We are madly making gorgeous Christmas wreaths and also selling the raw materials to do your own. It is easy and fun ! The fragrance of the cut evergreen foliage is like a drug – you can’t stop once you start !
I used to give classes in wreath making at my former flower shop and also here at Southlands. They were  always sold out, and a tradition for many fun gals every year.  Now, we don’t have enough room . So, here are  some tips to create a gorgeous, professional looking wreath without me !
First of all , buy a nice fresh wreath that is the size you like, that is fairly plain. This way, you aren’t paying for needless ‘decor’ (crap), mindlessly installed by a wreath making zombie.  Make sure it is fresh and not dried out whatsoever.  Drop it once or twice to see if any needles fall off. Keep your wreath outdoors as much as possible, as with no water supply, everything cut will dry and turn crispy very quickly indoors. Looking at the photo of the wreath above, notice that everything is in a group of either 3, 5 or 7. Notice the yellow/gold evergreen bunches ? There are five of them. Fabulous glass egg highlights are glue-gunned on. How many egg ‘incidents’ are there ? Three. Odd numbers look random and natural. Invest in some ‘better’ goodies to work with. Eucalyptus in imported and is not that inexpensive…..but nothing else has the wonderful glaucous blue/celadon colouration it has. ‘Seeded Euc’ is what we like, with lots of textural seeds in mini-grape like clusters.  ‘Pepperberry’ is indispensible. This import adds pink and red to the pallette of materials to use. I avoid Holly – it is soooo hostile to work with and too cliche.
Go for a walk and see  what nature is offering…. you’ll be amazed. Rose hips , seedheads, cones, mossy bits and unusual evergreens are all waiting for your secret nips… but be gentle.