WREATH MAKING 101

Photography by James River Media 

Welcome Your Holiday Guests with a Handmade Wreath

Like a beautiful bow is an invitation to open a package, a wreath on a front door welcomes visitors with an expression of creativity, personal style and celebration. A fun hobby for crafters of all skill levels, wreath making can be as simple or as complex as the crafter desires. 

Dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, wreaths were used to symbolize victory and honor. In church history, wreaths were used to tell a story. For instance, advent wreaths symbolize God’s endless love with a circular shape and four candles to represent the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Today, wreaths are important pieces of home décor that showcase a variety of holidays and celebrations and also provide an avenue for individual expression. 

Types of wreaths
“Wreaths can be used for any holiday or occasion or can be given as gifts,” says Mary Gribbin, owner of Erin Springs, a local business that sells holiday trees and wreaths. “A lot of people put wreaths on their front doors at Christmas time, but you can also bring wreaths indoors and place them over a mantle or hang them on a wall. Wreaths can also be used as a memorial,” continues Gribbin. “We created a beautiful memorial with 40 wreaths that we placed on stands and displayed in a cemetery. Wreaths are also used on military days to honor veterans.” 

Any celebration, from birthdays, weddings and baby showers to retirement parties and other farewells, is a worthy excuse to build a wreath. “They become very personal,” notes Gribbin. “Everybody’s is different and can be customized for the season. Some people even use the same base, but make a new wreath for each season.” 

A wreath with pinecones and fall leaves welcomes autumn into the home while a white wreath with cranberries is a perfect addition to the snowy winter season. Satin flowers say hello to spring, and a wreath with seashells of different shapes and sizes can remind you of that special summer vacation. 

With a little creativity, you can make memorable decorations for the holiday season and throughout the year. 

Materials needed
The materials used to make wreaths are limited only by the imagination of the wreath maker. To build a simple holiday wreath, you will need a wreath base, greenery and decorative accents. Tools such as wire cutters, scissors, pliers and hot glue guns are essential. 

For the base, you can choose from a variety of materials including a wire frame, a foam form, a straw form or a grapevine base. Popular choices for greenery, especially during the Christmas season, are white pine, Frazier fir, boxwood and magnolia. 

“You can choose fresh or artificial greenery,” says Gribbin. “A wreath on your front door will stay fresh through January. If you bring it inside, you can spritz it with water to keep it looking good and smelling nice.” 

Once you choose the base and the greenery, add the decorative accents to the wreath: ribbons and bows, fresh or dried fruit and flowers, cinnamon sticks, herbs, pinecones, acorns, feathers, seashells or other items from nature, ornaments, figurines, and even battery-operated twinkle lights. Simply match the accents to the celebration, and add your own personal touch to your design. 

In historic Colonial Williamsburg, wreaths are often donned with fruits. “If you choose to have any kind of fresh berries, just spray them lightly with hairspray first to keep them looking nice,” recommends Gribbin. “I have a dehydrator and love to dry fruit to add to the wreath.” 

The design for the wreath can be basic or detailed. Once you choose what you want for the base, the greenery and the accents, lay out your selections and begin building your wreath. 

“You don’t want to overwhelm the wreath,” notes Gribbin. First, “attach the greenery to the base with green wire.” Then, choose a few pieces for color and highlights. I try to add things that you can get outside during that time of year. A lot of people like to add bows to finish the wreath.” 

Pinterest is full of tutorials for making your own bows, ranging from simple to more difficult. Of course, you could always purchase an inexpensive bowmaker as well. 

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment with the design. Mix and match colors and textures. Think outside the box: try painting pinecones or twigs to add that extra flash of personality. Take a walk around your neighborhood and see what speaks to you — nature is inspiring! Enjoy the creative process.

Step-by-step instructions for building a wreath 

1 Lay a small bundle or bouquet of greenery on your base and wrap floral wire around it several times to keep it in place. 

2 Add another bundle, overlapping the previous bundle, and secure that with floral wire. 

3 Continue adding bundles until your wreath is full and to your liking.

4 Add decorative pieces to your wreath with wire, pins, clips, floral tape or glue. 

5 Hang your wreath with fishing line for a seamless look or use ribbon for more color and texture. You could also hang your wreath as you would a picture or purchase an actual wreath hanger that is designed to slip over your door. 

Storing an artificial wreath
While some people like to reuse the base for each season and just swap out the accents, others like to have separate seasonal wreaths. To keep your artificial wreath the same for next year, you have to store it in a way that protects against damage. For those who have a storage area or a garage, the wreaths can be hung on the wall in see-through bags. Or, put them in clear bags and use ribbon to attach them to hangers and place them in a closet or on a rolling rack. You could also store them in a cardboard box and cover them with tissue paper. Of course, purchasing plastic or canvas wreath containers to keep them safe throughout the seasons is another option for safely storing your wreath. 

Wreath-making workshop
A wreath-making workshop is a great way to learn the basics. “Sometimes, it’s good to be in a group because you can come up with some good ideas,” comments Gribbin. “It’s amazing what people come up with. We serve hot tea, hot chocolate, coffee and scones and share ideas. It’s a special time during a special season.” 

Huckleberry Knob Nursery is hosting a wreath-making workshop with Mary Gribbin on November 30 and December 7 from 10 am – 12 pm. For tickets, call Huckleberry Knob Nursery at 434-266-1262. If you would rather skip the DIY and pick up a pre-made wreath, check out local spots such as Gary’s Garden Center, Huckleberry Knob Nursery, Rainfrost Nursery and Virginia Garden Supply.

Whether they are displayed during the holidays, used for special occasions or incorporated into our décor, wreaths are decorative, meaningful home accents that we can enjoy throughout the year. Crafting your own wreath is a fun, festive experience that could become your own holiday tradition. ✦