Traditionally Wreaths have been popular over the Christmas Period. Being a Christian Festival the circular shape together with the evergreen material represents eternal life. Advent wreaths are also popular with the addition of candles which symbolizes the passage over the four weeks of Advent. However, it goes back further than to the Persian Empire, who wore them on their heads as a symbol of importance. The ancient Romans wore them like crowns and the Greeks awarded laurel wreaths to their triumphant athletes. Up until 5 or 6 years ago they used to be hung around the necks of victorious Grand Prix Drivers, sadly no longer, due to their 'old fashioned nature'.
Tradition aside, happily wreaths can be hung on doors and walls inside the home to announce and celebrate the changing of the seasons. With crafts enjoying a huge revival why not come and join me and learn how to create a wreath from scratch? Whether it is an in person workshop; a workshop in a box with an online tutorial or simply a kit box with a precorded tutorial and additonal written instructions, there is something for everyone, not matter your skill level.
There are many ways how to create a wreath. At our workshops, we at Jenniwren floristry arts and crafts prefer to create a wreath from scratch using either willow, ivy or grape vines. There is a certain satisfaction of being able to create something from foraged vegetation and even better evironmentally friendly as the wreath based can be reused numerous times. Here is a youtube tutorial on how to craft a wreath from foraged materials. https://youtu.be/aeuRP4FI5hY
Alternatively there you can buy a pre-made wreath. Let's look at the different ways of how to make the base for the wreath. Traditional sizes are 8''(+/-20cm); 12''(+/-30cm) 16''(+/-4ocm) and 20''(+/-50cm).
1. Florist Wire Ring with Moss: This can be supplied already mossed with our without greenery or a diy scenario with a bag of moss and a reel of wire.
2. Straw Base, Willow Base or Vine Based (Ivy or Grape): This can be purchased already made in different sizes
3. Wreath base with oasis either fresh or dry
Autumn, Christmas and Spring Wreaths
With the Autumn offically starting in the UK on September 22, The Harvest Festival and Halloween in October, there is a wonderful opportunity to make a vibrant interesting wreath full of texture and interest using fresh, dried and even faux flowers for that pop of coulour. Christmas is next which is the traditional time to hang a wreath on the front door, however Christmas Wreath Workshops are now very popular for those who which to make their own. It is a very creative process and one gets a feeling of immense satisfaction.
But why stop at Christmas? There is a trend to keep the decorations up a bit longer than the 'Ephiphany. Simply remove all the Christmas related Decor and spray everything white with a misting of chalk paint and add natural materials for a 'winter look' Beyond that you do not have to wait long, as February there is Valentines Day. It's the perfect opportunity to 'Share some Love' with a stunning Heart Shape Wreath Design. Very soon after that there are the joyous Spring Bulbs and there is no better place to announce the warmer weather than with a LIVING WREATH. With the moss as a base, dwarf varieties of Narcissus (Daffodils), Crocus. .Grape Hyacinths, Iris. etc live happily as long as they are regularly misted. Popular also are faux flower wreaths, synonymous with bright colours, which certainly gives a warm Spring Feeling. especially over the Easter Period. And finally of course, summer! Again sunflowers are representative of the season and when summer's over, it neatly ties into Autumn back to where we started with Harvest Festival and Halloween.
So it is best not to be left behind and be an all year rounder with a seasonal wreath to mark each special occasion/change of season. Here at Jenni Wren Floristry Arts and Crafts, we have several kits which envolve learning how to make the wreath from scratch and then personalising it to ones colour scheme and seasonal decor. Alternatively you can order one that is already made, they make super gifts or treat yourself to a lovely wreath display for your door. See the website for full details www.jenniwrenfloristryartsandcrafts.com of workshops, kits and wreaths to order or contact 07752 154835, Happy 'Wreath Making', Jenni