CIRCLING IN ON WREATH-MAKING
Gather your friends (even the less crafty ones) for this fun and most forgiving art.
I’m not the crafty type. My kids won’t have many childhood memories of making DIY projects, or if they do, it’ll be because someone else far more creative and resourceful than I put in the time and talent.
But there’s an exception: I love decorating wreaths. Years ago, I stumbled upon this hobby that I now share with others during the holiday season back when I worked at a flower shop on La Brea.
During lulls, we’d gather dried flowers hanging in the storage room, bundle greens and wire, dig up glue guns and make dried wreaths that lasted much longer than the perishable goods we generally peddled. I quickly figured out it’s a forgiving art.
Which is why when I noticed that some local floral designers whom I follow on Instagram were hosting lovely — and not inexpensive — holiday wreath workshops, I had a thought: I can do that.
Instead of spending money on a class, I could spend that on supplies and host a small DIY gathering of girlfriends. (That said, I don’t begrudge the many L.A. floral industry creatives who make a living sharing their expertise.)
I started a Pinterest board. A couple of friends came with me to the Flower District downtown the day before to help shop and schlep.
On the afternoon of the party, 10 or so of us played around with grapevine wreath frames and other supplies I’d spread around tables in my backyard. “That’s so pretty!” and “Cool combo!” encouragements soon began to emerge. It was like a cinematic montage in which “hapless amateurs master a new skill” meets a Martha Stewart segment.
What better way to catch up with friends than over fragrant eucalyptus leaves and conifer branches, dried wildflowers, glue guns, wire clippers and a batch of seasonal-appropriate bourbon cranberry-ginger punch? A tradition was born. Generally it’s a retrograde ladies-only affair, although a dude friend visiting from out of town once joined us.
In the years since, gatherings got slightly bigger, but this is by no means a holiday bash.
It’s practically impossible to make an ugly wreath, and guests become inspired seeing each other’s creations.
Everyone leaves with a beautiful party favor she made to display in her own home or gift to someone else.
While it’s doable for a craftchallenged person like myself, hosting a wreath making party still takes work, budget and, most important, space. Here’s what you’ll need to do to
Planning
The first year I bought materials online in advance, only to realize that because we are blessed with an incredible wholesale district, I could find everything I needed downtown on San Julian and Wall streets. Empty out your car, and make it a creative excursion. That said, perusing Etsy for other fun decorative details can’t hurt.
Supplies
While more ambitious crafters might want to start with blank wire frames and build their wreath entirely from scratch, I buy pre-made 18-inch grapevine wreath frames (about $5 each) so that people can spend more time on the fun part. I also buy a few smaller, more manageable 12inch-sized frames for kids. (Making sure I have one frame per person is main reason why an accurate guest count matters too.) Frames are available at craft stores such as Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts stores and Michael’s, but Moskatels is my go-to for all hard materials.
Other tools
Smaller glue guns and refill glue sticks are inexpensive at Moskatels. I try to keep at least three wire cutters in circulation. I ask friends to bring their own tools to share if possible. I buy several spools of small gauge wire, and a couple of packages of pre-cut wire. Offer burlap ribbon, raffia or some type of rustic, neutral ribbon for accents.
Greens and f lorals
To cover the basics, scour vendors’ booths for traditional juniper, cedar and other conifer tree branches as well as Silver Dollar eucalyptus leaves for a distinct SoCal-meets-holidays feel. The rule of thumb is to pick hearty greens that dry nicely. Metallics have proved to be surprisingly popular adornments; some vendors have gold and silver spraypainted eucalyptus and other greens. (A little bling goes a long way.) Thistle and magnolia leaves look gorgeous. Grab red foliage and berries too. Peruse the dried plant and flower selections at craft shops such for other things that add more texture and depth.
Setup
Approach setting up the wreath supplies as you would a buffet meal. Stack wreath frames on the side. Then lay out piles of greens on the ground or on folding tables. I like to put craft paper underneath to catch some of the stray bits and mess. Scatter tools such as clippers and wires around the work surfaces. I set up a glue gun area where everyone knows to be careful.
Eat and drink
It’s a crafting party, not a meal. So keep it simple with a batch drink that looks pretty. Charcuterie and cheese will do. Thankfully, my friend, chef Rachael Narins of Chicks With Knives, puts together pickles, fruit and cheese platters that are themselves works of art.