Colonial House of Flowers welcomed the first part of October with a series of two Pop Up Fall Wreath Workshops at the Fest-of-Ale at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I led the drop-in class called Blooms and Beers with the Garden Event Planner, Vanessa Wicks. We focused on using dried and locally foraged material to show people how fun and easy it is to add a little magic to your door for fall.
The wreath making workshop is a great way to give back to the community, get to know my neighbors and kick off the autumn season. Wreaths are the perfect addition to any decorations especially this time of year. Because these are made using dried materials they should last the season and with proper storage they can be around for years to come.
Here are a few of the tips I shared for your fall wreath:
Select your Materials
Pampas, pine cones, palms, bunny tail, and spanish moss are traditional dried wreath making materials. You can liven up your composition by incorporating things like yellow billy balls, or dyed items in bright colors like pink or blue or orange. Little pumpkins, pine cones and other dried or foraged plant material are great additions.
The Tools You’ll Need
Vanessa chose a gold hoop as a base. You will need a wreath base, paddle wire or twine, glue if you like and Spanish moss. You can also use bases like grapevine wreaths, hoola hoops, or embroidery hoops.
Think Outside the Box
The possibilities are endless so don't fence yourself in. Throw what you know about wreaths away because today's trend in wreath making is all about unusual placemen with unexpected additions and effortless, organic, natural beauty. Skip wrapping the greenery in a neat circle. Instead, attach a ball of Spanish moss to the base using wire or twine. You can leave some of the moss exposed if you like. Once you create this nest with with the moss and twine begin tucking in your materials. Be sure to use uneven layering or exposed ends for an unstructured aesthetic. Add personality and texture by clustering foraged material or add a pod or a pumpkin accent.
Where to Hang Your Wreath
Upon completion of your wreath, the next step is finding a place to hang it. Doors and indoor walls are classic locations. Windows, pantry doors and closes are great places as well especially considering the great scent.
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