A gilded laurel wreath objet that you can make, not buy, we promise

What can I say, I'm a sucker for a pretty thing! And I fall even harder when it's actually something you can create in the comfort of your very own home. This piece is inspired by the art and artisans of Greece and has its origins in antiquity, where the laurel wreath was a symbol of victory and honour — and it just so happens to have been awarded to victors of the Olympic Games! This sculpture will add that 'fancy' your bookshelf has been longing for. Declutter and get ready, because you're going to have one gorgeous #shelfie with this piece of art, and I will guide you through every step of the way!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1/8 inch brass rod (I used one that was 3 feet long.)
• 46 gold leaf pendants
• Rapid set cement
• Thin gold wire or floral wire (approximately 15.5')
• Gold metallic spray paint
• 1 gold washer (1/8 inch)
• Pliers
• Scissors
• Small piece of felt
• Green floral tape (one roll, or 4" pieces for all 46 pendants)
• 2.5 inch gift box for cement mold (I had an old one from the dollar store)
• Petroleum jelly
• White acrylic paint and brush
• Plastic or latex gloves
• All purpose glue

Here's how to do it:

1. Using your hands, begin to bend and shape the end of your brass rod into a hoop, 6 inches in diameter.

2. Next bend the stem by placing felt around the rod and place your pliers over the felt — this will keep your metal from getting scratched. Bend rod on a 45 degree angle. Now we have a hoop with a stem.

3. This is a great time to pop on a movie in the background because we need to cut 46 pieces of gold wire (2.5 inches long) and secure one wire piece to each pendant. Do this by looping wire through the pendant hole, folding at the midpoint, and then twist a few times to secure. Continue on each pendant.

4. Now it's time to secure our leaves to our hoop to create the wreath. Find the top midpoint of your hoop. Take one of your wired pendants, place on hoop and point the leaf outwards, secure to the hoop just to the left of the top midpoint with your floral tape (piece can be 4 inches long).

5. Continue all the way down to the bottom, alternating the direction of the leaves, facing out and in, out and in.

6. Now continue on the right side. Cut excess rod stem off, leaving our stem 6 inches in length.

7. Now it's time to spray paint our 'almost' masterpiece gold. I recommend spraying outdoors or in a very well ventilated area. Be sure to spray paint your washer at the same time.

8. Cement time! Don't be afraid of this step — it's very easy to do. First, take your small box and grease the inside with petroleum jelly. This will help us easily remove the block. Follow the directions of your cement mixture. I used a quick set cement and used the bucket that it came in as a mixing bowl. If yours came in a bag, use an old plastic container for mixing. Put on your disposable gloves and mix it all up with your hands. The cement will begin to heat up, and once it's blended, fill your box by pushing the mixture firmly into your box mould. Once filled to about 1.5 inches deep, smooth out the top of the cement with your fingers and let it sit for 1 minute.

9. Now take the scrap rod end we cut off and press a hole in the middle of our cement block, pressing down just before the bottom of our mould. Pull out the rod, leaving the hole exposed and then let it dry for a few hours.

10. Once our cement block is dry, remove from box. I watered down my white paint to create a wash then brushed it on to my cement block.  

11. After the paint is dry, put a small dab of glue in the hole on your cement block.

12. Now place the washer on our stem and then place stem in our hole. Push down firmly, placing the washer flush with the cement block. Wipe away excess glue with a paper towel and let it dry.

13. You did it! Honestly, you just made art and you should be proud! This sculpture looks great on shelves next to some of your favourite books.

Lady Hayes is a designer, photographer and mama, known for her beautiful floral inspired projects and lifestyle. Her love of flowers shines through her couture crafted Flower Crowns and Petal Pop, her line of Floral Confetti with sun dried roses and gold confetti glitter. Stay connected! Visit Hayes over on her instagram @ladyhayes or visit her website www.ladyhayes.com to shop and say hi!