Nothing shows friends and neighbors your commitment to the holiday spirit like a festive wreath hanging from your front door. And today through Thursday, Dec. 24, at Olympus Northpoint, you can snap a photo of yours and send it to our office for a chance to win a $50 gift card! If you’re new to the art of wreath making, this guide will help you get started.
Gather the Goods
There are a few basic items you’ll need regardless of how you choose to decorate your wreath: An 18-inch metal or grapevine frame, 22-gauge florist’s wire, wire cutters, floral shears, different types of foliage, a ribbon for hanging, and a glass of beer or wine. When it comes to the foliage, you can trim some branches off your Christmas tree if you have one (or ask a friend to save their trimmings for you). You also may be able to forage your own in Cibola National Forest, find something to use at a flower or garden shop, or order branches online, like these available on Etsy.
A note on wreath frame options: Both metal and grapevine frames work great, but grapevine is especially nice if you’re crafting a less-full style of wreath and the frame may be visible. Metal frames are painted green, so if they show through a little, it’s no big deal, but grapevine frames are attractive on their own, so they can even enhance a sparser design. Your choice!
Trim & Organize Your Greenery
Lay out all your greenery and trim each piece so it’s about 6 inches long. Then use a small piece of wire to bind each type into several small bunches – 24 should do.
Begin Building
Tuck the stems from each bunch into the frame and use a 4-inch piece of wire to attach it, wrapping the wire around the stems a few times to ensure they are secure. Build your wreath a section at a time, attaching two or three pieces until the frame is no longer visible. For the next section, use a different material, alternating around the frame until it’s completely covered.
How Does it Look?
When you’re done, stand back and take a look. If it seems like it could use a little more color, attach dried flowers, tie a couple ribbons around it, or add a few small decorations from your tree. When it’s ready to hang, tie your hanging ribbon to the top and drink the beer or wine. You did it!
For more tips on winning contests and at life, check out the Olympus Northpoint blog.