By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
October 26, 2011

Holiday wreath making doesn’t have to be intimidating.

And you don’t need to be a florist to create an artistic and eye-catching wreath.

During a wreath making workshop at the Kansas City Museum Oct. 18, Northeast resident and event decorator Michael Stringer shared his knowledge and tips for creating an autumn wreath.

Wreaths have a vast history, he said, and have been used in Germany at weddings as a sign of purity. The circular shape also represents everlasting love, he said.

Wreaths are meant to be “welcoming and warm,” he said.

Stringer used a grape wreath for the class and recommended using a variety of elements to give the wreath texture. Items he used included ribbon, paper raffia, seed pods, silk leaves and flowers. Other items he recommended for fall included dried hydrangeas, eucalyptus pods, bittersweet and rose hips. One can also use items found in the yard, like berries and a pyracantha bush.

Items like milo and Indian corn add a decorative touch, but can also attract mice, he warned.

Don’t be too “matchy matchy,” he said, and be sure to use green leaves for pops of color.

Instead of using wire to tie on objects, use a hot glue gun, which lasts longer. Overtime, dried products can shrink, causing decorated wreaths to fall apart. A glue gun will still hold the items in place, he said.

Don’t keep a wreath too long since the decorations will deteriorate. However, one can mix last year’s decorations with new decorations on a wreath.

Never create focal points in even numbers. Use groups of three, five and seven. Also, don’t make a wreath too flat. Curve flower stems or berries and add three dimensional objects.

Place the finished wreath on your door, mailbox or above a fireplace.