“Saint Nickolas Wreath”

©Michele Emerson-Roberts 2015

I enjoy creating small Christmas wreaths and hang them on my inside doors during the Christmas holidays, and once again I used one of my favorite Arnold Grummer/Cotton Press paper casting molds; Victorian Saint Nickolas. There are so many beautiful paper casting mold to choose from (yep, I have to admit I collect the molds and way too many other things too - smile). Follow along and see how easy it is to create a wreath for yourself or as a special gift.

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits
• A sunny window
• Blender, strainer, cello sponges and soft towels
• Scraps of white (think junk mail, etc.)
• Cotton Press Victorian Saint Nickolas casting mold
• Beacon QuickGrip^TM Adhesive
• Double sided foam tape
• Pastels, Chalks or powered eye shadow in red and brown, applicators
• DecoArt^TM Americana Line Dark Green paint, “Snow” paint &paint brush
• Several yards of dark green /white dot 1 ¼” ribbon
• Two 5” evergreen tree cut outs (chip board or wood)
• One 12” rustic twig wreath
• Several 6-9” twigs 

Instructions:

1. Follow the instructions found in any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits to create one of the Saint Nickolas paper casting.
2. When the castings are dry, lightly color each area with the chalks. (See sample for placement).
3. Add some dark green paint to the tree part of the casting.
4. When dry, add some “snow” paint to the tree part of the casting.
5. Paint the two large evergreen trees.
6. When they are dry add the “snow” paint to the trees. 

Assemble the wreath:

1. Weave the ribbon through the twig wreath.
2. Tie a large 4 loop bow and attach it to the top right of the wreath with QuickGrip™ adhesive.
3. Center and attach the Saint Nickolas paper casting on the right bottom of the wreath.
4. Attach the extra twigs to the left side of the wreath to help brace and secure the evergreen trees.
5. Layer the evergreen trees with foam tape between and attach them to the extra twigs and wreath.

  

Remember that I always make extra casting to have on hand when the mood to create a project strikes me. It is not unusual for me to make 50 to 100 castings at a time.