How To Make A Winter Wreath

Photo courtesy of Susan Swimm

Holiday wreaths are one of my favorite decorations to put up in the winter. They are so simple, but somehow manage to make a doorway or mantle look extra elegant and festive. While most people buy wreaths from the store, being able to hang something that you made with your own two hands can unlock even more joy.

“You can do whatever you want with a wreath, which I love,” says Susan Swimm, owner of Skye Designs in Eagle County.

Swimm, who has a degree in retail merchandising and display, first began her design career at Frasers department store in Scotland doing Christmas decorating. Since then, she’s moved to Edwards and started her company Skye Designs in 1993. You’ve likely seen her work in various hotels and storefronts in the Vail Village. She also does full flower arrangements and holiday decorating.

As a primarily self-taught decorator, she is a firm believer that “there are no rules in wreath making.” That said, there are a few guiding principles that she tends to adhere to.

“I would definitely pick a theme or color scheme,” she says. Swimm tends to gravitate toward red, green and brown during the holiday season. However, feel free to get creative and chose what you want to see in your own wreath. Once that’s decided, go ahead and start gathering materials.

You can find most things at a craft store, like Joann’s or Michaels. Your local florist shop also will have a lot of useful materials, such as dried bits for the wreath and silk. If you’re going for an all-natural wreath, go forage for some goods! This time of year, places that sell Christmas trees usually have extra branches for you to take.

Then, you’re ready to get started!

“I really think the secret to making a good wreath is having a solid foundation,” Swimm shares. Her favorite option is a grapevine wreath due to its simple beauty and stability. You can also make your own out of wire or even buy an inexpensive store-made wreath and fix your decorations of choice on top of the sturdy base that has already been created for you.

Once you have your base, gather all the other greenery you plan on using for the wreath.

“Keep it natural,” advises Swimm, who gravitates towards evergreen branches for the majority of her wreaths.

Using a glue gun or florist wire, start assembling the body of your wreath. Grapevine wreath bases are especially good for this part, because you can thread the branches through the wreath itself for an extra strong hold.

If using a glue gun, make sure to leave the wreath to dry before adding more on top of the evergreen branches and prior to hanging the wreath itself. After it’s dry, build on top of this initial layer — adding in pinecones, red hydrangeas and other accoutrements of your choice.

When adding in extra elements, Swimm says to remember that your wreath has a top and a bottom, a left and a right. Adding in asymmetry based of this can help create a wreath that’s uniquely yours. “I’d maybe put two hydrangeas off-center at the bottom and one off-center at the top,” she says, spit-balling ideas.

If using hydrangeas, thread their stems through the wreath base and cut them to the proper length to secure properly.

After the more basic elements are in place, have fun with it! Add in red berries, mistletoe, sparkly snowflakes, Christmas ornaments, bells — anything you want.

“I love wreaths when they are heavily decorated, but you can decorate it however you like,” Swimm says. That’s the beauty of making your own wreath; it’s an entirely customizable project.

When you’re finished, tie a ribbon on the back of the wreath, so it hangs flush with the door or wall you’re putting it on. You can buy a wreath hanger or simply hammer in a nail to display your creation for the whole neighborhood to see.

No matter what you decide to incorporate into your wreath, have fun with it! Invite some friends over to make their own with you or bring your kids in for some craft time. This is the perfect time to forge new bonds with loved ones as you create something together.

Originally published in the Winter 2021-22 issue of Spoke+Blossom.