MAGNOLIA WREATH

Gather your supplies

• 30 x 30cm cardstock in ecru, white and kra

• Brown florist’s wire

• 25cm and 35cm natural twig and willow wreaths

• Selection of faux foliage, baby’s breath and magnolia buds

• Preserved baby’s breath

Here’s how

STEP 1 Before you start, refer to the General instructions and supplies list (see page 167). Search Bhgchristmas22 for the magnolia petal templates and stamen at design. cricut.com. The inner magnolia petal template measures about 10 x 9.5cm, while the outer measures about 11 x 10.5cm. If desired, follow prompts to resize petals to suit. For each magnolia flower, cut out 1 inner and 2 outer petal layers plus 1 stamen.

STEP 2 To create dimension, run your thumb from halfway along each petal to its tip a few times to create a cup-like shape.

STEP 3 Where slit, overlap petal tips and secure with a dab of hot glue. Gently press petals upwards in the centre. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for each petal layer.

STEP 4 Stack petal layers with smallest petal layer on top. Swivel to overlap petals slightly for a more natural-looking magnolia. Secure layers together in the centre with hot glue.

STEP 5 Feed florist’s wire ‘stem’ through pre-cut holes in ‘magnolia’ petals so it protrudes by about 1cm. Set aside.

STEP 6 Roll pre-cut stamen strip up and secure end with a dab of hot glue. Fan out stamen fringe before lowering it onto magnolia’s protruding wire and gluing bo om of stamen to magnolia centre.

STEP 7 Unravel binding holding each wreath together. Tease loose by gently pulling at wreath to deconstruct it slightly. Place smaller wreath on top of larger wreath towards one side and secure by wrapping florist’s wire twice around both wreaths.

STEP 8 Starting at centre of wreath and favouring one side of wreath, wire magnolias to wreath, snipping each stem to suit as you go. If necessary, use hot glue to secure the magnolias in place. To finish, hot glue snippets of foliage, magnolia buds and baby’s breath to wreath.