The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania describes how to make a wreath – Butler Eagle

A simple wreath can serve as the base for a living wreath. This is where staples and other hooks are used to hold items like ivy in place. Adding new decorations is a breeze and can be easily changed depending on the season or occasion. Butler Eagle file photo

Simple winter crafts have a long history of fun

Decorating wreaths is a centuries-old holiday tradition. While materials and technology continue to evolve, the joy that comes with craftsmanship will always remain.

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is hosting an event that teaches how to make a “door-ready” decoration. The event will take place on Sunday, December 8th from 2pm to 4pm at Buffalo Creek Nature Park. Materials and refreshments will be provided.

Registration is required; a reduced entry fee applies to club members. The organization will host additional craft events throughout the season, offering crafts ranging from Christmas logs to mini Christmas trees.

Rachel Handel, communications director for the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, said the tutorials will incorporate the state’s rich natural resources.

“We will decorate a wreath made of natural materials… to bring you closer to nature,” Handel said. “It’s really something you can do just by being out in western Pennsylvania.”

The association provides participants with a wire frame and pre-cut evergreen branches to weave together. The group then walks through the park and selects natural decorations for the wreath.

“The typical things you buy in the store – are based on things you find outside. “It can be as simple as pine cones or berries,” Handel said.

When making a wreath, a pre-made frame is an easy place to start. However, the art itself predates mass-produced craft tools.

If you’re interested in using a more traditional method of making a wreath, there are options for that too.

The tradition of hanging a wreath on the door began around the same time as the introduction of Christmas trees. The frames often consisted of bundles of sticks into which families inserted excess evergreen branches and then braided them together.

For Christians, the wreath acquired symbolic meaning as they claimed that the circular shape symbolized the infinite love of Christ.

Today, wreaths are as synonymous with winter as the snow itself.

Would you like to continue the tradition? Residents can start by going into their own backyards.

Step 1: Gather materials

You need:

● A wire frame (you can also make it yourself from craft wire) or sticks

● Evergreen branches, real or fake

● Additional decor, such as berries, pine cones or other natural materials

● Florist or craft wire

● Wire cutters

Optional:

● Garden shears for cutting tree branches

● Store-bought decorations such as bows, paper snowflakes, etc.

● Glue

Step 2: Create your base

If you want to create your own wire frame, you can do so by wrapping several strands of wire tightly together, creating a ring shape.

Alternatively, you can tie wooden sticks together into a circle with the wire. Make sure the sticks are in multiple layers to make it easier to place things between them later.

Step 3: Add the Greens

It will make your wreath appear full and decadent if you fold branches into small bundles before attaching them to the base. You are also free to attach one branch at a time.

Wrap the wire around your branch or bundle and secure it to the frame.

Repeat this step until your shape is covered in green all over. Make sure no wire is visible for a more natural look.

Step 4: Spice it up

Attach the additional items you collected with glue or wire. For example, you can put flowers with long stems into the holes in the frame.

For even more fun, color coordinate the items to promote your ultimate vacation aesthetic. It’s entirely up to you and your creative vision.

Whether your materials come straight from the earth or are entirely store-bought, your homemade wreath is sure to wow your guests this holiday season—and you’ll have a lot of fun doing it.