Lavender lends Valentine's Day wreath a European feel

McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) - Valentine's Day is a great winter-blues chaser. It's not quite time to welcome spring, but it's a colorful time to celebrate love and relationships of all kinds. Declare your love with this sweet idea for a double-hearted wreath.

THE INSPIRATION

Claire Heymann, owner of Hotel St. Germain in Dallas, told me once that in Europe, red and white for Valentine's Day is not as popular as it is in the United States. She said that in Paris, we can find shades of lavender with a touch of black and other romantic combinations. Using one of Heymann's favorite color schemes as an inspiration for a Valentine's Day wreath project, I collected some lavender-y purple berry sprigs, fresh lavender and some natural grapevine forms to make something very special this year.

THE MATERIALS

Two heart-shaped wreaths from a craft store (I bought mine at Michaels for less than $5 each)

Twiggy-looking craft wire (Michaels, less than $3 for a large roll)

Purple and crystal-looking berry sprigs ($1.99 each from craft store)

Gold-tone heart-shaped ornament (craft store)

Bundle of dried lavender (available in most craft stores)

THE CONSTRUCTION

I arranged the two woody heart wreaths together in a layered pattern and bonded them with the woody-looking wire, twisting it on the back.

Then I inserted the ready-made purple and crystal berry sprigs onto the face of the grapevine hearts, keeping to the lower quadrants of the heart shapes, berries pointed upward.

I placed each lavender stem into areas with the berry picks to create a nice mix of artificial decor and natural botanicals. (The dried lavender makes the wreath smell wonderful.) I attached the heart-shaped ornament into the arrangement using craft wire.

To dress your wreath more, consider using more dried flowers or charms. I inserted a few tiny dried white roses and more lavender to cover where I installed the heart ornament. For charms, think of adding some old heart-shaped costume jewelry or look around for wooden hearts that are often hanging from garland sold at craft stores.

I added a loop of wire to the back so that the wreath would hang easily, and the project was complete.

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© 2009, Fort Worth Star-Telegram.