Making Christmas Wreaths And Garlands

Many people are now starting to make their own wreaths to mark Advent Sundays, for table decorations, to hang as a welcome on their front door, or to give as gifts. Those who partake in such activities see it as an pleasant and creative way to pass the time. Often the outcome is something much more rewarding and considerably less expensive than its mass-produced counterpart.

It does not require an abundance of equipment to make a wreath. The materials and the tools can be easily found. The most common items are florists' wire, sphagnum moss, wire cutters, ribbon, and a heavy hoop of some kind on which to mount the wreath. The finished wreath is going to be about two inches (five centimeters) larger than the size of the hoop on which it is mounted. Also useful is a dust sheet for the work-surface. This can be a painter's drop-cloth, or an old tablecloth, or even newspaper. The idea is to catch all the mess in one place, making cleaning up easier and faster.

Evergreens are also going to be needed for the main part of the wreath. This is a matter of choice, but knowing a bit about each type of plant is useful, and sometimes those properties can be a welcome inclusion to the finished item. For example, a few sprigs of fresh lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) added to the wreath imparts a nice and different aroma from traditional spruce or pine wreaths. The gray-green color compliments the other, darker colors of some of the more traditional wreath boughs. Lavender is said to represent purity and virtue.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is another welcome plant to add to a wreath. Sage is said to be the herb of domestic happiness. The leaves do have a tendency to curl, so this may take a bit of flattening. The end result of using fresh sprigs in random places is one of visual charm, as well as one of aromatic interest.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is another easily obtained herb that makes a curious inclusion in a seasonal wreath. It holds its fragrance very well, and the color is appealing. Thyme is said to represent bravery

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has long been associated with remembrance, and has been added to cradles to protect little ones from nightmares and bad dreams. Legend tells us that this is the plant whose flowers changed from white to blue in honor of the Virgin Mary. The silvery-green sprigs and the fresh scent make a welcome addition to a winter wreath.

Small flowers may be added to the wreath, too. Sprigs of baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata) add delicate little white blooms that will dry nicely as the wreath ages. Short stems of female holly leaves (Aquifoliaceae) with the bright red berries still attached compliment the green nicely, particularly if added with the baby's breath. Be very careful when using these two plants, though. All parts of them are toxic when ingested. It's probably best to leave this one to the adults. If in doubt, let the ribbons add the splashes of seasonal color.

Select a base of suitable size for the wreath. Place a good amount of dampened sphagnum moss around the frame and secure it by wrapping it with the florists' wire. Next, insert several lengths of juniper, spruce, or other evergreen into the moss layers, so that the moss is completely covered. Clip this greenery into shape, and then add sprigs of the herbs mentioned above to add interest, aroma, and color. Finally, adorn with ribbon.

There is no right or wrong way to make a wreath, and with a bit of practice, very professional looking results can be obtained. This is a fun way to get all the family involved in doing something, and homemade wreaths make wonderful gifts, especially if research is given to the herbal inclusions. Then the wreath becomes more than just a seasonal decoration. It becomes a message of love and affection that will last long after the greenery on the wreath has faded.