How do you make a garland?

Question

I need a hair piece for a Madrigal dinner, and I was thinking about makeing a a garland or veil. Does anyone know how to make either of these, or has any suggestions?

Answer 1

Garland: get lots of flowers -- if live, make sure you do this on the day of the dinner, or the day before. I'll give extra instructions below. Strip them of leaves. The stems should be at least four inches long. Place one flower next to the other with the stems adjoining, then tie together under flower number two (use thread, twisties, florist tape, whatever won't be too noticeable). Place flower number three under flower number two, again with the stems adjacent. Tie together all three stems. Repeat. Eventually, you will run out of the stem to flower number one, but you'll still have the stems of the other flowers to work with.

When it is the length to go around your head (try it on!), tie the remaining stems into flower number one's stem, etc. You should incorporate all the stems into twisties/tape.

If you have live flowers, mist, place in a large plastic bag, and keep in the refrigerator or very cool place. Check them every 12 hours and re-mist them as necessary. If you get overenthusiastic, place a paper towel at the bottom of the plastic bag to soak up extra drips.

The only veil I can think of would be a sqare of gauzy material attached to a tall cone of paper. You'd probably want some elastic to hold it on your head -- go behind your hairdo! If you put it under your chin, you might look ridiculous. Another thought is hair pins through holes in the cone. Whatever you do, try it on beforehand, and wear it around the house for awhile. Best to work out the bugs at home, rather than to have an embarrassing headpiece at the dinner!

Good luck. It sounds like a lovely evening!

Answer 2

You soak grapevine, to get it pliable, then twist it into the circle, and let it dry. My sister has made many of them. Of course, I don't know where she got the vine. A craft store may have pre-made things to use as a base, then you could tuck in the flowers etc. in it.