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

• 40cm Wreath Base
• Orchid Phalaenopsis Spray
• Berry Pepper Spray
• White Hydrangea
• Dusty Pink Hydrangea
• 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

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 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

Step 5 Creating Texture: Next we add the Orchid. This is your focal flower. It is the main attraction to the eye. The top of the orchid 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 orchid is in the right position. (Think you need to fit 2 x hydrangeas in the gap for a reference) This piece will drape a little to add interest to the wreath. The texture of this orchid is very real and adds a great texture element. Once inserted chop some wire and attach the orchid half way up the flower stem on the wreath base. This will hold the flowers in place. 

Step 6 Creating Proportion: Lastly we add in the hydrangeas. These hydrangea heads will cover the stems of the other pieces on both sides. We are creating proportion here even though both the hydrangea and pepper berries have different textures but the different sizes of the petals and buds also gives proportion. Again the proportion between the other hydrangea and the orchid are achieved because of the different sized petals of both flower types. If both were small berries or big petals 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 hydrangea the same direction as the orchid. Insert into the wreath covering the stem of the orchid.

 Then bend the white hydrangea the opposite direction and insert it to cover the pepper berry stem on the other side. 

You have completed your wreath 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.