Wreath making class...

Yesterday I attended, along with 20 others, a wreath making class which I really enjoyed.

It was a great afternoon as not only did I learn how to make a wreath but I also met some really interesting and very talented people in the process.

So today I thought that I would share the steps with you in case you would like to make one of your own.

You'll need: Anything you like that you think will make good wreath material! We used leaves, twigs and berries from local hedgerows, as well as Christmas tree branches, pinecones, cinnamon sticks and oranges which had been scored and dried out for a few days.

You'll also need wire rings from a florist's, twine and wire to attach things to the rings, and some gold and silver spray paint for decoration. The base of the wreath will be spongy moss - we did not have any so used straw which is just as good.


Step 1 - Creating the masterpiece
Once you have got your materials, the first step is to attach everything to the wire rings. Start with damp moss or dried straw, which will act as an oasis and keep all your foliage moist. Use plenty of it, attaching it to the ring by stuffing it between the inner and outer ring, then wrapping it with twine or florists wire.


This is what it should look like after you have finished attaching the straw/moss to the ring.


If you want to skip this step, pre-mossed rings/ready made straw wreaths are available from most garden centres.

Step 2 - Layering
To make your wreaths look really, really full, you want to layer everything as much as you can.

Make little bunches, or bouquets, of foliage to add one at a time. Once you are happy with your first bunch, use a loop of wire to pin it securely to your base. The top of the next bunch goes towards the bottom of the previous bunch and you turn each one out to keep increasing the size of the wreath.

To complete the wreath, just keep pinning the little bouquets on until all the moss/straw is covered.


Step 3 - The fun bit
Add splashes of colour to break up the evergreens - maybe some sprigs of holly and the odd pine cone - and once you’re almost satisfied, hanging it up will help you decide if you need any extra flourishes, like berries or bows. We used dried orranges and bundles of cinnamon which we wired together and then covered the wire with a piece of red ribbon.




The final touch was a lovely bow which we made out of wide red ribbon.


Step 4 - Voila the finished product
In order to hang your wreath you will need to attach a piece of wire or ribbon so that you can attach it to your door.



And here it is hanging on the front door of Maison No. 20......



I would like to thanks Julie and Joel from Arts Cool, for organising the workshop and Jenny Moss - a very talented florist, who taught us how to make the wreath.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend (it is getting colder so we may get some snow next week)
L x

Comments

  1. Waw! What a beautiful wreath! Thanks for sharing the tutorial! I'd have leked to attend this class!
    Happy week end!
    Vale

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  2. What a fantastic wreath - this is lovely!

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  3. You have made a beautiful and traditional wreath and it looks perfect on your door. As you know, wreaths are my favourite things for decorating. XXXX

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  4. I think this post is awesome.
    I worked as a florest for
    4 years and loved it.
    What a great idea for your
    buddy bloggers.
    yvonne

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  5. Oh my goodness-your wreath is totally gorgeous! Thanks so much for posting these excellent instructions too. I should try this with some Australian natives.

    Best wishes, Natasha.

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  6. Bonjour!

    Your wreath is gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing the instructions with us!

    Hugs,
    Marsha

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  7. You have the best tutorials...thanks for sharing!

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  8. Love how your wreath turned out...all the natural elements look wonderful.

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  9. Love your final wreath! I made fresh evergreen wreaths this past weekend on a grapevine wreath as a base so it saved me a bit of time. It was really fun and it looks great!

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  10. Your wreath is beautiful! Great job! Thanks for the tutorial. I am going to try and make one of my own. Hope it turns out as good as yours!

    Have a nice weekend!
    Adrienne

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  11. Leeann - it will be you giving the classes next year you clever woman. You have the gift of explaining things in detail too! Now I know why my olive branch wreath last year looked hideous after one week - I forgot the essential moss/straw part ;-) Well done dearie - we'll open a bottle of champagne for that one!

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  12. Hi Leeann,

    Your wreath is lovely and looks perfect on your door.
    They are fun to make.

    Happy weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  13. Quite delightful and looks so festive on the red door too - congratulations!

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  14. Hi Leeann, what a great idea to offer this class. I would love to get together with a friendly group of people and get crafty, how much fun! You must be really pleased with the wqay your wreath turned out, great job!
    Have I mentioned how much I love your header?
    Angex

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  15. That wreath on the front door makes a beautiful first impression. Thanks for sharing the 'how to' steps. Love your blog!
    Kathi @ tray bella

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  16. It looks beautiful! thank you for the
    Have a blessed weekend! Love your blog!

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  17. That looks like a fun day!!! Love your wreath,thanks for the instructions!!!

    Have a great christmas!!


    Lesley : )

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  18. Oh my goodness, it's gorgeous. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon! A-M xx

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  19. The wreath you made is so beautiful! and it looks lovely hanging on your red door. I love the kind of free form composition and the way you left the little tendrills of ivy trailing off.

    ~jermaine~

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  20. Bonjour Leeann,
    Your wreath is tres jolie! I especially love the trailing ivy.It gives it personality!
    Enjoy hanging it on your door and have a wonderful day!
    XoXo,
    Gail

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  21. What a gorgeous wreath. I'm not talented in that direction, but I would love to be able to make one of these. Thanks for the directions.
    Sam

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