Supplies:
Green 18 gauge 18" long covered wire (for heart form)
Paddle of 28 gauge floral wire
Bay Laurel branches
Various Ribbon
Small bells
If it's a gift:
Kraft paper box
Excelsior or crinkle cut paper
Clean the leaves with a dry cloth so that the leaves may be used for cooking. (California Bay leaves are more aromatic than Turkish Bay so use less in your cooking).
Form your heart shape base with the 18 gauge covered wire and once you have a good design, copy it for the remaining wreath forms. Put several (2-3) leaves together. I alternated between bunches of 2 and bunches of 3 leaves.
Starting at the bottom of the heart, wrap the bunches of leaves with your floral wire and work your way up to the middle center of your wreath.
Don't worry if you seem to have a bit of a bare spot as you can always wire more leaves in later to fill it out.
To wire them on good and snug you may have to go thru the bottom of the leaves. The wire will still catch the stem.
When you have done both sides, look for any areas that might need a few more leaves and add them to get a full little wreath.
Select your ribbon and make a bow attaching it with floral wire. Add bells and a hanger.
As the leaves dry, they will curl and turn a sage green looking even more beautiful. And you or your gift recipient can use the leaves for cooking!
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."
~
Jane Austen
