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Red and Silver Gem Swag

This swag would work great for Christmas or Valentine's Day

Equipment

  • Scissors
  • Wire Cutters
  • Zip Ties
  • Supplies

Materials

Base:

  • 1 silver tinsel tree extender branch MTX70070-SILV

Florals

  • 3 silver 60919 63526-SILVER
  • 3 red tinsel spray 84576-RD
  • 2 jingle bell sprays BM1817RD/WT
  • 3 maidenhair fern XS236724

Ribbon:

  • 1 1.5” iridescent stripes ribbon RK296-53
  • 1 2.5” glitter vertical stripe ribbon RGC1614W7

Instructions

Prep Your Base:

  • Use a silver tinsel tree extender or swag base to create a sturdy foundation.
  • Bend the top of the swag to form a hook for easy hanging. Zip-tie this loop to secure it in place.

Assemble the First Bundle:

  • Start with your tinsel spray as the first layer. This adds a vibrant, vintage touch with its shiny texture.
  • Layer in your red and silver floral sprays on top of the tinsel.
  • Add the 60919 spray on top of that, making sure the stems align.
  • Next, insert maidenhair fern for extra texture. Be sure to fluff the fern by shaping the wired stems for a fuller look.
  • Zip-tie all stems tightly together just below the middle of the bundle. Ensure the sprays are positioned in a triangular shape for balanced coverage.
  • Secure the top portion with another zip tie, ensuring the stems are tightly bundled and ready for the next layer.

Create the Second Bundle:

  • Repeat the same process: layer tinsel spray, floral sprays, 60919 spray, and maidenhair fern.
  • Make sure everything is layered neatly on top of each other to maintain the fullness and symmetry of the swag.
  • Zip-tie this second bundle together tightly.

Combine Both Bundles:

  • Place the second bundle slightly below the first one on the swag base, overlapping them slightly to blend the transition.
  • Secure them with zip ties along the central spine of the base, ensuring all the pieces stay together without gaps.

Add Decorative Gems:

  • Place your red and silver gem picks strategically along the swag, angling them slightly for visual interest.
  • Use the wired tinsel pieces from the sprays to tie them in securely (no glue needed!).
  • If the gems shift, use a mounting square with pipe cleaners for extra support and stability.

Create and Attach the Bow:

  • Use a double-sided ribbon with red and white stripes on one side and glitter on the other.
  • Make a large bow, measuring out about 12-inch loops for a nice full look.
  • Attach the bow to the swag using the tinsel ties or additional zip ties to secure it in place.
  • Ensure that the tails of the bow are spread out and curled for a polished, flowing effect.

Final Touches:

  • Add ribbon tails throughout the design using the tinsel ties for additional layers and depth. You can also mix in silver designer ribbon for more sparkle.
  • Optionally, sprinkle in snowflakes or Valentine’s heart picks depending on the occasion. These can be wired or glued into the swag for added detail.

Secure and Fluff:

  • Once all elements are attached, go through and fluff the sprays and ribbon to ensure the swag looks full and balanced.
  • Double-check that all stems are secured along the central spine and that there are no sharp edges that could scratch doors or walls.