Bird's Nest Spring Wreath

Attach Pussywillow to Wreath

Using heavy-duty shears or wire cutters, cut faux pussywillow branches into sections that are approximately 12-16 inches long. Starting in the bottom center of the wreath, add hot glue to pussywillow's ends, then attach to wreath form, tucking the glued ends between the grapevine's twists to better secure them. Cover each half of the wreath with pussywillow, overlapping sections as you go and leaving an uncovered area at the top.

Create Armature for Nest

Fold an approximately foot-square section of aluminum foil in half, then fold and tuck the edges under to create a round shape (Images 1 and 2). Place on the underside of a small bowl to create the nest's rounded shape. Tip: It's not necessary to cover the entire bowl; covering half to two-thirds of the bowl will work (Image 3). You now have a sturdy armature for your nest (Image 4).

Twist Spanish Moss and Twine Together

Pull a large amount of Spanish moss out of the bag and form it into a long rope-like shape. Wrap lengths of natural jute twine around the twisted moss to help it hold its shape.

Cover Foil, Inside and Out

Place the armature back on the inverted bowl. Starting in the center of what will be the nest's bottom, apply a large amount of hot glue to the aluminum foil then quickly cover it with the twisted moss-and-twine rope (Image 1). Continue adding hot glue and attaching the moss and twine, pressing it against the bowl to ensure the hot glue is making contact (Image 2). Continue adding moss and twine until the aluminum foil is completely covered, going a bit beyond the foil's top to ensure that none of it will show through. Flip the bowl over, place the nest inside the bowl and repeat the process. Create another moss-and-twine rope, if necessary, and hot-glue this to the interior of the nest until no aluminum foil is visible.

Add Preserved Moss and Bark

As a finishing touch, attach small pieces of preserved natural moss and bark to the nest's interior and exterior with hot glue.

Paint Robin's Eggs

Coat eggs with robin's-egg blue craft paint and allow to dry (Image 1). Lightly sand painted eggs to remove brush strokes and create a smooth surface. Pour a small amount of brown paint onto a plate and mix with 1-2 drops of water to slightly thin it. Dip the end of an old toothbrush into the thinned paint then run your thumb over the brush's tip to add a speckled effect to the eggs (Image 2). Allow speckled eggs to dry (Image 3).

Add Tulips and Nest

Using hot glue, attach a grouping of 3 tulips to one side of the wreath (Image 1), trimming the ends if necessary. Add a small amount of hot glue to the underside of the nest (Image 2) and push into position on the inside of the grapevine wreath (Image 3). Finally, add eggs to the nest, gluing them into position (Image 4).

Hang Finished Wreath

Loop decorative ribbon around the top of wreath and hang on front door (Image 1). Tip: If your door has enough clearance at the top, you can just secure the ribbon's ends to the top of the door with a flat tack. Display your completed wreath on a covered porch or indoors to add a cheery touch of spring (Image 2).