Door wreaths are an age-old tradition, and they have been used to symbolize welcome (especially during the holiday season), protection, and a connection to nature. The round shape of most wreaths, with no beginning and no end, represents eternity and the circle of life. Trees are symbolic of life, and wreaths made of tree boughs or leaves represent the cycle of nature and the life-giving nature of forests.

Evergreen wreaths have been hung since the earliest times and are symbolic of the survival of life against the odds–the lack of light and the cold of deep winter. The green-colored boughs represent hope and new life.

Making your own wreaths is a really fun project, and kids enjoy it too. Try these easy directions and you will be as hooked on the project as my daughter and I are: we try to make a new door wreath for every season!

Herb, Branch, and Flower Wreaths
Heavy-gauge wire wreath armature
Herbs, branches, stems, and dried flowers
Green or brown florist’s wire
Decorative ribbon or found materials, such as a bird’s nest, dried mushrooms, or seedpods

Either use the armature as it is, or bend it into the shape of your choice. Determine the size of the floral bunches you’ll need (big wreaths look balanced with longer bunches, about 12 inches long; small wreaths may look best with shorter bunches, about 6 inches long).

Assemble about 8 to 15 herbs, branches, stems, and dried flowers in bunches; wire the bunches together at the base of the stems with florist’s wire. Wire each bunch to the wreath’s armature, holding the stem end to the armature and covering the stems of the previous bunch, so you have a continuous presentation of flowers, petals, or boughs. (A good way to gauge where to start adding the next bunch is to wire it about 1 inch past the ends of the previous stems.) Keep going until you have covered all of the stems and the armature. Trim and neaten the wreath, then add a ribbon or found materials as desired.