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Wreaths
Introduction to Floral Design
Ms. Lancaster
A Wreath is…
• a ring (or other shape)
– made of flowers (dried, silk, or fresh),
leaves, ribbon, herbs, etc.
• used as an ornament, hanging on a
wall or door
Wreaths can be:
• A garment, like in
Polynesia
• Worn around the head,
called a diadem
• A necklace, like a lei
History of the Wreath
• The making of wreaths is an ancient
and honored art that began about
1000 years B.C.
• In ancient Rome, people used
decorative wreaths as a sign of
victory and celebration
• In Greek mythology:
– Apollo is shown wearing a laurel wreath
– Rose wreaths were presented to
Aphrodite, symbolizing love.
Origins
• Funeral Wreaths were a Roman
custom, they appear carved on the
sarcophagus’
• The use of evergreens and wreaths as
symbols of life was also an ancient
custom of the Egyptians, Chinese,
and Hebrews
• In the early days in Europe, people
would put wreaths on their doors to
identify their home; similar to
house numbers today
– Each house had a different wreath of
flowers, sometimes grown by the home
owner
Wreaths Today
• Today, wreaths are a common
custom in New England, with a
different wreath for each season
• Evergreen wreaths are a common
Christmas decoration, sometimes
with winter accents like pinecones
or colored bows
• Christian households and
churches often use an advent
wreath to celebrate Christmas
Types & Styles of Wreaths
• Think of Themes:
– Particular Flowers (roses, hydrangeas, wheat)
– Herbs (cooking ingredients, lavender)
• aromatic
– Colors (to match décor of room)
– Location (bathroom, bedroom)
– Special Holidays
• Seasonal sentiments
– Bunnies
– Angels
– Fall leaves
Round Wreath
• Most traditional form
• The circle and the sphere are
symbols of immortality
• Strong identity and symbolism
in Christian churches
• Still a common tradition today
• Can be plain or decorated
Fresh Wreaths
• Can “dry in place”
• Good option is to “Freeze Dry”
– Flowers and foliage can be freeze
dried to keep their color and form
• Lasts 2 weeks if kept moist
• Common form is live or growing
– ivy
– Succulents
– Pansies
• Possible to simply attach living
flowers/plants to a wreath form
or garland
Dried/Silk Wreaths
• Made of dried or silk
materials
– (permanent florals)
• Lasts many years if
routinely cleaned
• Does not rot or fade
• Can be a permanent
decoration in home
Square Wreaths
• New style trend
• Constructed in same
manner as round wreath
– different frame shape
• Style began in Europe
Wreaths as Frames
• Good option for permanent
florals and silks
• Easy to construct, and alter
• Can be decorated with
almost any material
• Great paper craft
• Can be covered in tinfoil,
fabric, ribbon, etc.
• Desktop or Wall Frame
• Easily decorated to fit theme
Added Touches
• Hanging from a ribbon
(or a dog)
• Linking multiple
wreaths together
– Like a chain, hanging
• Holds photos/address
behind wreath frame
– Includes information
• Greenery Only
More Ideas!
Wreath Frame
Purpose:
To create a cardboard wreath form and
cover it with dried or silk flowers.
Materials:
1 cardboard square – cut out with open
square
5 stems of silk flowers
Accessories and decorations (ribbon,
bows, pinecones, etc.)
Hot glue gun or pot
Cutting Knife and/or Scissors
Procedure:
1. Cut out a small rectangle with scissors.
2. Use a floral knife to cut out a smaller square inside the
rectangle, to form a frame.
3. Decide on the “look” you want to achieve – think of color
schemes, type of flowers, placement, purpose, etc.
4. Pick out your silk and dried flowers.
5. Choose accessories that match and coordinate with your
flowers
6. Plan out your placement by placing everything on your
frame.
PLAN BEFORE YOU GLUE!
7. Begin gluing your flowers or ribbon, whatever will be in the
back.
8. Add flowers and accessories in order of back to front.
9. Finish decorating your frame and add finishing touches.
10.CLEAN up your area.