One activity I enjoy at this time of year is making a wreath for the door. I especially like a natural wreath made with local materials. For this project the most fun is going into the woods to search out just the right boughs, berries and cones. They must have variation in color and form to make it interesting. There are a surprising variety of coniferous trees in our Maine woods so I quickly gather a nice assortment.
Cup of tea and binoculars at hand (just in case a bird lands by the window), materials sorted, wire, wreath form and clippers at the ready. Let us begin!
Wire your elements together. First wire cones, (leaving wire “tails” to secure them) then make an attractive bundle, (see below) wiring it all together with florist wire. Leave about 4 inch wire “tails” on your bundle so you can wire it to the form.
Enter a caption
When you’ve got 10 or 12 bundles start wiring them to your wreath form individually using the 4″ lengths. Attach the end of a roll of florist wire securely and wrap it around further securing each bundle as you go. Place each bundle so it hides the base of the one before (I was working counter-clockwise in the picture above).
When you get to the final bundle arrange it so the base of the first bundle is hidden under the loose end of the last bundle. You will have secured each bundle plus made sure it won’t get dislodged by wrapping it around the form with the running length of florist wire.
When you are finished make a loop in the wire for hanging, securing it tightly. Then cut the wire off the roll.
If you don’t think your finished wreath will be full enough, put down a plain layer of branches for a base and lay your bundles over them. This base will be secured by the running wire wrap as you go along.
OTHER WREATHS:
Wreath of fresh herbs (smells sooo good!)
Magnolia Wreath (see my post of December 14, 2013 for instructions)
A Naturalist's Table 