Glossary of Michelle's aDOORable Creations Terms

Welcome to Michelle’s aDOORable Creations Glossary—your go-to guide for understanding the materials, tools, and terms loved by makers of wreaths, seasonal decor, and handcrafted home accents.

Whether you're a first-time DIYer, a seasoned wreath designer, or simply exploring creative ways to decorate your home, this glossary offers clear, helpful definitions of commonly used terms in ribbon crafting, floral arranging, and festive gift-giving.

Use it to grow your crafting confidence, or shop more knowledgeably for products that reflect your style and passion for home décor.

In this glossary, you’ll learn:

• The differences between popular wreath bases and their best uses
• How to choose the right ribbon for bows, seasons, or special occasions
• Which floral and greenery accents add texture, color, and dimension
• Key decorating and giftable items that support crafty creativity year-round

Accent Decor

Accent decor is a broader term that generally refers to small decorative items or accessories used to enhance the overall aesthetic of a space or craft project. This can include vases, candle holders, signs, decorative objects, and other home decor pieces used for styling events or rooms, including wreath making.

Accent Picks

Accent picks specifically refer to small decorative stems or sprays—such as berries, pine cones, floral elements, or thematic ornaments—that are designed to be easily inserted into wreaths or arrangements to add detail, texture, and seasonal flair.

They usually have a wire stem for attachment and are a standard wreath-making supply used to customize and enhance the design.

Artificial Greenery

Artificial greenery refers to carefully crafted, lifelike plant materials made from fabrics, plastics, and other synthetic elements designed to replicate the look and feel of natural foliage. These durable pieces provide vibrant, maintenance-free greenery that enhances wreaths, floral arrangements, and home decor year-round.

Backing

Backing in wreath making refers to the material or layer placed on the reverse side of a wreath to provide structural support, cover the wreath base, and create a finished, neat appearance. It helps secure the wreath’s components and protects surfaces where it is hung.

Backing may be made from fabric, mesh, foam, or other sturdy materials that complement the wreath’s design while reinforcing its shape and durability.

Back Looping

Back booping is a wreath-making technique where loops of ribbon, mesh, or fabric are formed and attached to the wreath base by pulling the material through the back or inner ring of the wreath form.

This creates a full, textured appearance with evenly spaced loops that add volume and dimension to the design. It’s commonly used with wired ribbons and deco mesh to build layered, decorative wreaths.

Berry Picks

Berry picks are small decorative stems or sprays featuring clusters of artificial or natural berries attached to a wire or plastic stem. They are used as accents in wreaths, floral arrangements, garlands, and holiday decor to add color, texture, and a festive, rustic appeal.

Berry picks are flexible and easy to shape or fluff, making them versatile for decorating wreaths, Christmas trees, stockings, gift wraps, and tablescapes. They help bring seasonal vibrancy and complement other foliage or floral elements in home decoration.

13" Snow Berry Holly Pick: Red and Green

Bow Maker

A bow maker is a crafting tool designed to assist in creating various styles of decorative bows using ribbons, cords, strings, or lace. It functions as an extra pair of hands, allowing crafters to make consistent, professional-looking bows such as single, double, or multi-loop bows with ease.

The tool typically features adjustable pegs or slots to accommodate different ribbon widths and bow sizes, helping to save time and improve precision in projects like wreaths, gift wrapping, home decor, and scrapbooking.

Type of Bow Maker	Key Features	Ideal For
Single-Peg Bow Maker	One peg for looping ribbon; simple and easy to use	Basic bows and beginners
Multi-Peg Bow Maker	Multiple pegs for creating complex, multi-loop bows	Advanced bows and professional looks
Measurement Guide Bow Maker	Built-in rulers or markings for precise ribbon length	Consistent sizing and tail length
Spool Holder Bow Maker	Integrated spool holder to keep ribbon organized	Large projects and ribbon management
Portable & Tabletop Models	Varies from handheld to stable bases for different needs	On-the-go crafting or high-volume use

Burlap Ribbon

Burlap Ribbon is a decorative ribbon made from natural jute fibers woven into a coarse, rustic fabric, prized for its earthy, vintage appeal and sturdy texture.

Often featuring a wired edge burlap ribbon, this type of ribbon combines flexibility and structure, making it ideal for shaping bows and accents that hold their form in wreath making, floral arrangements, and home decor projects.

Chenille stems

Chenille stems are flexible craft wires wrapped with soft, fuzzy chenille fabric, often called pipe cleaners. They come in various colors, sizes, and textures, making them ideal for arts and crafts projects.

Their pliability allows them to be easily bent, twisted, and shaped into different forms such as figures, decorations, or accents. Chenille stems are popular for creative activities because they combine a soft tactile surface with a sturdy wire core, enabling both decorative and structural uses.

Craft Glue

Craft glue is an adhesive made explicitly for arts and crafts projects. It is typically a water-based, non-industrial glue that dries clear and is often white when applied. Craft glue is versatile and can bond various materials, including paper, fabric, wood, plastic, foam, and metal.

It is usually non-toxic and easy to clean with soap and water, making it safe for use by children and hobbyists.

Craft Mesh

Craft mesh is a type of loosely woven plastic mesh ribbon, typically made from synthetic materials like polypropylene. It features an open, net-like structure that is durable, flexible, and lightweight. This material is widely used in crafting and decorating, especially for making wreaths, garlands, bows, and other decorative accents.

10" Metallic Foil Border Mesh Ribbon: Rose Gold

Criss-Cross Tying

Criss-cross tying is a wreath-making technique where ribbons, mesh, or stems are attached in an overlapping "X" pattern across a wreath form.

This method creates a visually appealing, textured design by layering materials diagonally, enhancing fullness and dimension. It’s especially popular for securing deco mesh or ribbons tightly while adding decorative accents seamlessly.

Curly Picks

Curly picks are decorative craft elements made by curling ribbon, mesh, or similar materials into spirals or swirls, then attaching them to a stem or wire for easy placement in wreaths, floral arrangements, or holiday decor. They add texture, dimension, and a playful, whimsical flair to designs, enhancing visual interest and fullness.

Door Hanger

A door hanger is a decorative piece designed to hang from a door handle or knob, often crafted from materials like wood or MDF. Used for seasonal themes, greetings, or special occasions, door hangers add a personalized touch to any entryway.

Many styles and designs can be found within specialized door hanger collections to suit various decor needs.

Drop-In Layering

Drop-in layering is a wreath-making technique where decorative elements, such as floral picks, bows, or greenery bundles, are inserted directly into a wreath base in overlapping layers.

This method builds depth and fullness by placing items in sections, often secured with wire or pipe cleaners, allowing for easy customization and a lush, textured appearance without fully covering the base at once. It’s ideal for creating visually rich, dimensional wreaths with varied textures and colors.

Embellishments

Embellishments are decorative elements added to crafts or projects to enhance their visual appeal and thematic interest. They include small details like sequins, beads, ribbons, or floral accents that make a piece more attractive and personalized. Embellishments add texture, color, and dimension, transforming simple designs into unique, eye-catching creations.

Evergreen Wreath

An evergreen wreath is a circular arrangement made primarily from evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life and renewal. Its unbroken ring shape represents continuity and the cyclical nature of seasons, while the evergreen foliage signifies resilience, vitality, and endurance through harsh conditions.

Floral Foam

Floral foam is a porous, lightweight material used as a base for floral arrangements. It securely holds flower stems in place while absorbing and retaining water to keep fresh flowers hydrated. Available in wet and dry varieties, it supports both fresh and artificial flowers, allowing for stable, long-lasting, and visually appealing floral designs.

Feature	Wet Floral Foam	Dry Floral Foam
Use	Designed for fresh flowers; holds water to hydrate stems	Used for artificial, dried, or silk flowers; no water needed
Water Absorption	Absorbs and retains water to keep flowers fresh longer	Does not absorb water; provides structural support only
Density	Less dense to allow water retention; lighter before soaking	Denser and heavier; provides firm support for non-fresh stems
Longevity for Fresh Flowers	Keeps flowers hydrated for up to 7–10 days with watering	Not suitable for fresh flowers; will not keep them hydrated
Application	Must be fully soaked before use; placed in waterproof containers or used alone	Used dry without soaking; ideal for long-lasting artificial arrangements
Support Strength	Provides good support but is softer due to water content	Offers stronger, firmer support for heavier stems
Reusability	Generally single-use; loses structure after use	Can sometimes be reused if undamaged, but performance may decline

Floral Picks

Floral picks are small, decorative stems designed to add detailed accents to floral arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. They often feature single blooms, berries, or themed embellishments and are used to enhance texture, color, and dimension. Floral picks provide an easy way to incorporate intricate botanical elements into designs, elevating their visual appeal.

Floral Tape

Floral tape is a stretchy, crepe paper tape coated with a waxy substance that becomes adhesive when stretched. It is primarily used to bind and secure flower stems, wires, and foliage in floral arrangements and wreaths. Its self-adhesive quality makes it stick to itself without leaving residue, providing a neat, natural-looking finish.

Florist Wire

Florist wire is a thin, flexible wire used in floral arrangements and craft projects. It comes in various gauges, with lower numbers indicating thicker, stronger wire supporting heavy stems and higher numbers for delicate work. Florist wire reinforces, shapes, and secures flowers, foliage, and decorative elements in wreaths and bouquets.

Fluff-and-Pull

Fluff-and-pull is a wreath-making technique that creates fullness and dimension by gently pulling apart and shaping the mesh, greenery, or floral elements attached to the wreath base.

This process "fluffs" the materials, ensuring an even, voluminous appearance. It also helps fill gaps for a lush, polished look typical in seasonal and holiday wreath designs.

Garland

A garland is a decorative chain or rope made from flowers, leaves, greenery, or other materials. It adds a warm, festive touch and can be found in various styles and themes to complement any decor. With a variety of holiday garlands available, it’s easy to add a touch of seasonal charm to your decor.

Grapevine Wreath

A grapevine wreath is a circular base woven together flexible, dried grapevines or similar woody vines. Known for its natural, rustic appearance, it serves as a versatile foundation for seasonal and decorative accents. Grapevine wreaths are durable and commonly used for home decor, especially during holidays and seasonal celebrations.

Glitter Picks

Glitter picks are decorative stems or sprays coated with sparkling glitter particles, designed to add shimmer and visual interest to wreaths, floral arrangements, garlands, and holiday crafts. They often feature elements like foam balls or curly shapes and are flexible for easy placement, enhancing festive and decorative projects with a touch of sparkle.

Gingham Ribbon

Gingham ribbon is a decorative ribbon featuring a classic checkered pattern made by weaving two different colored yarns, typically in a duotone design like red and white or blue and white. It is usually made from cotton or polyester blends, offering durability and a crisp texture. This ribbon adds a timeless, country-inspired charm to wreaths, gift wrapping, and home decor projects.

Harvest Decor

Harvest decor refers to seasonal home decorations inspired by the autumn harvest. It incorporates natural elements and warm colors that evoke fall’s bounty. Typical features include pumpkins, gourds, dried wheat, leaves, and warm tones like orange, mustard, and deep reds.

Harvest decor creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, celebrating the transition into fall and Thanksgiving.

10" Wooden Sign: Happy Fall Leaf

Holiday Wreath

A holiday wreath is a circular arrangement typically made from evergreens, flowers, leaves, or other natural and decorative materials. Traditionally hung on doors or walls during festive seasons, holiday wreaths convey messages of hope, renewal, and celebration, often incorporating meaningful elements like pine cones, holly, and ribbons.

Jute Cord

Jute cord is a natural fiber twine made from the jute plant's long, soft, and shiny fibers. It is strong, durable, and biodegradable, making it eco-friendly for crafts and packaging. Commonly used in wreath making, gift wrapping, floral arrangements, and home decor, it adds a rustic, textured look while providing excellent grip and flexibility.

Knotted Loop Wrapping

Knotted loop wrapping is a decorative and functional technique used in wreath making and crafting. In this technique, a cord or ribbon is wrapped tightly around a bundle of materials, creating adjustable loops secured by a wrapped knot. This method bundles elements neatly while adding texture and dimension, and it is often used to attach accents or create hanging loops in wreath designs.

Loop Bow

A loop bow is a decorative bow made by forming multiple loops of ribbon, which are layered and secured at the center to create a full, rounded shape. It is commonly crafted using wired ribbon to maintain structure and can vary in size and number of loops. Loop bows are popular for wreaths, gift wrapping, and festive decorations due to their elegant, voluminous appearance.

Monogram Sign

A monogram sign is a decorative item featuring one or more initials combined into a single, stylized design. It is used to personalize home decor, often displayed on walls or doors, adding a distinctive and elegant touch that reflects an individual’s or family’s identity. Monogram signs can be crafted from various materials and customized in fonts and colors.

Moss

Moss is a soft, textured plant material commonly used in decor and crafts to add natural greenery and organic texture. It can be preserved, dried, or artificial, allowing for low-maintenance use in wreaths, floral arrangements, wall art, and decorative displays. Moss enhances projects with its lush, vibrant appearance and tactile quality.

Natural Wreath Base

A natural wreath base is a foundational frame made from organic materials such as grapevine, straw, twigs, or willow. It provides shape and structural support for attaching greenery, flowers, and decorative accents. These bases offer a rustic, eco-friendly option that enhances handcrafted wreaths' natural look and feel.

Ornament

An ornament is a decorative item or embellishment that enhances the beauty or interest of an object, space, or person. These items serve primarily an aesthetic purpose rather than a functional one.

They are used to beautify, embellish, or adorn, adding visual appeal to the appearance of something to which they are added. Ornaments can vary widely in form, from small, fancy objects to intricate patterns.

3.5" Lodge Plaque With Sayings Ornaments

Pine Cone Accent

Pine cone accent refers to decorative elements made from artificial or natural pine cones used to add rustic texture and warmth to wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, and other home decor. They are versatile seasonal accents popular in fall and winter, often painted, glittered, or combined with ribbons and greenery to enhance festive or woodland-themed designs.

Pruners

Pruners are handheld cutting tools designed for trimming and shaping plants by making clean cuts on stems and small branches, typically up to about half an inch thick. They are essential for removing dead or overgrown growth to promote plant health and precise shaping.

Pruners come in types like bypass and anvil, each suited for specific cutting tasks in gardening and floral arranging.

Raffia

Raffia is a natural fiber derived from the leaves of the raffia palm, commonly used in crafting wreaths and floral arrangements. Its flexible, durable strands add a rustic, textured element to designs, complementing artificial greenery and seasonal decorations. Raffia can be easily shaped, tied, or woven, making it ideal for bows, accents, and natural-inspired embellishments.

Rustic Decor

Rustic decor is a design style that highlights natural, raw materials like wood, stone, and metal, often featuring handcrafted or weathered elements. It emphasizes organic textures, earthy tones, and a warm, cozy atmosphere. This style embraces imperfection and simplicity, making it ideal for wreath making and home crafts that celebrate natural beauty and artisanal charm.

Seasonal Picks

Seasonal picks are decorative elements, often artificial, designed to enhance wreaths and other crafts with specific seasonal themes. These versatile accents, such as faux berries, themed ornaments, or small floral sprays, are typically attached to a stem or pick for easy insertion into a wreath base or arrangement.

They provide a quick and effective way to infuse seasonal charm, color, and texture, allowing crafters to customize their decor for holidays or changing seasons.

Spring Decor

Spring decor refers to seasonal decorative items and craft projects that celebrate the themes of renewal, growth, and vibrant colors associated with springtime. It often includes floral wreaths, pastel-colored ribbons, fresh or faux greenery, and whimsical accents like butterflies or birds.

These elements are used to create cheerful, nature-inspired home decorations and wreaths that evoke the freshness and energy of the season. Spring decor projects typically involve crafting techniques such as weaving ribbons, arranging floral picks, and incorporating natural or artificial blooms to brighten indoor and outdoor spaces.

Straw Wreath Base

A straw wreath base is a circular form made from tightly bound natural straw, often wrapped with strong thread or nylon for durability and shape retention. It serves as a sturdy, eco-friendly foundation for wreath making, ideal for attaching floral picks, ribbons, greenery, and seasonal decorations.

Styrofoam Base

A styrofoam base is a lightweight, durable wreath form made from foam material, commonly used as the foundation for crafting wreaths. Its soft, porous surface allows easy insertion of floral picks, greenery, ribbons, and other decorative elements, making it ideal for creating compact, neat wreath designs.

It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use due to its weather-resistant properties, offering versatility and ease for wreath makers.

Tinsel Garland

Tinsel garland is a decorative strand made from thin, metallic or PVC foil strips that shimmer and reflect light, adding sparkle and texture to crafts and holiday decor.

Commonly used in wreath making and seasonal decorations, it can be shaped, wrapped, or layered to enhance visual appeal, creating festive and eye-catching accents for doors, trees, and mantles. Its flexible, lightweight design makes it ideal for DIY projects and embellishing floral arrangements or wreath bases.

Twist Tie

A twist tie is a flexible fastener made of a thin metal wire encased in paper or plastic, designed to bend and hold its shape. In crafting, especially wreath making and floral arrangements, twist ties are used to securely attach greenery, floral picks, ribbons, and other decorative elements. They provide a simple, reusable way to bind materials without damaging them.

Velvet Ribbon

Velvet ribbon is a luxurious, soft-textured ribbon made from closely woven fabric with a plush pile surface. Its rich, velvety feel and elegant appearance make it ideal for crafting bows, wreath accents, and holiday decorations. Available in various widths and colors, velvet ribbon adds depth and sophistication to floral arrangements and home décor projects.