by Silva Payne

Created on: January 03, 2011

Wreaths are common accessories for front doors during the Christmas period. Most consist of evergreen leaves and branches that echo traditional pagan celebrations of midwinter. A basic wreath is simple to make, and once you have mastered a winter theme you may want to make a different wreath for each season.

There are two ways of making a wreath. The first is to use florist block, also known as Oasis. This is a very dense green or grey sponge-like material that can be shaped with a knife. When dry, Oasis is very light, but it is porous and when soaked in water it makes the ideal holder for cut fresh flowers.

You can either push blocks of Oasis onto a pre-formed holder in the shape of a ring, or you can use several blocks held together with wire. Simply cut a length of wire slightly longer than you want the circumference of the finished wreath to be. Push the wire through the centre of each block, like a giant necklace. Twist the ends of the wire together, pulling the blocks into a circle.

The second, more rustic way of making a wreath is to use twisted branches of willow or other thin twigs. Willow is recommended as it has a natural elasticity when green. It can be bent almost in half without it splitting, which makes it perfect for twisting into frames, chairs, baskets and wreaths.

In winter, willow will not usually be in its green state. This occurs when the sap rises in spring and summer and the young willow shoots appear. If you have not thought ahead and made your willow wreath base earlier in the year, most garden centres and some hobby shops sell ready-made willow rings and wreaths for you to decorate.

Once you have the base you can begin to select winter greenery and other items to fix to your wreath. If you are using Oasis, remember to soak the blocks well in water before you begin to add fresh leaves and flowers.

In winter, many trees and shrubs lose their leaves. Our ancestors revered those plants that remain green during the winter, and these are the ones commonly used in winter wreaths and garlands. Holly, ivy (be careful when handling ivy as many people have a reaction to the sap), yew, and pine, fir or spruce trees are all evergreen.

It is better to build up the greenery on your wreath gradually with small stems, rather than using one or two large branches. Cut the green shoots to about 6 inches (15 cm) long and push into the Oasis or through the willow ring. You may want to use small lengths of florist wire to manipulate the greenery

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