Sustainable Christmas Crafts - Natural Wreath
One of the best things about Christmas craft projects is they naturally lend themselves incredibly well to a focus on sustainability, recycling and reusing. Cardboard packaging is abundant, nature offers plenty of greenery for foraging and the shorter daylight hours mean time spent hunkering down at home being creative. Today I’m sharing a step by step for creating a natural, foraged Christmas wreath. There’s nothing more satisfying than a brisk winter morning walk, gathering and foraging in nature and then spending a cosy afternoon creating a beautiful wreath to hang pride of place on your front door. I’ve shared this natural wreath tutorial and more sustainable Christmas craft ideas on Hobbycraft’s Ideas Hub and will show more craft ideas in the lead up to the big day itself over on my Instagram so do follow along.
Sustainable Christmas Wreath | Materials
Twine or Florist’s Wire
Ribbon
Foraged Greenery
Sustainable Christmas Wreath | How To
Gather Your Greenery
When it comes to foraging there are a few things to keep in mind: make sure you don’t take more than you need; only pick from abundant populations; leave behind plenty for the wildlife and others to enjoy; do not pick endangered species; never trespass to forage; leave no trace behind and respect nature. Head to woodland areas where things grow in abundance and don’t discount your own gardens for lovely seasonal greenery.
Create Small Bunches
Begin by taking around 2-3 stems of greenery, gathering together and wrapping the stems with twine, string or wire to secure. Try to use a range of textures to give your wreath depth and interest. Grasses and leafy sprigs will help bulk out the bunches. Make sure your bunches are smaller in length than the length of the hoop you are using.
Secure Bunches
Begin securing your bunches along the hoop using the twine or the wire. Wrap tightly between stem and wire before securing. For longer bunches secure at the end of the bunch as well. Keep working the bunches around in the same direction. Keep holding the hoop up as you go to check the balance and look. For a wilder whimsical look pull some leaves out so that they are trailing away from the hoop.
Top Tip!
You will want to cover around half the wreath with greenery to create this minimalist design however you can also use the same principle to cover a full wire hoop if you prefer a more traditional feel.
Add Interest
Now add interest to your wreath! Berries, orange slices and cinnamon sticks look festive and add pops of colour. Ribbons, wired pinecones and dried hydrangea heads also work well. Give your wreath a daily spritz of water to keep the greenery hydrated and looking fresh.
