How To Make A Australian Native Christmas Wreath + Video
Hey, guys, I have something to talk to you about other than babies or chocolate related recipes. It seemed to be a bit of a theme on the blog in the past few months and while chocolate recipes are always an incredible thing I also love to share with you other projects I have been working on. Like this gorgeous Australian Native Christmas Wreath I created. While I love the traditional looking Christmas wreaths that usually adorn most front doors around this time, I thought it would be great to make something with an Australian flavour because let's be real snowflakes and pine cones get old after a while. Now before you think I am super women pulling off a project like this with a newborn I'll let you in on a little secret. I made this before she was born so she was all tucked safe and warm in my tummy while I fiddled away making this wreath.
I decided to raid my garden for all the foliage I needed to create this spectacular wreath and only had to buy the ribbon, paint and florist ring to put it all together. I think I was able to create the whole wreath for under $20. Plus the florist ring can be used again for other wreaths made in the future. I have shown step by step instructions below but have also make a video on how I created the wreath for those needing a bit more instruction. The video is below so pop on down and have a look.
Materials:
- 14 inch wooden or wire florist ring
- Scissors
- Jute Twine
- 6 varieties of different Australian native foliage ( i.e wattle, gum leaves etc)
- Gold spray paint
- Plastic sandwich ties
- 1 meter of 1 inch White Ribbon
Step 1:
In a well-ventilated area, lay out some newspaper and select one type of foliage to spray paint. I chose the gum leaves that I collected as they would show up the paint well. Lay them flat on the paper making sure none of the leaves overlap and spray with the gold spray paint. Let them dry and repeat with a second coat.
Step 2:
With the remaining foliage snip them into pieces of about 15 – 20 cm in length and bunch each type of foliage together. Don’t forget to include the spray painted pieces of foliage.
Step 3:
Select one piece of each type of foliage, including one piece of the painted foliage to create a small bunch. Arrange them in such a way so that each piece of foliage can be seen. Tie the base of the bunch with a plastic sandwich tie. Repeat with the remaining foliage until you have made about 12 or so bunches.
Step 4:
Lay the first bunch of foliage onto the wooden or wire florist ring and tie the bunch a number of times around with a piece of jute twine so that it is securely in place.
Step 5:
With the second bunch of foliage lay the top of it over the base of the first so that it covers it. Tie the base of the second bunch with twine again so that it is securely fastened in place. Repeat these steps until all the bunches have been used and you have created a beautiful Christmas wreath.
Step 6:
Cut a length of white ribbon depending on where you are going to hang it. Attach it to the wooden florist ring in between the foliage and hang it onto your door or desired spot. Stand back and admire your handiwork.
Notes:
•To keep the foliage alive give it a spray with a mist of water every day or two depending on the weather.
•It’s best to try and choose sturdy foliage that isn’t prone to wilt within a day or so.
•A florist ring can be found at all good craft stores
I really loved how it turned out and thanks to my sister-in-law for the use of her back door for these shots. My door wasn't country looking enough but hers was perfect. If you wanted to make it even more Australian why not add some gum nuts or bits of interesting sticks or native flowers such as proteas, bottle brush or whatever you can find in your garden. I would love to see your creations if you make one. Tag me over on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your beautiful wreaths.
