chili pepper wreath

With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, I thought a vibrant chili pepper wreath would add a festive touch to this celebration. For Mexicans, this day commemorates their victory over Napoleon’s forces at the Battle of Pueblo in 1862. But for Americans, it’s a day to enjoy Mexican food and culture. And for my French family, well, just relax and let me make you a margarita. After all, I deserve one after completing this fiery chili pepper wreath.

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supplies needed:

• straw wreath form
• metal greening pins
• floral wire
• 8 oz. bag of dried Arbol chiles
• raffia

step 1 – prepare for surgery

That’s right. There’s a few things you need to do before starting this craft. First, find a great movie on Netflix. Yep, it takes a while to string these peppers, so you may as well seek some entertainment. Secondly, and most importantly, put on some surgical gloves before handling these hot peppers. Ask me how I know.

step 2 – string the peppers

Cut a piece of floral wire a little longer than the circumference of the wreath form. Then begin stringing the chili peppers, piercing them through their stems if possible. 

You will then make two more strings of peppers, each an inch or two shorter than the first string. 

step 3 – attach to wreath

Using pieces of raffia, tie the longest pepper string around the outer edge of the wreath, securing it in several places.

After the first string is attached, add a second one to the very top of the wreath, close enough that the peppers cluster together and stand up. Use floral picks to secure it in place.

Finally, add the third string to the inside of the circle of peppers. Attach with greening pins. Don’t worry if a few loose peppers fall off. 

step 4 – add bow

Tie a ribbon around the top for hanging. Remove gloves. Wash hands. Have a margarita. Happy Cinco de Mayo, amigos.

The biggest compliment is a little share – please pin the photo below!