Fun and Whimsical: Crafting Herbal Wreaths!
A few days ago, a friend and I went treasure hunting to a few thrift and antiques shops. In one, Little Shop Antiques in Verona Ohio, we found the owner getting ready for the upcoming holiday. And what did we come across? A lovely wreath she had crafted with dried corn shocks, herbs and even turkey feathers from her turkey flock that had dropped a few around the yard. She took things we would toss away and created a beautiful wreath decoration that evoked fall, harvests and the upcoming holidays.
Making a wreath is a time-honored craft that allows for endless creativity and personal expression. It is traditionally associated with the winter holidays and the welcoming of guests, wreaths have a rich history rooted in symbolism, representing eternal life and the cyclical nature of seasons through their circular shape. Today, they are a year-round decorative staple, used for adorning doors, walls, and tables for all occasions, from welcoming spring with vibrant florals to celebrating autumn's harvest with rustic elements, to winter's holidays. Wreath making is so fun because you can create them as simply or as elaborate as you please. Every wreath is different, creative and beautiful in its own way. You can find materials for them from the nature around or you can purchase what you need from local shops.
The process begins with selecting a base, which could be anything from a simple wire frame, or sturdy foam ring, to the more natural options like grapevine. The foundational element provides the structure upon which the rest of the materials will be built. The choice of base often dictates the final look and feel of the wreath. For instance, a grapevine wreath offers a rustic, organic backdrop that requires minimal covering, while a wire frame provides more hidden support that needs to be tightly packed with evergreens or flowers. You can easily secure your materials by using floral wire, hot glue or twine.
After establishing the base, the fun part of embellishment begins. This stage involved incorporating various elements to bring the artistic vision to life. Common materials include a diverse array of green like cedar, pine, or eucalyptus, and other various herbs which provide volume and fragrance. Accent pieces can range from natural items like pinecones, berries, dried fruits, and colorful ribbons to more artificial decorations such as faux flowers, ornaments, or signs. The goal is to create a balanced wreath that is interesting and appeals to the eye.
Ultimately, making a wreath is a fulfilling and accessible activity for anyone with a bit of patience and a creative spark. It offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, connect with nature's bounty, and create a unique piece of home decor that reflects the maker's style and the current season. Whether your goal is to craft a festive display for the front door for the holidays or a subtle accent for the living room, it is definitely a worthwhile project.
Herbs are a versatile and fragrant choice for crafting beautiful, natural wreaths, as well as making excellent filler. The best herbs for this purpose are often those with woody stems, which provide structure and durability, and those that retain their scent and color well upon drying. Popular choices include Rosemary, with its sturdy branches and pine-like fragrance; Thyme, offering delicate texture and an earthy aroma; and Bay laurel, known for its glossy leaves and classic scent. The strong linear stems of Lavender and the soft, feathery texture of Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) also make appealing choices with very strong aromas in a wreath situation.
The choice between using fresh or dried herbs depends on the desired final look and the crafting method. Fresh herbs are more pliable and easier to bend into shape around a wreath frame without breaking, which is particularly useful for creating a base layer. But fresh material with shrink as it dries, which may cause it to loosen from the frame, requiring tighter binding during assembly and the possibility of having to go back to rework the wreath and bulk it up. Dried herbs and materials on the other hand, provide an immediate and lasting appearance as this material is less prone for shrinkage. While more brittle and prone to shatter while handling if done roughly, it is still preferred as you can see your end result immediately and it will last a long time.
Sweet Annie, also known as annual wormwood, is a superb choice for wreaths due to its ethereal appearance and sweet, hay-like fragrance. It offers a soft, lacy texture and a bright green color that dries to a muted, natural tone, providing a beautiful, airy backdrop or filler material. To use Sweet Annie, it is best gathered when the plant is in full bloom. Gather into bundles and hang upside down to dry. Once dried, its light and delicate sprays can be wired or hot glued onto a wreath form. Other dried herbs look wonderful atop this base.
Lavender is perhaps one of the most classic wreath herbs, cherished for its calming fragrance and beautiful purple hues. The long stems of Lavender, gathered just as the buds begin opening, can be bundled and attached around the wreath frame, creating a fragrant circle. Using fresh Lavender is ideal for weaving, as the stems are supple. As they dry, they hold their shape perfectly and the scent intensifies and lasts for months. Whether used as the primary material for a simple elegant loop or incorporated as an accent into a mixed-herb wreath, Lavender adds a touch of classic charm and that pleasing, fresh clean scent.
Ready to create your own wreath or wreaths, for your own home for the holidays or for gifts to friends or loved ones on your list? Still feel a bit intimidated? Well, here are a couple websites to try out that can give you perfect instruction:
https://hearthandvine.com/make-harvest-wreath/
https://youtu.be/cOAtZFtE-mU?si=1pjdo1XydSObHxEj
Have fun and don't be afraid to be a bit whimsical about it. It makes your wreath truly special and a creative piece of art sure to be mentioned and remembered by all who behold it.
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