Sunday, December 9

DIY: Christmas Boxwood Wreaths

Wreaths traditionally grace many homes during the holiday season. I have always loved Boxwood wreaths. They are simple and beautiful adding serenity and class to the splendor of the season. But do you know the origin of the winter wreath?


This tradition started with the ancient Celts. Believing that holly leaves offered protection against evil spirits, wreaths and other types of greenery were frequently used in solstice celebrations to signify new life. Both the circular shape and the greens are symbols of everlasting life. 


Today, wreaths beckon visitors to front doors at Christmas and offer a festive touch of green. Boxwood greens make great wreaths since they dry well and don't drop as many needles as other types of greenery. Gather or purchase some boxwood greens and create your own bit of holiday cheer using simple household materials. I am SO thankful I have a HUGE boxwood hedge that needed trimming last week, just in time to make my very own Christmas wreaths. 


THINGS YOU'LL NEED
  • Boxwood greens cut into 5-6 inch sprigs; plan to use about a bushel and a half of boxwood to make a standard 18 inch wreath.
  • Wire Coat hanger, Dried Grapevines or a Wire Wreath from your local craft store
  • Spool of #22 gauge craft wire
  • Wire cutters

WHAT TO DO

Use the coat hanger or grapevine and form it into whatever shape of wreath you desire, or use a preformed wreath. 
While traditional wreath forms tend to be circles, boxwood greens make lovely square wreaths as well. Your wreath can be any size you like, but traditional sizes are 12 to 18 inches.
Place two to three sprigs of boxwood close to the wreath frame and wrap the cut ends tightly with the spool wire. Leave the wire attached to the spool to make the process easier. Secure the boxwood sprigs to the frame by wrapping the wire around the frame several times.
Attach another bundle of boxwood sprigs directly beside the first one making sure you slightly overlap the ends of the greenery. Tie the sprigs onto the wreath frame so that they cover the stems of the first bunch.
Continue placing your boxwood sprigs onto your frame until you completely cover it with boxwood. 
Make sure you attach bundles to the sides of your wreath as well as the front. If you want a double-sided wreath, flip the form over and securely attach sprigs of boxwood to the opposite side of your frame. When you like the fullness of your wreath, cut the wire and loop the end around your wreath, making sure it's secure.

Boxwood wreaths are especially popular during the holidays because of the lush green color they add to any room. A fresh boxwood wreath stays beautiful for about two weeks. After that, it can begin to look wilted and dried out if you don't take care of it properly. You can extend the life of a boxwood wreath, even into the new year, if you give it a bit of attention. 
  • The day before you plan to make your wreath, soak your boxwood greenery overnight in water mixed with a couple of floral preservative packs. It will help your wreath last a bit longer.
  • Keep your fresh boxwood wreath out of direct sunlight, where it's likely to dry out faster.
  • Spritz your fresh boxwood wreath every day with water. Just as your plants require water to look strong and healthy, your boxwood wreath needs a bit of water every day to last longer.
  • Lay your boxwood wreath on a flat surface and allow it to dry out. A brown, dried boxwood wreath can be beautiful to use next Fall. To spruce it up, add dried flowers or dried fruit to your dried boxwood wreath using a glue gun.
ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA

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