 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| More Holiday Wreaths: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Simple Wreaths
These holiday decorations are quick and easy, and the inspiration is as close as
your own backyard.
By Gene B. Bussell
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
This gate is graced by a fragrant cedar wreath. |
|
| |
 |
| |
Grapevine wreath |
|
Wreaths provide an extra hello to the holidays, extending a bright welcome and
reminding guests to take a moment to enjoy this time of year. The colors,
fragrances, and textures of the ones shown here captivate the senses. So make a
natural wreath to truly honor the spirit of the holidays.
With winter well on its way, nature offers many gifts to adorn the season.
Eastern red cedar boughs, colorful berries, shells, and pinecones make beautiful
wreaths. Inspiration also can be found in acorns, sweet gum balls, bark, pine
needles, or leaves. Getting outside, enjoying the fresh air, and making a wreath
will put you in the mood for the holidays. All the materials used here are
placed on homemade grapevine wreaths. If you believe your skills lie more in the
decoration, you can purchase a grapevine wreath ready-made. Making a Grapevine Wreath
Muscadines (Vitis rotundifolia) grow throughout the South. Most Southerners are
more familiar with muscadine or 'Scuppernong' grapes than they are with the
vines. The fruit ripens in late summer and early fall when it can be eaten off
the vine or turned into jams, jellies, and wine. The vines grow just about
anywhere and have smooth, grayish-brown bark. Look for them in open areas,
because they grow over the ground, onto fences, and up into trees. In the fall,
leaves turn a bright yellow and drop, exposing the vines. Using hand pruners,
cut the vines, and pull them clear of any obstacles. Then, go along the vines,
and clip the side branches. Be sure to leave the vines' tendrils, as they will
add interest to the wreath. Next, hold the large end (the end with the greatest
diameter), and form a circle with the vine. It is important to size your wreath
to the location you plan to hang it. When you make your first circle, hold it up
as if you were going to hang it. Now is the time to adjust it, because as you
add materials, it will continue to increase in size. Weave the vine through the
circle, wrapping it around the initial circle. Continue wrapping the vine until
it's about 3 inches wide. Using wire, make a hanger for the wreath. If you don't
have time to make your own, ready-made grapevine wreaths are inexpensive and
widely available.
Fragrant Cedar Wreath
Easy, easy, easy. This wreath is made of materials available throughout the
South. The fragrant green boughs and blue berries of Eastern red cedar
(Juniperus virginiana) make it especially appealing. Starting at one point on
the circle, push cut boughs through the grapevine wreath. Continue placing
boughs until complete. Then use your clippers to trim and shape it. Add berries
and pinecones, and hang your wreath.
Materials:- grapevine wreath
- Eastern red cedar boughs
- Eastern red cedar berries (Note: Berries are blue.)
- pinecones
- smooth sumac berries (Rhus glabra)
Note: You can substitute berries from American holly (Ilex opaca), possumhaw
(Ilex decidua), nandina (Nandina domestica), or winterberry (Ilex
verticillata).
Tools: Tips: Cut the boughs, and soak them in water overnight. The next day, let them
air dry, and then begin building your wreath. This extra bit of hydration
extends the life of the wreath. Also, remember that the brightest blue berries
grow on the side of the tree that receives the most sun.
|
|
