Christmas Wreaths

[Oola]

This year is definitely a 'credit crunch' Christmas for me. I'm going to try and make my own Christmas wreath using things from the garden. I've got a small amount of holly, pyracantha (fire bush) foliage and berries and lots of ivy. I might go to the park and collect a few pine cones and maybe any pine tree foliage that's fallen on the floor and try to knock something together.

I'm not sure I'll be able to make it into a wreath shape, but I'll have a go. If not I'll bunch it into something aesthetically pleasing, using raffia or organza ribbon and hang it from my door.

How about you? Do you make special Christmas decorations for outside? I thought if I'm any good I could try selling a few from my 'garden gate'.

[Crocus]

I bought a wreath last year made of vines, and I just stuck in any green foliage I could find, bits and pieces of fynbos ("fine bush"). This year I bought a smaller wreath in the shape of a heart.

Oola, can you buy these oasis stuff from a garden centre or florist? It should be available in any shape and size. You can then just make it up the way you want and what you have availble. xxx

[keepersdaughter]

I've made Christmas wreaths in the past. I bought a wreath form (they go on sale here before Christmas) from a craft store. The end result was so-so, as didn't have much flora from the garden and woods to work with, but pepped it up with various leftover ornaments from the tree or festive coloured ribbon. A couple of years ago I made Nutcrackers from terra cotta pots, painted them to stand sentry at the front door. I saw some people in another neighbourhood made penguins which were adorable, someone else made snowmen.

[TIGGYWINKLE]

Oola, Years ago, I sold lots of Christmas logs in my gift Boutique. They were so easy and quick to make. Cut logs (4 inches in Diamater)about 8 inches long, split in two. Drill hole for red candle, and glue on pinecones. They were so natural, and sold well. Have a very Happy Christmas.

[Pippa]

I have tried making a wreath but find the wiring really hard so this year I have cheated and made a 'swag' of evergreens tied with a big raffia bow and a few old red baubles and put it on the front door. I am aiming to make some more for the 5 bar gate and entrance to drive but it is cold work!

[eleanor2]

this is one craft i am no good at.i have a bought one that comes down each christmas and hangs on my door.it is actually really nice and natural looking.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

When (?) the wind decides not to blow straight into my front door I might think about something!

Not being the world's best arranger of all things floral I'd never attempt a wreath. Sometimes I bundle a variety of greenery into a sort of bouquet and add a massive red weatherproof bow and nail that to the door. This can include anything that is 'foraged' from pine branches cut off the neighbours too-big trees, holly from the annual pruning of anyone's holly bushes, ivy from the hedges, even bare branches for 'arty' interest.

This is, as said, IF the winds abate!