Welcome to our All Year Round Wreath Kit Tutorial

 Your kit has arrived, you've found our tutorial & are eager to get started. Firstly, lets lay out your flowers & foliage & we will see what you have.

Unpacking your wreath

In your kit you will have:

  • 40cm Wreath Base
  • Coffee Protea
  • Burgundy Eucalyptus Spray 
  • White Hydrangea
  • Queen Anne's Lace
  • Dusty Pink Chrysanthemum
  • Palm Fan
  • Wire

 

Understanding the 5 elements of Wreath Making

Balance

Balance is the main one. There are two main ways to create a wreath. Symmetrical and Asymmetrical. Symmetrical is a formal balance and is what I like to call: ‘Matchy, Matchy’ the same on both sides. If I was to divide this wreath is half it would be balanced on both sides the same. But you can still achieve a balanced wreath that’s asymmetrical. This is an informal balance. I call this whimsical. Its not the same on each side but still proportioned between the elements.

 

DEPTH

Depth is the second. Think about how far the wreath comes out from the base. If it was all flat it wouldn’t catch you eye and draw you in. We build depth with different foliage and flowers.

 

TEXTURE

Texture is also important. Think about if you wore an outfit with all the same material in every piece from jacket to shirt to pants etc. You need differences in texture to build layers of interest. We use different textured foliage and flowers to achieve this.

 

SCALE

Scale: refers to the overall size of an element in comparison to the whole wreath. We don’t want some foliage to overtake the whole wreath and take the complete focus.

 

PROPORTION

Proportion: Refers to the relationship between one part and another. Similar colours or two parts being different textures to balance each one out. If both were smooth or both big leafed these wouldn’t work well together.

 

Using the 5 elements to put your wreath together

Step 1: Firstly lay your wreath base down flat. Move it around to find the perfect way it naturally lays. It could be turned over to find a better side. If it needs adjusting gently push and move the wreath to achieve the best circle possible.

Step 2 Creating Balance: This is done with either Symmetrical or Asymmetrical design of the wreath. Explained below, the difference between the two but the wreath we are creating today will be Asymmetrical.

 

Symmetrical Design

  • Visually divide your wreath in half horizontally
  • Starting at this point mirror your items on each side heading down towards the middle
  • Cover the stem of each item as you go with the next item until the bottom half of the wreath is covered with a small gap at the base
  • The focal flower would be used to hide the ends of the previous items and balance the wreath off in the middle

 

Asymmetrical Design

  • Visually divide your wreath in half horizontally

  • Start your wreath at this point on the left but only come down to half way between 3 & 6 on a clock (stop point)

  • Cover the stem of each item as you go with the next item until you reach the stop point

  • The focal flower would be used to hide the ends of the previous items finished at the stop point and balance the wreath off to the side

 

 

START TO CREATE YOUR WREATH

Note: throughout the steps you will be inserting the stems into the wreath. There is a wire that wraps around the wreath, try and use this when you are inserting each stem to help hold them in place. If they need more support use the wire provided to attach on more securely. 

 

Step 3 Creating Scale: Start with your Palm leaf. Bend the stem slightly in the direction of the wreath. Poke it into the wreath towards the left and don’t let the top of it go any higher than half way up the wreath. With this we are creating the Scale. The palm leaf is not too big or too small compared with the base.

 

Step 4 Creating Depth: Next is to add the eucalyptus spray. Use the bigger of the pieces to poke it into the wreath just under the palm leaf in front. Let it drape down a fraction. This is creating depth but also texture as the smooth palm leaf sits well with the small leaves of the eucalyptus spray.

 

Step 5 Creating Texture: Next we add the dried protea. This is your focal flower. It is the main attraction to the eye. The top of the protea needs to be at your half way point discussed at the beginning (but on the right now). We will turn the wreath slightly at the end to show the asymmetrical design. Bend the stem slightly the opposite direction of the palm from previous step. Insert into the wreath, check the top of the protea is in the right position. (Think you need to fit 2 other large blooms in the gap for a reference) This piece will sit up to add interest to the wreath. The texture of this dried protea is very real and adds a great texture element. Once inserted chop some wire and attach the protea half way up the flower stem, just under the protea head onto the wreath base. This will hold the flower in place. Then add the Queen Anne's Lace. This will sit just below the protea. Bend the stem the same direction as the protea and insert just below the protea. 

 

Step 6 Creating Proportion: Lastly we add in the hydrangea and chrysanthemum. These large heads will cover the stems of the other pieces on both sides. We are creating proportion here even though both the large blooms and eucalyptus spray have different textures, the different sizes of the petals and leaves also gives proportion. Again the proportion between the chrysanthemum and the protea are achieved because of the different style in textures. If both were similar sized petals or textures it would be un-proportionate but there is proportion between the two sets. These are also creating depth as they sit out from the wreath. 

Bend your pink chrysanthemum the same direction as the protea. Insert into the wreath covering the stem of the protea.

 

Then bend the white hydrangea the opposite direction (same direction as the palm) and insert it to cover the eucalyptus stem on the other side. 

Your wreath is now complete but you must always check it over the see if there is anything that is out of place or needs adjusting.

Check over your wreath to make sure you have achieved what you set out to do:

Balance: Are your pieces starting on the 9 o’clock position and finishing between the 3 & the 6 on a clock?

Depth: Is your eucalyptus spray sitting forward enough. Is it too dropped down and not with the other pieces?

Texture: Is the front pieces facing the right way? Is the textured part in eyes view. Now is a good time to hold up your wreath to see it how it will be seen on a door. Are the pieces facing too low or too high?

Scale: Is your palm leaf too high or too low? 

Proportion: Are any of your pieces taking over from another one? Is anything looking not with the others?

Now is the time to fix things up. You can pull things out and start again if needed.

 

Congratulations, you are now a Wreath Maker

Once completed and you are happy with the final result we would love to see a picture. Please tag us on Instagram @thedoorsofberry or email us a photo to: ruth@thedoorsofberry.com.au 
If you know a friend who would love to create a wreath of their own tell them to use code: THEWREATHMAKER (case sensitive) to receive 10% off their own DIY Wreath Kit.

 

Accessories

If you purchased two or more kits you would have received an Wreath Accessories Pack for free. Use your accessories to style your wreath. To view our Wreath Accessory Collection CLICK HERE