Here is a fun and simple way to make a wreath without having to do a bunch of wiring! This style of wreath is also very easy to re-use with fresh greens. We taught this method at our wreath class in 2019 at the Bellevue Botanical Garden and it worked out really well. We had a family at the wreath class and the child who was about 8 years old was able to make a wreath as well. We would love to see your results if you want to email us a photo.
Materials:
- Greens (cedar, fir, pine, cypress, cryptomeria)
- Natural decorations (pinecones, berries, bay leaf, holly, rosehips, rosemary, dogwood/red twigs, winterberry, hydrangea)
- Clipping shears
- Gardening gloves
- Wire wreath frame
- Painter’s plastic drop cloth (2-4 mil thick)
- Scissors
- Duct Tape
- Ribbon with wire edges
Gather greens. You’ll need about half a garbage bag full for an 18 inch wreath. If your neighbor has something interesting you’d like, just ask before you clip anything!- Start with a wire frame – any kind will work.
- Cut heavy painters drop cloth into strips about 3 inches wide. It takes about 20 feet to wrap the wreath, so you may need to splice strips with some duct tape.
- Wrap the plastic around the wreath form. Start by tying, stapling, or duct taping one end to the wreath and then wrapping evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch space to stuff the greens into, until you have wrapped the
frame with one layer. Tie or tuck the end in and tape. Put a loop of wire at the top of your wreath for hanging. You might want to mark the top with a Sharpie marker so you can find it again. - Cut your greens into smaller lengths and stuff under the edges of the plastic wrap. Keep working your way around the wreath until you have the look you desire. You can wire on cones and other decorations by either wiring them around the greens or by making a “tail” with wire to stick the decoration into the plastic with.
- It is easy to recycle your frame when the greens are finished. Just pull everything out and put in your yard waste container! You can then make a new wreath for next season. You can probably even leave the plastic on and reuse it as well.
Culinary wreaths made out of herbs can also be a lot of fun! At right is a photo of a bay leaf wreath and a rosemary wreath.
A recent article in the Seattle Times had several wreath ideas.
