Wreath Season is nearly here!
Tis (nearly) the season and as the month of December draws closer, I find myself thinking about the planning and running of my Christmas Wreath Workshops at various locations in and around Worcestershire. Without sounding like I’m blowing my own trumpet, the workshops are always such a lovely way to spend an evening, watching people reconnect with each other and finding their inner creative. I think I enjoy it as much as my guests!
The studio starts to fill with a variety of materials- some collated through the year and others foraged from the garden or roadside. I just love the range of textures and colours that can be created during the colder months- it hold just as much beauty for me than the Summer flower-filled months!
Willow Wreaths all the Way !
As long as I can remember, I’ve always created my Wreaths using a Willow base, a method that is becoming more popular which is brilliant news as it means less need for wire frames and Sphagnum moss. In fact the classically used mossed frames feel unnecessary and wasteful… I say, leave the moss for the bugs and micro fauna! Winter foliage’s such as Ivy, Conifer, Pines and Eucalyptus are so hardy and long-lasting, they don’t need to be constantly hydrated by a damp layer of moss. It seems it’s purely to create a “green” base… well, why not do without is and use a solid frame made with willow or vines or use hay to make the base. So many alternative, greener and more eco-friendly options!
Back to Wreath Workshops- my workshops last anything from 2 to 3 hours. Obviously we all work at different speeds but there is an added dimension of creativity with mine, as I show my attendees how to weave their own base using soaked Somerset Willow rods. The Willow can be used as part of the overall Wreath design, or it can be fully covered to achieve a more classic looking Wreath. It does make me smile when people want to have the most perfect willow ring when really, they will be covering it – in part or fully- with Foliage’s and dried elements shortly afterwards.
Wreath Ingredients
Over the years we have come to expect that wreaths should be symmetrical and adorned with baubles and plastic tat… clearly this is not my bag and I FULLY encourage my attendees to go a little bit wild, and to break away from the norm of tight uniform designs; making the most of all the wonderful materials that I provide!
If you’ve not yet booked or experienced one of my Wreath Workshops then I’d love you to join me! Spaces are still available on the 12th & 13th December at a new venue (for me) The Anchor Inn in Diglis, Worcester… and if you book 4 or more tickets you’ll receive a scalable discount pending spaces booked- take a look and I hope to see you then! BOOK HERE
Hannah x
