wreath making!

Every year, on Thanksgiving or near it, I take the clippers and go foraging in my parents' backyard for a variety of greens and their front yard for holly. I always save the low branches from our you-cut Christmas tree as well. From this great heap of raw material, a wire wreath frame, and a roll of green floral wire, I create a wreath. I love doing it, I love the results, and I love that I have created this tradition that is really a gift for myself.  That's what the best art and craft should be about: enjoying every step of the process.

I've taken a class in making wreaths before but it involved dried flowers, a styrofoam base, and hot glue. So I don't think much of that knowledge applies here. I pretty much have developed my own method. I pick the flatter branches for the first layer, arrange them so they encircle the base, one tucking beneath the previous, and wire them into place. Then I just build up from there. I save the smallest pieces, like the holly, for last as they serve as more of an accent. The best part about using a variety of different evergreens is the difference in shape, color, and texture.

The back of the frame: You can see how the base-layer branches get woven into the frame.

The finished product!