SHARDAY ENGEL

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DIY: 5 easy steps to making your own wreath

Creating a fresh green Christmas wreath has been on my 'must learn how to do that' list for some time. I've always admired these wreaths come December but thought they would be waaaay too hard to make. I'm here to tell you it's possible and it's actually quite a bit of fun. I was lucky enough to attend a Botany & Co workshop at CB2, hosted by Robson Street to learn how. So get your pals together, pour yourself some wine and get started!

You will need:

  • At least 8 large branches of greens. Choose 3 or so different types e.g. evergreens, cedar, pine, eucalyptus, olive or ferns. Most florists should stock these varieties come December.
  • A feature item such as berries, decorations or holly.
  • A wire wreath frame (usually you can pick these up from the dollar store or garden supplies store)
  • Scissors
  • Green covered plant twist ties, wire or twine (basically anything that will look discreet but can tie everything down)
  • Wine (duh!)

Let's get started! Prep your area with some paper as things might get messy!

  1. Begin by separating your stems and cutting each approx 10-15cm in length. Bundle them up into tight but bulky bunches, and tie with wire. The chunkier = the more bulky the wreath. Create 14 of these little bundles. I mixed only two of my greens together for this stage, adding the feature berries and olive branches at the end.
  2. Get your wreath frame out and start my placing one bundle down. Strap the bundle on with your wire of choice.
  3. Grab your next bundle and place it so the tips are hiding the other bundles stalks. Tie it down.
  4. Keep layering, layering, layering til you go all the way around and tuck in the last one. 
  5. Add your feature items by simply poking them into the bundles. 

And that's it! See I told you it's not that hard. Mist thoroughly with a water spray bottle everyday to keep it fresh. You can even allow it to dry out and keep for next Christmas. Or cut off the branches and keep the frame to do it all over again next year. 

Special thanks to Robson Street for inviting me to their Wreath Workshop and learning some mad Christmas skillz.

Photos: Myself + Robson Street