dyed rosettes & twig wreath

Wash muslin to remove fabric starches. Machine dry without fabric softener and press with steam iron.

Gather straight twigs from fallen tree branches or overgrown bushes. Or purchase twigs from local craft store. Use hand saw to cut sticks into 9”-12” lengths. (Note: To cover 10” wreath form, you will need approximately 55 pieces, depending on thickness of twigs.)

Trace 10” circle onto flat side of corrugated cardboard box. Trace 5-1/2” circle on center of larger circle (for wreath shape). Use scissors to cut out wreath and opening.

Tear twelve 2”-wide strips from muslin and remove any excess strings from edges.

Cover work surface with plastic tablecloth. Wearing rubber gloves, measure 1/2 cup of Tangerine dye with 1 cup of hot water (at least 140º F) in plastic container. Mix well with spoon. Repeat process to prepare separate dye paths for Aquamarine, Taupe, and Cocoa Brown dyes in remaining plastic containers. Submerge six strips into Tangerine dye bath and two strips each into Taupe, Cocoa, and Aquamarine dye baths. Remove strips and rinse under running water to remove excess dye until water runs clear. Place strips on old towel to remove excess water. Hang strips to dry.

Adhere twigs to one side of cardboard wreath using tacky glue. Use generous amount of glue and let dry thoroughly overnight before handling.

Use steam iron to press dyed strips. Starting at one end of strip, twist tightly and begin to roll into spiral shape. Use small amount of fabric glue to secure edges every 2”-3”. For Tangerine rosettes, use two strips of muslin, adhering one end of muslin to other end to make larger flower. For remaining rosettes, use one muslin strip.

Use an awl to pierce two small holes, approximately 1-1/2” apart, on one side of cardboard wreath. For hanger, place ends of wire into pierced holes and bend ends onto lengths to secure.

Use fabric glue to adhere rosettes to wreath as shown and let dry.