Corn Husk Candle Wreath

Dimensional wreath base is constructed of card stock 

to include inner, outer and middle raised rings 

to which corn husk "petals" are glued. 

Petal cutting templates can be used to trim natural husk shapes. 

(Alternatives to husk include double-layered 

distressed crepe paper or handmade paper.) 

Risers base measures approx. 8.5" in diameter. 

Finished wreath measures approx. 12.5" diameter,
with space inside for a 4" diameter candle.

Optional hanger included to attach to backside 

to transform to hanging wreath. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shape:
A main ring base   B back cover
C outer ring risers (4)
D middle ring risers (3)
E inner ring risers (2)
F petal template - mid & outer rows
G petal template - inner row

2. Consider options for "husk" petals, then

procure selected materials.

Choose from natural corn husks such as

this produce available for approx. $2

at Walmart in produce department.

Other alternatives include double layers

of "Crepe Folds" crepe paper available from

party stores such as Zurchers

(consider distressing with light brown mist

ink/paint) . . . 

. . . or handmade paper, which can be
cut using a digital cutter, shown here with
curl being added to the petal tip.

3. Identify the various riser panels by locating

the identifying number symbol in the side tab.

Here the outer ring riser shape has a '3'.

The middle ring riser has a '2'.

and the inner ring riser has a '1'.

4. Prepare the outer ring riser shapes by

bending with mountain fold along the center,

also bending the long flange tabs with mountain

folds, and bending inward tabs forward (valley).

5. Bend end tabs back. Join the four outer ring
risers end to end into one long strip
by overlapping straight end edge
 over the corresponding end tab to perf line.

6. Insert the inward tabs into the outer-most slots

on the base shape, one by one, or in series.

On base backside, bend the tabs toward the ring's

center, and glue in place.

7. Overlap the final end and tab and join.

8. Bend the separate panel segments down

into position so that the flange tabs can overlap

the base straight edge, center, then glue in place.

NOTE that it will be helpful to insert a tool

such as this pencil between the walls to provide

a pressing surface to secure the tab attachment.

This view shows the base backside with
the outer riser ring completed.
NOTE outer flange tabs and inner slot tabs
glued into position.

9. Repeat a similar process to prepare the middle

riser strips, bending long separate segment

flange tabs upward (valley), and joining strips

into one unit. Insert slot tabs into next slots,

on underside bend tabs toward center,

and glue in place. Join final ends.

10. Bend separate segments into position
to place and attach outer shaped tabs to base
surface. 
NOTE tabs will fit snugly next to
outer riser wall.

11. Prepare inner risers by bending, joining strips,

with inner (continuous/attached) tab flanges back

(mountain fold) and inner tabs forward (valley).

12. Slide the first tab flange around edge at 

the ring's inner opening and attach to underside

of base shape. Repeat to position and attach

all inner tab flanges, then join strip ends.

13. Bend separate segments back to position

and attach outward tabs to base face as with

middle riser row.

14. For natural corn husk petals (or crepe folds),

identify petal templates for hand cutting.

Inner row petals have slightly narrowed base edge

(shown left).

Hold template in place then use paper scissors

to trim petals as shown.

The model ring wreath uses:

INNER ROW - 12 narrow base petals 

MIDDLE ROW -12 regular base petals

OUTER ROW & EDGE - 24 reg base petals

15. Prepare the husk petals by first soaking in water . . .

. . . then working with the slightly curling petals

to shape  a slight curl at the base (attachment) end.

If needed, use a wooden spoon handle to
gently roll the base end.

Let the husks dry, then . . . 

. . . check the shapes when petals are dry.

If there is TOO much curl, especially at

pointed end . . . 

. . . use a heated steam iron to relax the curl 

as needed at the base ends . . . 

. . . as well as the tips.

Here is one sample of the relaxed petal.

Compare this to the petal shown

in the third image back.

16. Position the first petal for the outer ring

so that it corresponds with the flat face of

a segment, with base edge tucked all the way down.

Use hot melt glue to attach in place.

Continue to add remaining 11 petals for this

outer row.

17. Position and attach the outer edge row

with petals offset, centered at spaces between

the previously-attached petals.

Complete this outer edge row with 11 more petals.

18. Position middle row petals ON TOP OF

the riser ridge, attaching 12 petals.

19. Position and attach inner row petals with

base ends extended all the way to bottom of

riser faces at the inner opening. NOTE that

petals will overlap each other.

20. Here is the completed ring.
NOTE: if the petals still have too much curl,
more hot iron steam can be applied to
hand straighten and shape the ring.
21. If desired, attach the hanger shape to 
top backside then attach a ribbon loop, etc.

Here is the model candle ring

with a 4" candle (3.875") in place.