Wreaths

Wreaths say welcome, any time of year. With so many creative possibilities from one simple circle, a wreath is an outstanding way to spruce up any home or garden.

Wreaths originated in ancient Persia. They were worn on the head during important religious ceremonies and as a symbol of power and prestige. This expression of royalty and spirituality spread to other cultures over time. It was interpreted in different ways, including the use of laurel leaf rounds by the Romans to crown victors of their sports competitions. Eventually these head rounds evolved to become both crowns made from precious metals and jewels and vegetative wreaths made to hang on the wall. While the exact method of transformation from headdress to decoration is uncertain, experts guess that once the celebrations were completed, the crowns of greenery would be hung on the wall.

As wreaths for the home became more popular, their significance increased. They began to take on a spirituality of their own: holly to protect the home from cold winter spirits and birch twigs as an indication of desired love.

Today, wreaths are used as both a decoration and a symbol of celebration. You will find them at weddings and funerals, as well as with the traditional holiday merriment. Wreaths are hung in any season, can be temporary or permanent, and are made from a variety of materials. You will find them almost anywhere in a garden or home, either hanging or sitting. Indoors, they are often used as wall and door hangings, picture or clock frames, tabletop centerpieces, and even as basket decorations. Outdoors, they make a great addition to your garden. Hang one on a fence post or garden shed. Wreaths are also a perfect welcome sign on your garden gate.

Wreaths can also decorate specific items, from presents to cars, boats to recreational vehicles. Scented materials or added fragrances will add to your room’s ambiance. Make an edible version from candy or sweets as a special treat at a children’s birthday party. Wreaths are a great way to bring the beauty from your garden inside. They don’t even have to be round; as decorations they are common in a variety of shapes, from squares to half-moons. Simple to elegant, they all have something to offer.

Consider these intriguing themes:

• New Baby
• Birthday
• Holidays – Christmas, Halloween, Easter
• Celebrations
• Room Decorations
• Seasonal – One for any season
• Bird Feeders

Always start by selecting the best products for a homemade wreath; like any good recipe, it is the best ingredients that get the best results.

To make your own, you will need the following:

• Tools – for cutting and measuring
• Attaching Supplies – wire, glue, tape, and pins
• Base – foam, straw, wood, or wire

Then you will need your decorations. Use your imagination, as almost anything can be used. To get your creative juices flowing, here is a list of ideas:

• Flowers – fresh, silk, or dried
• Moss

• Fruits
• Twigs
• Small Toys
• Stuffed Animals
• Greenery
• Nuts & Seed Pods
• Shells
• Ribbon
• Paint
• Colorful Sprays
• Feathers
• Birdseed
• Rocks
• Bells

These materials can be found in a variety of places. Craft stores offer the largest selection, but you can also find great deals on supplies at thrift stores and garage sales. They also can be constructed completely out of items from your own garden and a spool of wire.

Next is the progression of assorting and attaching. Lay out your design before you begin the attachment process to ensure a consistent final product. If you are new to crafting, there are many great books that show you step-by-step procedures for wreath making, along with other wall decorations.

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