Simplicity, in wreath form

So, it seems I've got that hankering again. Must. Make. Wreaths. The first urge to create resulted in a sort of lavish, partially decorated, twig wreath. That one included a lot of different elements and as a reaction this time I needed to go simple. Inspired by a fallen Oak leaf (Quercus dentata 'Pinnatifida') I decided my wreath would include only those fabulously "cut" specimens and an evergreen element.

After surveying the garden for something appropriate, I decided the evergreen component would be being cuttings from a couple of my Arctostaphylos (Manzanita).

Normally when covering a wire wreath form I start by making small bundles of all the elements, which are then - one by one - wired into place around the form. This time I wanted to try something different. I wrapped a few of the Arctostaphylos branches around the form, very loosely wiring them in place.

Once I had a green circle (with lots of random offshoots) it was time to hang it up on the door and start threading in the oak leaves.

As I worked I had the strangest feeling that I was being watched...

The finished wreath. Instead of working the leaves around in a clockwise fashion I decided to take the two sides down from the top and have them meet at the bottom, like the reverse of the traditional Laurel leaf wreath.

An old piece of wired ribbon holds the whole thing in place.

Days have gone by now, since I built this wreath, and it's holding up great. The Manzanita is drying wonderfully.

I think what I appreciate most about this wreath is its simplicity. The over-blown color and sparkle of Christmas (and I mean that in a good way) is just around the corner, this is a bit of calm before the storm.

All material © 2009-2015 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.