Perhaps the only thing better than the scent of fresh-cut evergreen boughs is having that scent come from a wreath you’ve made yourself.
My mom and some friends did just that last weekend and I played photojournalist. And so, may I present:
A step-by-step guide to wreath making
You will need:
- A wreath frame (available at your local craft store).
- Green florist wire (or just plain silver wire – it’s not really going to show). Raffia makes for a natural option.
- Secateurs (pruners or clippers)
- Moss (available at the nursery or some craft stores) soaked in water for at least an hour
- A variety of fresh materials. Along with Western Larch and Cedar, we used:
How To
1. Gather an assortment of 12-20cm (5″-8″) stems into small bunches (between 2-4 stems per bunch), and wrap the ends tightly with florist wire.
2. Wrap the cut end of the bunch with damp moss. Lay the bundle on your wreath frame and secure with more wire.
3. Place your next moss-wrapped bunch on the frame, facing the same direction so that the tips of the second bunch overlap the first, covering the wire. Secure.
4. Proceed as above, overlapping the bundles and wrapping the whole thing with wire. Once your frame is entirely covered, step back and assess. Add extra stems where needed, and affix extras like bows if desired.
Voila! You’ve got yourself a wreath.
Joon43 says
Thanx for the great idea. I am going out evergreen hunting today!
Stevie says
Lovely post! I jut did this a few days ago but I used a grapevine wreath as the base and it was fast and easy. Your photos are wonderful!
Julia Ebel says
I just stumbled on you wreath-making entry. Each year, I have made my own thrifty evergreen wreath, using only a coat hanger reshaped into a circle, wire, and either boxwood from my yard or fir from the bottom limbs of our Christmas tree.
Readers may be interested not only in the process but also in my book Mama’s Wreaths, draws culturally from wreath making in Southern Appalachia–an East Coast perspectiv with a universal message. The skill has been passed along among women who have drawn from the land’s resources. This fragrant story unfolds in a garland of free verse poems and reminds us of the way we touch each other with joy, even when we never meet. End notes give background for the story and instructions on making a simple wreath. For ages 8 to 108.
The book is available on amazon.com. Read more about it and my other books at http://www.juliaebel.com
Keep your own traditions, your own skills, and your own stories—pass them along!
Beth Brockmann says
I foraged for my greens in the woods near my home — obtained some varieties of branches of pine, holly, etc along with some bunches of magnolia leaves, and made a tear-drop shape without the frame. Turned out lovely – have it out on my porch so there’s no fire hazard if it gets dry. Then I will just toss it and make another one!