When it comes to creating respectful and lasting memorial tributes, grave blankets have become a cherished tradition for families looking to honor their loved ones with something more substantial than a traditional wreath.
At Mitchell Wreath Rings, we’ve seen a growing interest in DIY Grave Blankets that utilize our signature clamp ring technology. Our premium wire forms give crafters the foundation for arrangements that are not only beautiful, but keep shape and remain durable throughout the changing seasons.
Looking to craft a smaller or more subtle display in memoriam? We also offer Grave Pillows in a reduced size, built to the same exceptional quality standards.
Premium Quality Grave Blankets – Manufactured in Wisconsin
Traditional grave blankets usually rely on chicken wire or foam bases that can deteriorate quickly, especially when exposed to harsh weather conditions. Mitchell wire wreath forms provide a superior foundation that addresses these common challenges.
What sets our products apart from generic alternatives? It boils down to better materials and meticulous manufacturing. We employ a patented production process, and the specially selected steel wire we use is time-tested across thousands of wreath products to be durable, resistant to sagging, warping, and outdoor corrosion alike.
For custom grave blanket building, many crafters have discovered that our larger diameter clamp rings offer an ideal starting point. Our 24”, 30”, and 36” clamp rings provide the substantial base needed for grave blankets while still allowing for the creative flexibility that makes each tribute unique.
Everything You Need to Know About Clip Spacing for Grave Blankets
One of the most important considerations when selecting a wire wreath form for grave blanket applications is clip count and spacing. This is where our Reduced Clip Clamp Rings truly shine. Unlike standard rings that feature one clip per inch of diameter, our reduced clip rings allow you to work with longer lengths of foliage, which is essential for creating the fuller, more dramatic appearance that grave blankets require.
For example, our 30” Reduced Clip Ring features 22 clips instead of 30, allowing for a maximum spacing of 4.7” between clips. This wider spacing accommodates longer boughs and reduces the number of handfuls required to complete your arrangement. That makes the process more efficient while allowing you to achieve that lush, layered look that characterizes a premium grave blanket.
Learn more about optimizing clip spacing in our previous blog: Choosing the Right Clip Size and Spacing for Secure Wreath Assembly.
The Innovative Mitchell Clip Design
What sets Mitchell Wreath Rings apart in grave blanket construction is our clip design itself. Our clips are engineered with a unique shape that prevents boughs from turning and holds materials securely even as they dry out over time.
This is particularly important for grave blankets, which need to maintain their appearance through weeks or even months of outdoor exposure. The special shape of the Mitchell clip closes tight and holds strong, with custom-drawn wire that prevents spring back after the clips are clamped closed around your wreath materials. This means your carefully arranged evergreens, dried grasses, or artificial florals will stay exactly where you place them, season after season.
Building Your Grave Blanket: Step-by-Step Considerations
- When constructing a grave blanket on a clamp ring, the process is similar to building a wreath, but with a few key modifications. Start by cutting your boughs to the appropriate length, typically longer than you would for a traditional wreath. For a 30” or 36” blanket, consider using materials in the 10” to 14” range to create adequate coverage.
- Gather uniform handfuls of foliage, keeping in mind that consistency is key to achieving a professional appearance. Place your wreath ring in the jaws of your clamping machine (or use our Mitchell Mini Crafter for smaller production volumes), and begin working around the ring, securing each handful with firm pressure from your machine’s foot pedal.
- The beauty of using our clamp rings for grave blankets is that you can easily mix different types of materials: evergreens, dried flowers, preserved oak leaves, or even artificial elements. No matter what materials you choose, everything is easily secured with the same reliable clamping action. For example, a layer of moss can be incorporated to add dimension and help protect more delicate stems.
Looking for more unique inspiration? Browse through our Customer Creations page!
Seasonal Versatility and Customization
One of the advantages of constructing grave blankets on wire wreath forms is the ability to customize for different seasons and occasions. Spring arrangements might feature lighter greens and pastel dried florals, while autumn designs can incorporate preserved leaves and wheat. Winter grave blankets traditionally use evergreens like noble fir, incense cedar, and juniper. These are great wreath materials that not only look beautiful but also release a subtle fragrance that adds to the memorial experience.
For year-round applications, consider using our green painted grave blankets, which look great with dried and artificial materials that will remain on display in various weather conditions.
Crafting a Lasting Tribute with Lasting Quality
At Mitchell Wreath Rings, we want to give our customers the best foundation available for building beautiful grave blankets that stand the test of time. It’s one of the many cases where DIY crafting is about far more than creating decor; it’s about honoring the memory of a loved one.