The enchantment of crafting a Christmas wreath

VYNVYTIS STUDIO x SKANDIAMO

30th NOVEMBER 2022

A green, forest-scented Christmas wreath is a cosy and festive home decoration. Creating it is an emotional experience that brings together loved ones, friends, and colleagues.

As the holiday excitement begins to take hold, we recall past inspirations and share some tips from Ieva Marija on how to successfully craft a beautiful holiday wreath:

1. Prepare the essential tools: a wreath base, a spool of wire, a hot glue gun, festive ribbons, and other decorative and fastening elements.

2. Use a variety of greenery and conifer branches to fill the base of the wreath. Pine, fir, thuja, ivy, yew, and spruce branches with pine cones are ideal choices. You can add a few dried plant branches too for a stunning touch of colour.

3. Wrap the selected branch with wire, then secure it to the wreath base with the same wire. The first branch acts as the starting point, and the arrangement is formed clockwise.

4. Group the following branches in pairs or threes. Ensure you cover the entire visible straw surface, not forgetting the inner and outer sides. Take a step back occasionally to view your wreath from a distance, helping you visualise the final piece and spot areas that may need more work.

5. When attaching branches, include greenery in different shades and types. Point your longest branches outwards to create a larger, more generous display. .

6. Wrap the wire around the last branches at least three times. Turn the completed wreath over to have the straw side up, cut the wire, leaving at least five extra centimetres for securing. Thread the excess wire through different parts of the base, tucking the short end into the straw.

7. Prepare for decoration: place a paper sheet under the hot glue gun and let it heat up. First, arrange the decorative elements as desired but don't attach them immediately. Plan for two or three accent segments of the wreath where you will place most decorations.
Begin with larger items and add smaller ones, ensuring the wreath's décor remains natural and organic. When incorporating forest-themed decorations, avoid symmetry; nature rarely is. Improvise and play with unique, informal shapes.

8. Once the final composition is set, apply hot glue to attach points and press the items onto the wreath, holding for about 10 seconds.

9. When adding candles, ensure you use secure holders. Larger and more stable candles can be placed in a central area.
If decorating your front door, tie the wreath with a ribbon or use special mounting hooks.

A handcrafted festive wreath is more than just a holiday symbol. The creative process brings feelings of wonder, discovery, joy, and togetherness, reflected in the chosen decorations making the final result personal and unique. After all, Christmas is a feeling; give it to yourself and others. May your home have a cosy, forest-scented holiday!