Everlasting Cranberry Wreath
I have a confession to make.
UFOs are a pretty common occurrence around here. And I’m not talking about the kind that fly around and land in a field somewhere.
I’m talking about Un Finished Objects.
And I’m notorious for them.
But if this blog has done anything, it’s been to bring all those unfinished projects front and center in my mind, because, let’s be honest, finished projects make for better reading, wouldn’t you agree?
So in light of the season, I thought I’d pull out a certain UFO that I started a while back. It’s called a red beaded wreath, and you can find the tutorial on the Martha Stewart website here.
Here’s a conversation that took place after I got it out and started working on it the other day:
Hubs: Hey, didn’t you make one of those last year?
Me: Nope, this is the same one.
Hubs: Are you sure? Because I could swear you already made one of those.
Me: Nope, same one.
Darling Glee Girl (chiming in because she’s obviously more enlightened than my husband): Yeah mom, haven’t you been working on that for like, three or four years?
Don’t laugh. At this point, I’m trying to think of an excuse to get out of the conversation. Because I know the truth. I’ve seen the receipt that was tucked inside the box of glass beads. You wouldn’t think it would take me that long to finish it, would you? After all, how long does it take to stick a few beads on a wreath form?
Apparently, it takes about eleven years! No, I’m not even kidding. I wish I were. It’s hard to believe I actually started this when my now 11 year old was a newborn. Wow.
And I have no excuse, because it really didn’t take that long to complete. Except that I am easily distracted.
But I did finally finish it this year (c’mon folks, I’m not that good at Photoshop!)
Seriously. I think I heard the angels sing when I pushed the last bead into place. Actually, that was me. In any case, I am SO happy to cross this UFO off my list!
Admit it, that makes you feel better about your own UFOs, doesn’t it? Or am I the only slacker around here? Do you have projects lying around the house waiting to be completed? What’s the longest it’s taken you to complete one? Do tell!
Update: If you haven’t already, take a peak at how I changed the look of this wreath for Valentine’s Day!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Linking up to:
Click here to see where this project was featured.
Beautiful! And so worth the eleven years of labor! I have a few UFO’s myself to finish…… if I’d stop blogging and pinning….squirrel! Lyndaoflakeland.blogspot.com
Hi Debbie. You are definately not alone for unfinished jobs, be it crafting, quilting, painting of what ever, My name is certainly at the top of the list, I have an unfinished quilt I started 15 yrs ago, yes that’s not a slip of the finger on the key board 15 yrs. So don’t feel guilty , feel proud your Cranberry wreath now hanging ready for Christmas & looking very professional, I don’t think I’d have the patience to paint the heads of 800 beads with nail varnish, then stick them in glue then push them through the beads into the ring, I wasn’t at the front of the queue when patience was being handed out, one of my failings I’m afraid., Well done. it’s lovely work.
( I’m sure you will be able to follow the instructions for the cones ) I thought I’d changed all of the words.
I just discovered your blog through the “Mop It Up Mondays” party, and I am really enjoying it! The wreath is beautiful and I would love to make one, although I don’t know that I can wait the whole 11 years before it is hanging on the front door ;) But seriously, gorgeous! And every crafter has some UFOs hanging around!
It was WELL worth the wait! This wreath is stunning!
Oh my! I have to admit that this one does make me feel better! I have tons of UFO’s, but I don’t think any of them hold a candle to yours. It did turn out beautifully though, and you’ll probably enjoy it even more since you’ve waited so long for it!
I’m so glad I’m not the only procrastinator. :)
I love it! And don’t worry, I have TONS of UFOs in my house too. Mostly it’s knitting things that I leave for years and come back to later, cuz I’m super slow at knitting. I started a little shrug for myself back in high school; still not finished (though I only need to make one more sleeve, block it, and put it all together). I started knitting a scarf for my then-boyfriend-now-husband back in college; still not finished. I started cross-stitching a Christmas stocking three years ago; the cross-stitch part was finished after 2.5 years, but I haven’t put it all together yet. So you’re in good company here :-)
But seriously, that wreath is gorgeous! Totally worth waiting 11 years for!
Oh dang, forgot to mention I found you on Sweet Sharing Monday!
Well, this absolutely gorgeous project of yours has me feeling much, much better about my bedroom UFO!
I adore how it turned out … and adore the post!
:)
Linda
Wow! The 11 years it took you to complete it are totally worth it! It’s beautiful! I also have my own UFOs, but they can perfectly wait after the Holidays!
Wow! This is beautiful! I can see two of these hanging in my kitchen windows. I’m alot like you though, lots of UFOs hanging around – mine and my husband’s. (BTW – My hubby is challenging your record of 11 years. We have an unfinished car cover next to the house. There’s framing, but no roof. It’s been 11 years now, 12 shortly after the new year. That’s just one of his UFOs) I may have to try this one though. Obviously it would be for NEXT Christmas. LOL!
Out of curiosity, where did you purchase your beads?
Hi Francie, the beads I purchased were from Ornamental Resources, Inc. out of Idaho Springs, CO. I believe it was the source Martha used. Their web address is listed as http://www.ornabead.com. It looks like they actually sell a kit now for making the wreaths here, but my, how prices have gone up since I first purchased my supplies!
Good Afternoon Debbie, Well, if I’m going to be completely honest, I have, let me think, one, no, two, no three, alright I’ll be completely honest, I have five projects which are taking me a while to complete. In my defence, I find blogging is taking up much more of my time than I ever imagined. I am learning so much and don’t seem to make the time to complete these projects. I have a beautiful heart quilt which I started making for Danielle 10 years ago….all the hand quilted hearts are completed (the hard work), I have to machine it all together, I keep looking at it and think….I will finish that quilt and then that is the end of that. Danielle is coming home next Spring….mmm there’s a thought, I have a target date! I’ll let you know if I finish it. Lovely post, and you are so patient, but the end result was so worthwhile….well done to you. Have a lovely day. Best Wishes Daphne
Hi Debbie, I just had to take a second look at that stunning wreath you made, that’s beautiful!
Have a nice weekend,
moni
Thanks. I found the same type beads on ebay, and I may try those. I haven’t been able to find any at my local JoAnn’s or Hobby Lobby. I have yet to check Michael’s though.
BTW – I forgot to mention that I found you through Mop it up Mondays, and I’m glad I did!
Believe it or not, I have that same half finished UFO! My wreath is wrapped in red bias tape and my pin heads have been painted red. I stalled because I never got my bead order together! I’m inspired to finish it now since yours looks so lovely! I remember starting this project intending to hang it in a particular spot in our old house. We moved 10 years ago!
I think I have seen this featured at least 3 times now so I had to come and check it out. It is beautiful and who cares how long it took to do it, it’s fabulous! I would love for you to come share some of your projects @ Miss Informations I freakin’ Did it Friday whenever you get a chance!
I absolutely love this. Hilarious it took 10 years to finish. Definitely worth the wait. It’s beautiful. Looks like glass. Jodi @ meaningfulmama.com
I have a similar long term relationship with Martha and her projects. Your follow up is much better than mine.
I absolutely love this post. It made me laugh and blush a bit because I the same problem. I have two unfinished quilts, a lot of incomplete ornaments and do not get me started on jewelry. Love the wreath and will be looking up the kit and the instructions. As a beader, this is a must for next year’s Holiday season. I wouldn’t want to be an overachiever and try for this year.
Don’t feel bad about 11 years. I still haven’t finished crocheting my daughter’s baby blanket. I started it when I was pregnant. She is 14.5 now, and its not even like it is stuffed away not looking at me. I can see it right now as I am sitting at the computer. It is absolutely leering at me. LOL I have finished SO many projects between then and now and yet still that one is just not finished. However, you have inspired me. I now realize that I am not alone in my long over due UFOs. I think I will go work on it some more right now
All good things come to he who waits!
It looks beautiful.
Is this heavy? Are the beads glass?
Hi Jolene, yes, the beads are glass, and therefore it does make a heavy wreath, once you get them all on there. My wreath measures just under 9″ at it’s widest, and it weighs nearly 2 pounds (30 ounces exactly).
Debbie, your wreath is so beautiful. You have patience my friend!!! So glad you carried on because it really turned out great. Even better that you can use as long as you like, maybe even Valentines Day too.
Last month, while going through the Christmas boxes, I came across a Christmas project that I started in 1976. I am the slacker queen! Love your blog.
Absolutely gorgeous! I want to do that wreath this year. How many beads did you use?
Hi Shanya, I ordered 200 beads of each size: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm. I did have some left over, but not a lot.
This is so stunning … and I saw what you done with it for Valentine – not a Valentine fan .. but with that pink ribbon you could convert me for a day. I’m not a Christmas person neither – but this I would love to get my hands on.
Must say I landed in a wonderful world here with you – so I stay around. *smile