DIY Your Way to the Most Festive Fall Wreath

Thistle and Honey is about to make your wreath lovin dreams come true. She recently hosted a workshop filled with cider, delicious nibbles and all the pieces needed to make a stunning Fall wreath. Have a look at the crafting festivities captured by Juliana Aragon and then snag instructions for making your very own straight from the master herself!

Fall is without a doubt my favorite time of year. Besides cooler temperatures, sweaters, and crunch leaves, one of the things I look forward to most is wreaths! Teaching wreath workshops has become one of my most favorite things in the fall and winter months, I absolutely love to see the attendees create their own work of art.

Earlier this month, attendees gathered at Masullo in the Land Park area of Sacramento. They dined on a family style lunch made especially for the workshop, complete with locally brewed 'perry' cider from Hemly Cider.

As a teacher, one of the most inspiring things to me is how the participants have all of the same ingredients at their finger tips, yet are gravitated towards things that catch their eye. Each person ends up with a beautiful wreath that looks nothing like their neighbor. It's a true reminder to find inspiration within yourself, which as a wedding vendor can often become lost in the throws of wedding season.

Attendees were encouraged to stand up and introduce themselves, as well as state something they are grateful for. We may be a few weeks out from Thanksgiving, but an attitude of gratitude should be practiced year around. Speaking of which, I am endlessly grateful for this group of ladies who not only invested in my small business by attending the workshop, but invested in themselves with this time of creativity and self exploration.

Feeling inspired to try this yourselves? I always tell my attendees that there is no wrong way to make a wreath - as long as you love it, that is all that matters. I empower them with the tools and materials they need and provide instruction where needed.

The first thing tell attendees is to think about where you want the wreath to go. Will it be on your front door? Over the hearth of your fireplace? On an accent wall? Consider the scale and size, as well as a color palette that will work well with your chosen space.

Here's what you will need

a grapevine wreath - we used 12'' (available at craft stores and online) floral sheers ribbon of your choice festive autumnal drink (optional!) dried and/or preserved materials

This is a list of most of the materials you will see throughout the photos

oak leaf bittersweet vine golden fern bleached italian ruscus preserved eucalyptus pink peppercorns dried sage seed pods scabiosa pods olive hops rosehips okra pods dried yarrow dried oak leaf hydrangea acorn eucalyptus pods preserved golden banskia mossy branches preserved mushrooms elaeagnus I supply materials that are already dried/preserved so that the wreath will look exactly the way that you made it for weeks and weeks to come (but please, keep it out of the rain!). There are many ways to source these materials such as - your local floral wholesaler, online, dried yourself, and foraged from your yard and surroundings.

To make the wreath

Start by creating shape with your fuller leaves such as oak. It is important to use larger, thick, woody stems first as they will provide a base for other elements. All you have to do is stick the stem into the grapevine wreath, between the existing branches until it's firmly in place. Very simple!

Once you have your shape and leafy elements in place, add more decorative, structural elements such as bittersweet vine and branches.

Next, you can add your focal pieces like dried banksia, preserved mushrooms, and pepper berry. It is most impactful to cluster these things in one area of the wreath, as it will draw your eye here. Remember things look best in odd numbers!

Lastly you want to add your pieces with the most delicate of stems. Since these items are dried, they tend to be fragile and will get crushed if you try to place them first. It's a good time for the golden ferns, dried hops, and bleached italian ruscus. Don't forget to stand back and look at your wreath from time to time. I often instruct my students to hang the wreath up on a wall and stand back to observe and adjust. You can add a ribbon accent once you are complete and know exactly how you want the wreath to hang. Use the grapevines at the back of the wreath as a place to tie the ribbon. Viola!

Now enjoy sit back with an autumnal beverage and perhaps a pumpkin flavored goodie and bask in your beautiful creation. Special thanks to the amazing Juliana Aragon for being on deck to capture this lovely afternoon!

Photographer: Juliana Aragon Photography | Cider: Hemly Cider | Floral Design/Workshop Host: Thistle And Honey