Making of Wreaths 1

For some people it is a commonplace chore of Christmas to buy a wreath or two, usually at a fancy price, and hang the purchase on the front door or above the fireplace. Yet a really handsome wreath can be made for a nominal sum and the satisfaction of designing and making it will add tremendously to its enjoyment. New ideas for making wreaths will come with every Christmas.

The equipment needed is shears, thread and wire. The mechanics can be mastered with a little practice. The foundation or frame is important; on a bad frame it is almost impossible to make a good wreath.

Drawing 1 shows how a frame may be constructed from switches of willow or any pliable shrub. The best canes for the purpose are those of ordinary California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium). Privet may be bent into any size hoop without splitting or breaking. For an average wreath you will need canes four or more feet long, and as thick as your little finger. These should be stripped of leaves and side branches. If they are cut in very cold weather, it may be necessary to bend the canes back and forth until they are flexible.

Hold the cane at its thick end. Then make the size circle desired. Next twist the thin end in, over and out of the circle until it is completely used. One long cane may be sufficient; two or more make a stronger frame. Whether to use one or more canes depends on the size of the wreath, the thickness of the canes and the materials with which the wreath is to be decorated. Heavy fruits call for a stronger frame than cones or leaves.

If a second cane is to be added to the ring, place the thick end of it on the ring at a point beyond the entry of the first cane, or else work the second cane into the thinnest part of the hoop. Twist it in the same direction as the first cane. Trim off the stubs of the canes with shears, so that no ends stick out from the circle. The hoops will need no tying, but are now ready for use, as shown in Drawing 1.

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