Wreaths harken back to a time when people needed comfort that the wheel of the year would turn on; that spring and life would return.
I love traditional Christmas materials and objects however I like to add a little of the unexpected. The wreath I chose to make has a frame of Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) braided than twined together. I wanted to give a more accurate picture of winter - the vibrant desolate naked branches with the lush fullness of classic evergreen boughs. With the modern touch of Nandina (Nandina domestica)and yellow holly berries(Ilex).
Materials:
Pruners
Wire Cutters
Green Paddle Wire
Holly
Nandina
Golden Tipped Cedar
Cedar
Bow
Wreath Base (made or purchased)
1)Lay the wreath out and pick a top and bottom. For my wreath where the ends overlapped was a natural bottom.
2)Chose cedar branches in proportion to your wreath (enough to go up about one-quarter of each side). Wire and attach the branches to each other then affix the branches firmly to the wreath base. Give yourself long tails; pull the tails tight around the bundle and cross the wires firmly, than twist several times to get a good hold.
3)Add cedar to the top in the same way but with smaller pieces. Take an additional piece of wire and on the back of the wreath add a loop to hang the wreath from attaching it firmly to the wreath base.
4)As cedar tends to droop use a small wire to affix the branches again higher up the stem to the wreath base. This ensures that they will form the wreath base, not flop with gravity when hanging.
5)Chose nandina and repeat, attaching the leaflets to each other, then the base over the cedar at the bottom and again at the top of the wreath.
6)Chose a piece of holly with lots of berries, strip the leaves and wire the stem to the wreath directly over the exposed wires at the top to cover them.
7)Add the bow to the lower section using it to cover any exposed wires. Fluff the bow.
Wreath Tips:
~ It is usually better to use several smaller pieces then a few larger pieces to give a full fluffy look.
~ After wiring every piece be sure to tuck loose ends into the wreath as wire ends can scratch doors or walls.
~ Always start with basic materials at the bottom (closest to the wreath base) becoming more elaborate as you come away from the wreath. Think of it like layer a sandwich – start with basic greens to give a general feel adding color and texture with each additional layer.
~ Each layer should be a bit shorter than the previous layer so all the textures and layers will show in the finished product. Make sure that the layers of greens are large enough that they bow won’t cover or obscure them.
~ Wreaths prefer the cool outdoors to the warm indoors. Misting occasionally also helps to keep them fresh. Try to avoid hot dry areas (e.g. air vents or fireplaces).
~ Make it your own. If you love ivy, add ivy, if your really into Proteas add some - the options are limitless! Wreaths are an expression of you.
