glossy red berry tips. 2-1/2" long overall with tips measuring 1/4" long x 1/8" wide. Stamen have sturdy wired stems that hold their shape well once bent. Made in Germany.
Item No. RET-07
Set of 3 small bottle brush Christmas wreaths in dark green with white snow. Each measures approx 2" to 2-1/4" across and bristles are 1/2" thick. They can be gently bent to reshape and are perfect for decorating with small trims, bows and glass beads. Bristles are made of plastic; sizes vary slightly as each is handmade and amount of snow differs from wreath to wreath.
Item No. RET-06
Set of 3 small bottle brush Christmas wreaths in retro green with white snow. Each measures approx 2-1/4" to 2-1/2" across and bristles are 1/2" thick. They can be gently bent to reshape and are perfect for decorating with small trims, bows and glass beads. Bristles are made of plastic; sizes vary slightly as each is handmade and amount of snow differs from wreath to wreath.
Item No. RET-05
Set of 3 small bottle brush Christmas wreaths in medium green with white snow. Each measures approx 2" to 2-1/4" across and bristles are 1/2" thick. They can be gently bent to reshape and are perfect for decorating with small trims, bows and glass beads. Bristles are made of plastic; sizes vary slightly as each is handmade and amount of snow differs from wreath to wreath.
Item No. NLC123-STG
Set of 12 petite velvet rose leaves in sage green. Each leaf measures 1-1/4" long by 3/4" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stems. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us.
Item No. NLC123-SF
Set of 12 embossed paper rose leaves in metallic silver foil. Each leaf measures 1-1/4" long by 3/4" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stems. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us. Please note that there may be some creasing or very light color loss from the manufacturing process.
Item No. NLC123-RF
Set of 12 embossed paper rose leaves in metallic red foil. Each leaf measures 1-1/4" long by 3/4" wide with 2" brown paper wrapped wire stems. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us. Please note that there may be some creasing or very light color loss from the manufacturing process.
Item No. NLC123-PY
Set of 12 petite velvet rose leaves in pale yellow. Each leaf measures 1-1/4" long by 3/4" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stems. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us.
Item No. NLC123-MOSS
Set of 12 petite velvet rose leaves in moss green. Each leaf measures 1-1/4" long by 3/4" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stems. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us.
Item No. NLC123-MG
Set of 12 petite velvet rose leaves in medium green. Each leaf measures 1-1/4" long by 3/4" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stems. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us.
Item No. NLC123-LG
Set of 12 petite velvet rose leaves in pale green. Each leaf measures 1-1/4" long by 3/4" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stems. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us.
Item No. NLC123-GRF
Set of 12 embossed paper rose leaves in metallic green foil. Each leaf measures 1-1/4" long by 3/4" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stems. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us. Please note that there may be some creasing or very light color loss from the manufacturing process.
Item No. NLC123-GF
Set of 12 embossed paper rose leaves in metallic pale gold foil. Each leaf measures 1-1/4" long by 3/4" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stems. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us. Please note that there may be some creasing or very light color loss from the manufacturing process.
Item No. NLC123-DG
Set of 12 petite velvet rose leaves in dark green. Each leaf measures 1-1/4" long by 3/4" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stems. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us.
Item No. NLC116-STG
Set of 12 petite embossed velvet holly leaves in sage green. Each leaf measures 1-5/8" long by 7/8" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stem. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us.
Item No. NLC116-SF
Set of 12 petite embossed paper holly leaves in metallic silver foil paper. Each leaf measures 1-5/8" long by 7/8" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stem. Leaf backs are white paper. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us. Please note that there may be some creasing or very light color loss from the manufacturing process.
Item No. NLC116-PK
Set of 12 petite embossed velvet holly leaves in mixed pink. Each leaf measures 1-5/8" long by 7/8" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stem. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us.
Item No. NLC116-LG
Set of 12 petite embossed velvet holly leaves in pale green. Each leaf measures 1-5/8" long by 7/8" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stem. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us.
Item No. NLC116-GRF
Set of 12 petite embossed paper holly leaves in metallic green foil paper. Each leaf measures 1-5/8" long by 7/8" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stem. Leaf backs are white paper. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us. Please note that there may be some creasing or very light color loss from the manufacturing process.
Item No. NLC116-GF
Set of 12 petite embossed paper holly leaves in metallic gold foil paper. Each leaf measures 1-5/8" long by 7/8" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stem. Leaf backs are white paper. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us. Please note that there may be some creasing or very light color loss from the manufacturing process.
Item No. NLC116-DG
Set of 12 petite embossed velvet holly leaves in dark green. Each leaf measures 1-5/8" long by 7/8" wide with 2" paper wrapped wire stem. Handmade in the Czech Republic exclusively for us.
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. NAT-73
Bundle of 12 white fabric edelweiss with mixed yellow centers. Blossoms measure approx. 5/8" to 3/4" across with white wired stems measuring 4" long. Imported from Austria. These blooms are exquisitely made using antique dies and flower crafting techniques.
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. MU08GR
Group of 10 double ended large mushroom stamen for a total of 20 mushrooms. These are handmade from hard composition with lacquered green caps and handpainted white spots. Each mushroom is approx. 1/2" tall; each stamen is approx. 2 1/2" long overall. Handmade in Germany.
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. MNC81
1 bag of approx. 50 stems of double-ended berry stamen. Stems are dark brown, with metallic gold berry tips. 2-5/8" long overall with tips measuring 1/4" long x about 1/8" wide. Stamen have sturdy wired stems that hold their shape well once bent. Made in Czech Republic.
Item No. MNC80
1 bag of approx. 50 stems of double-ended berry stamen. Stems are dark brown, with glossy red berry tips. 2-5/8" long overall with tips measuring 1/4" long x about 3/16" wide. Stamen have sturdy wired stems that hold their shape well once bent. Made in Czech Republic.
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-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-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-CZ55Y
1 bundle of 24 double-ended stamen has 48 heads. Stems are white, with yellow sparkling heads. 2 1/2" long overall with heads measuring 1/4" long and just over 1/8" wide. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ55TQ
1 bundle of 24 double-ended stamen has 48 heads. Stems are white, with turquoise blue sparkling heads. 2 1/2" long overall with heads measuring 1/4" long and just over 1/8" wide. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ55R
1 bundle of 24 double-ended stamen has 48 heads. Stems are white, with red sparkling heads. 2 1/2" long overall with heads measuring 1/4" long and just over 1/8" wide. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. MN-CZ55LI
1 bundle of 24 double-ended stamen has 48 heads. Stems are white, with lilac purple sparkling heads. 2 1/2" long overall with heads measuring 1/4" long and just over 1/8" wide. Made 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. 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.