Let’s get crafty this festive season and make a personalised Christmas wreath.
STORY: KELLY CARMODY
How lovely is it when you arrive at someone’s home and are greeted by their stunning Christmas wreath, proudly hanging at their front door like a masterpiece staring you in the eyes?
I think it’s impressive. I love it, I love them, but I also love Christmas.
However, doors aren’t the only place Christmas wreaths are adorning spaces.
They are making their way to entryways, hanging in kitchens and windows and, of course, they are near the fireplace, even if not one flame burns within it over summer.
Nowadays, there are endless opportunities of where to hang them, the types, and easy ways to create one yourself.
So, in saying that, let’s dive into a step-by-step guide as if you were Santa making your way down a chimney with grace, calmness and a touch of magic.
Regardless of your design, the result will be something that can be hung and enjoyed by all.
And every time you walk past it, you can say to yourself, ‘How amazing are my crafting skills?’.
Remember to personalise your wreath to match your holiday décor and style, and be creative with your colour schemes, themes, and materials to create a wreath that suits your home.
Happy Christmas crafting.
Materials you’ll need:
Wreath base: You can use a pre-made wreath base purchased from a craft store or create your own using materials like a wire coat hanger.
Greenery: Gather fresh or artificial greenery like pine branches, or eucalyptus.
Decorative additions: Collect ornaments, pine cones, bows, and any other decorations you’d like to include — be as creative as you like.
Wire: You’ll need this to attach the greenery and decorations to the wreath base.
Pruning shears or wire cutters: For trimming and cutting the greenery and wire.
Ribbon or string: This is optional, but can be used for hanging the wreath and used within the design.
Steps:
Prepare your work area: Lay out all your materials and tools in a clean and well-lit workspace.
Select and trim greenery: Trim your greenery into smaller, manageable pieces. You’ll want them to be around 15cm to 20cm long.
Attach greenery to the base: Take a piece of greenery and attach it to the wreath base using wire. You can either wrap the wire around the base or use floral pins to secure it. Overlap the greenery slightly as you go around the wreath base.
Add decorations: Once you have a base layer of greenery, start adding your decorative items. Secure these items to the wreath using wire or hot glue if you’re working with an artificial wreath.
Create a focal point: Consider placing a larger decoration or bow at the top, bottom, or centre of the wreath to create a focal point.
Fill in gaps: Continue adding greenery and decorations, filling in any gaps or bare spots as you go along. Make sure the wreath looks balanced and full.
Check for symmetry: Step back and check for symmetry and balance in your wreath. Adjust as needed.
Secure loose ends: Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, make sure all wire ends are securely fastened and trim any excess.
Add a hanging loop: If you’d like to hang your wreath, attach a loop of ribbon or string to the back of the wreath for hanging.
Hang and enjoy: Find a suitable spot to hang your beautiful Christmas wreath, whether it’s on your front door, above the fireplace, or as a centrepiece on your dining table.