Omari Gates
Christmas wreaths are a fun DIY project to get into the holiday spirit. You can use foliage from your natural surroundings to create a wreath that reflects the colours of the Australian summer. This can include wattles, bottlebrush flowers, gumnuts, banksia leaves, and other native flora. You can also add a modern twist to your wreath by incorporating dried orange slices, pinecones, fairy lights, or even edible gingerbread! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and put your own spin on this traditional Christmas decoration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Flowers, foliage, florist wire, secateurs, wreath frame, ribbon, wool, tassel, string made from natural fibre, sphagnum moss, fishing line, hot glue gun, ribbon or wire |
| Flowers | Thistle, wax flower, kangaroo paw, eucalyptus, native Australian flowers, red berries, callistemon flowers, billy buttons, sticky everlastings, bottlebrush flowers, banksia leaves, proteas, waratahs, poah grass, paper daisies, scaly buttons, native grasses, pinecones, fairy lights, gingerbread |
| Tools | Pliers, cable ties, secateurs, glue gun |
| Steps | Cut the florist wire into 10cm lengths, trim flowers leaving 5-10cm stem, separate shoots of flowers, nuts and leaves, attach flowers and nuts to leaves, affix to door or wall |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing foliage and flowers
When choosing foliage and flowers for your wreath, you can opt for fresh cuttings or artificial options. You can visit your local florist or source long-lasting artificial flowers and foliage. If you want to use fresh cuttings, you can forage for them in your neighbourhood or the nearest bushland, reserve, park, or your own garden.
Flowers and foliage that are indigenous to Australia include eucalypts, wattles, bottlebrush flowers, sheoaks, banksias, callistemons, grevilleas, waratahs, paper daisies, scaly buttons, and native grasses such as poahs and spear grasses. You can also use flowers such as thistle, kangaroo paw, and wax flower. If you want to add colour to your wreath, you can use wattles and bottlebrush flowers, or small bunches of gumnuts.
If you're looking for something specific or less common, you can visit your nearest florist for enormous proteas, waratahs, or kangaroo paws. You can also add dried flowers to your wreath. To make your own dried flowers, simply select your favourite blooms and dry them in the oven. You can also use dried orange slices for a modern twist on the traditional Christmas wreath.
When foraging for foliage and flowers, be sure to only harvest a little and never from wildflowers or plants that are threatened species. If you are unsure about a plant, take a small sample and have it identified before using it in your wreath.
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Creating a wreath base
Choosing the Right Materials
Select materials that are readily available and reflect the Australian flora. You can use foliage from your natural surroundings, such as eucalyptus, wattles, bottlebrush flowers, gumnuts, banksias, and native grasses like poahs and spear grasses. These materials will not only add colour and texture to your wreath but also capture the essence of an Australian summer.
Gathering and Preparing the Foliage
Collect an assortment of leaves, flowers, and nuts from your garden or neighbourhood. Separate the shoots, leaving a reasonable-sized stem on each piece. This stem will be useful when you attach the foliage to your wreath base. You can also purchase flowers from a florist if you're looking for something specific, such as enormous proteas, waratahs, or kangaroo paws.
Forming the Base
The most common method is to use leaves as your base. Aim for a circular shape, but don't worry too much if it's not a perfect circle. You can place the leaves in a clockwise direction around the wreath form, creating a natural and rustic look. For heavier foliage, consider using wire to provide extra support and twist it into place.
Securing the Base
To secure the leaves in place, use florist wire or tape/twine if you don't have any. Thread the stems of the leaves through the wire and tape them to form a secure base. This step ensures that your wreath base is sturdy and can support the additional flowers and decorations you'll be adding.
Alternative Base Ideas
While leaves are commonly used as a base, you can also get creative and experiment with other materials. For example, you could use a wreath frame purchased from a hardware or craft store, or even make your own base using a pot plant trolley. Remove the centre of the pot trolley with pliers, leaving a ring to which you can attach your foliage.
With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and sturdy wreath base that reflects the Australian landscape and captures the festive spirit of Christmas.
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Attaching foliage and flowers
For a more relaxed and natural look, position your leaves and flowers randomly around the wreath. You can also try hanging bunches and asymmetrical placement for a unique, organic feel. If you're using a wreath ring as your base, work in a clockwise direction, attaching the flowers and nuts after you've secured the leaves. Thread the stems through the wire and tape them to secure them in place.
If you're using fresh flowers, you can leave them to dry out naturally during the festive season, or replace them with fresh ones as they dry out. You can also use artificial flowers and foliage for a wreath that will last beyond the holidays.
When attaching your wreath to a door or wall, use ribbon or wire. If you don't have a hook or central piece to attach it to, consider using removable hooks.
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Adding decorations
Now for the fun part: adding decorations! First, separate the shoots of flowers, nuts, and leaves, leaving a reasonable-sized stem on each piece. Use wattles and bottlebrush flowers for a pop of colour, or perhaps small bunches of gumnuts, banksia leaves, and other sturdy native foliage. You can forage these materials from your neighbourhood or buy them from a florist.
Next, make the leaves your base. Attach the flowers and nuts secondarily, working in a clockwise direction around the wreath. For both layers, thread the stems through florist wire and tape to secure them in place. For heavier foliage, use wire and twist it into place. Position the leaves and blooms randomly for a relaxed look, or try hanging bunches and asymmetrical placement.
You can also add decorations such as pinecones, fairy lights, or even gingerbread for an edible wreath! For a more minimalist look, arrange your flowers and leaves on one side of the ring, or across the bottom. For a more dramatic look, have foliage hanging off the wreath.
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Hanging the wreath
Once you've crafted your wreath, it's time to hang it up! Here are some tips for this final step:
- If you don't have a brass knocker or central piece to attach the wreath to your door, consider using removable hooks.
- Ribbon or wire can be used to affix the wreath to a door or wall.
- If you don't have a place to hang your wreath, it can also be used as a table centrepiece, displayed on a mantelpiece, or laid flat on a table.
- If you've used fresh flowers, you can leave them to dry out during the festive season, or replace them with fresh ones as they dry out.
- If you've used natural materials, you can compost the wreath at the end of its life cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a wreath base or frame, foliage, flowers, and something to secure the foliage and flowers to the base, such as florist wire or cable ties. You can also add decorations such as pinecones, fairy lights, or dried orange slices.
You can find many of the materials you need in your local area, such as eucalyptus, wattles, sheoaks, banksias, callistemons, grevilleas, waratahs, kangaroo paws, hakeas, paper daisies, scaly buttons, and native grasses. You can also buy wreath bases, florist wire, and flowers from craft stores or florists.
First, separate shoots of flowers, nuts, and leaves, leaving a reasonable-sized stem on each piece. Then, make the leaves your base and attach the flowers and nuts secondarily, working in a clockwise direction around the wreath. You can use wire and tape to secure the foliage and flowers to the wreath base. Finally, use ribbon or wire to hang your wreath on your door or wall.
