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 into an aesthetically pleasing position.
Keep adding the greenery until the Oasis is hidden. You may want to leave some of the willow exposed, as this adds to the rustic appeal of those wreaths. The next stage is to add some colour to your winter wreath.
Colour is most commonly added using berries, ribbons or little boxes wrapped in bright paper. Take care when using berries if you have small children. Any that fall off your wreath could be picked up and eaten.
Take a stalk of berries and wrap some florist wire around the stalk. This strengthens it and also makes it easier to push into the Oasis or willow. Position the berries evenly around the wreath.
You can also make some small ribbon bows to decorate your wreath. Again, take a short length of florist wire, and a length of ribbon in a festive or winter colour such as white or red. Tie a bow onto the centre of the wire. Fold the wire in half and twist a couple of times to hold the ends together. Then push the wire into the Oasis or willow.
Tiny parcels make unusual additions to a winter wreath, but look very effective. You will need a few small boxes (matchboxes are an ideal size), some gold or silver wrapping paper, and some ribbon or thin cord.
Wrap each box in the coloured paper and secure with small pieces of sticky tape. Tie the ribbon or cord around the parcel. Thread a length of florist wire through the ribbon on the bottom of the parcel, twist the ends of the wire together and then push into the oasis or willow.
Winter wreaths look good on doors inside and outside your home. By adding a length of wider ribbon tied in a bow, they can also be hung above a fireplace or from a stair banister.