Wreath Making
Wreath making is a creative art form that involves crafting circular arrangements of various materials, traditionally used to symbolize honor, love, and celebration. With roots in ancient Greece, where wreaths were given to Olympic athletes and honored figures, this practice has evolved through history, including significant adaptations in Roman and Christian cultures. Today, wreaths are commonly seen as decorative pieces that can be displayed year-round, representing themes of seasons, holidays, and personal milestones.
They can be made from natural materials like flowers, twigs, and greenery, or from artificial supplies, allowing for diverse designs that reflect personal style. Wreath makers often enjoy experimenting with colors, textures, and shapes, resulting in unique creations that range from large front door displays to miniature versions used for crafts or gifts. Many people engage in wreath making both for personal enjoyment and as a potential source of income, selling their creations at markets and online. As wreath making continues to be a popular craft, it offers a meaningful way to express creativity and celebrate various occasions throughout the year.
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Wreath Making
History
Since the time of the ancient Greeks, wreaths have held a great deal of symbolic significance. The first Olympic athletes were honored with wreaths made of laurel, olive, or other boughs. Scholars and poets were also honored with wreaths of laurel; according to Greek mythology, the laurel tree was sacred to Apollo, the god of intellect. It is also believed that wreaths were a symbol of romantic affection when hung on lovers' doors.
Romans continued the practice of awarding laurel wreaths to athletes, military heroes, and leaders. The Romans also began the custom of associating a wreath or crown with special occasions, including the birth of a baby or a marriage.
Later, Christians continued these associations, and also began to view the wreath as a symbol of eternal life. The custom of placing a wreath atop a coffin, at a burial site, or on the door of a recently deceased person's home, all represent a belief in life after death. In this tradition, wreaths are also displayed during holidays an joyous occasions, such as baptisms and weddings.
Today, wreaths are quite commonplace and are no longer limited to special occasions. They grace front doors year round, extending a warm greeting to guests, and are found above mantles, hanging from fences outside, and decorating walls anywhere a painting might be placed.
Most modern wreaths are based on certain themes, and many are seasonal. Summer may be represented by a circle of sea oats dotted with seashells; winter may be a bunch of fresh greens wrapped with red berries; an autumn wreath may feature a bouquet of dried herbs and Indian corn; and a springtime wreath might be soft and airy, with tiny baby's breath surrounding a replica of a bird's nest.
The beauty of a wreath comes from the interplay of color, texture, design, and scent. A wreath made from natural materials can evoke a walk in the woods or a stroll through a garden. Many wreath makers also grow and dry their own flowers. Wreaths can be created to last a lifetime or just a few days.
Craft stores are filled with artificial materials that also make lovely wreaths. Silk flowers, preserved eucalyptus, metallic gold leaves, and other supplies can be embellished with wooden cut-outs or other decorations, limited only by the designer's imagination.
Miniature wreaths are also popular. Used to decorate candles, wine glasses, hat brims, and Christmas trees, or worn as pins, small wreaths use few materials, but may end up being the center of attention.
Basic tools
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Pruning shears
- Wire cutters
- Needle-nose pliers
- Crimping machine (optional)
Wreath bases
- Steel (best for large and/or heavy wreaths)
Wire
Twigs
- Florist's foam (best for fresh flowers)
- Styrofoam
Straw
Vine
Materials to cover base, if desired
Moss
Lichen
Twigs
Grasses
- Evergreen boughs
- Birch bark
Fabric
Additional supplies
- Florist's wire
- Florist's tape, staples, and greening pins
- Fishing line (monofilament)
- Lacquer or shellac
- Fixative (or hair spray)
- Craft glue
Twine
- Wreath hanger
- Aromatic oils
- Spray paint, artificial snow, imitation metal leaf
Brushes
- Plant spray bottle
- Materials for drying flowers (silica gel and container, or air dry)
Techniques
To cover a 14-inch base with moss and dried flowers
- Soften moss by spraying with water.
- Secure moss to base with glue, staples, or pins, so that base is completely covered.
- Cut foliage to desired length, approximately 5-7 inches (foliage should cover edges of wreath when attached at different angles).
- Cut dried flowers to appropriate length. These can all be the same size, or different lengths for variety.
- Gather together a small bunch of foliage. Place a few flowers on top of the foliage, with all the stems facing the same way, and wire the group of stems together tightly to the base.
- Gather together another bunch of foliage, place a few flowers on top, and wire the group so that it overlaps the stems of the first bunch.
- Continue all the way around the wreath until the wreath is completely covered, or decorated as desired. The last bunch of stems may be tucked under so they do not show.
- Attach wire hanger.
- If desired, add a ribbon and other objects with glue gun or pins.
Besides an occasional scratch from wire or plants, there are two main dangers to consider in making wreaths. Glue guns can burn the skin, even a low temperature glue gun that is adequate for attaching dried flowers. A faucet or a container of water should be kept near workspaces in case of burns.
Collecting natural materials poses other dangers. Crafters should learn the difference between poison ivy vine and Virginia creeper before collecting these materials in the wild. Also, when collecting plant materials, crafters should check with property owners and consult local, state, and federal regulations regarding the removal of plants. Endangered plants and flowers should never be picked.
Trends
Wreaths can be any shape, including square, heart, swag, cluster, and more. They can be decorated with just about anything that can be attached with glue or pins, which allows for a great deal of self-expression.
Many wreaths are based on a theme, including holidays, seasons, and special occasions. Wreaths offer many opportunities to experiment with colors, textures, themes, and materials to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Wreath Making for Fun vs. Profit
There are many opportunities to sell wreaths year-round. In addition to craft shows, many wreath makers set up shop at farmers' markets, plant sales, garden shows, and home decorating shows. They may also sell their creations online in addition to or instead of any of these venues. In addition, wreath makers often do custom work for interior designers and local businesses.
Many people admire pictures of beautiful wreaths as well. With a camera and a computer, a wreath maker can create lovely stationary, greeting cards, prints, and other items for sale while also "preserving" the original wreath.
Learning More
Organizations
American Horticultural Society <www.ahsgardening.org>
International Herb Association <www.iherb.org>
American Institute of Floral Designers <aifd.org>
Books
Alexander, Nancy. Make Your Own Wreaths: For Any Occasion in Any Season. Stackpole Books, 2016.
Cusick, Dawn. Wreath Making Basics. New York: Sterling, 1993.
Kollath, Richard. Wreaths: Creative Ideas for the Year-Round. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1999.
Poce, Pat and Deon Gooch. Wreathmaking for the First Time. New York: Sterling, 2006.
Rankin, Chris. The Complete Book of Wreaths: 200 Delightful and Creative Designs. New York: Lark, 2001.
Shaw, Mandy. How to Make Christmas Wreaths and Garlands: 11 Christmas Wreath Ideas to Stitch and Sew. David & Charles, 2015.
Smith, Ed. Making Classic Wreaths: Designing and Creating for All Occasions. New York: Sterling, 2004.