please help me make a christmas wreath..?

[celebmum]

i'd love to make on for my door? once i've collected holly/evergreens etc how do i go about making it??

[FairyFay]

The way I do it is .....

collect lots of long strands of ivy. Hold them in a thick 'sausage, and twist them, forming them into a ring - ie a wreath shape.

Bind the ring tightly together by wrapping green garden string round and round it. This gives you a base.

Then snip up pieces of holly and other evergreen and stick sprigs into the base, working round in circles and putting it in at approx 45 degree angles all going in same direction. Keep building it up until you are happy.

It is very easy to do, but a bit hard to explain - sorry!

[olivo]

Aren't they called a garland when they're for Christmas?
sorry, not helpful !

[girlywhirly]

The simplest way for a beginner is to buy a florists foam ring, soak it in water, and then push the stems of evergreens into it. Start with the outside edge, and push in the stems at 45 degrees, overlapping as you go, and with the stems all in the same direction. Then do the inside edge, and finally the top. Cut the stems at an angle as it helps them go in better and they can take up water more easily. There is usually a loop on the frame through which you ca attach a wire for hanging. Bear in mind it will be very heavy, so don't buy too large a foam ring, the foliage will stick out quite a way at the sides.

You can leave as just evergreen, or add wired cones, baubles, ribbons, or those Christmas picks, small bunches of artificial materials.

Olivo. a wreath is always circular, and is in many cultures a sign of welcome and celebration. A garland is a long length of foliage or flowers, again celebratory. Both types of decoration can be traced back to the ancient romans and beyond.

[LikeSurprises]

FairyFay - I like your method but how long does the wreath stay fresh looking?

[DanZZZenAroundTheTreeAgain]

have a lookon youtube. There are always "how to do it" videos for any kindof decorating idea.

[olivo]

thank you - I have always wondered about that, mostly because the word wreath brings to mind funereal things to me! We had one on our front door at home when i was young but it was always called 'the round thing'


Have fun with your making!