Thank you for booking a wreath making with us. Bumblebee Collective is a hive for curious minds, bringing together the interested and the interesting. As busy bees, we find that the frenetic pace of modern life can stamp out curiosity, creativity and connection. So we are on a mission is to bring these things back into our lives. Through our workshops and events we hope to spark conversation, cross pollinate ideas and inspire some creativity. Over the years we have loved doing wreath making workshops, it is always such a creative and fun thing to do. We are so pleased that we have managed to find a way that we can do this in 2020. Where there is a will there is a way!
So well done you on making some creative time for yourself and joining us, albeit virtually. Noeleen and I filmed a step by step guide in my kitchen a few weeks ago. Given we had a few glasses of wine in the process we thought it would be a good idea to include some written instructions too, just to be crystal clear.
The main thing is to enjoy yourself, everything you need is in the kit but you can always add to it with foraged bits from walks or your garden. Each wreath is totally unique and we can’t wait to see the results. You will find in your kit a selection of foliage, a copper wire frame, moss, binding wire, a selection of dried fruits/flowers, string and ribbon. You will need to provide your own scissors or secateurs and of course your own sense of creativity (we find wine can help with that)!
Creating the moss base:
You will need the copper frame, the moss and the binding wire.
Attach the wire to the frame by tightly winding it to the outside edge. Grab some handfuls of moss and wrap it over and around the frame. Use the wire to wrap around the moss securing in place. Don’t worry if it looks messy, it is purely to give a foundation. Maybe a bit tidier if you want to leave more of the moss exposed. Continue until the frame is covered. Do not yet cut the wire!
Attaching the string:
Create a loop with the string by folding in half and tying a knot in the two loose ends. Wrap around the moss base and loop it back on itself to create a loop to hang the finished wreath to your door! Remember this will be the top of your wreath! Those of you who were in Brownies will have no problem with this bit! If you want to make a table centre rather than a wreath you won’t need to worry about this step.
Preparing the foliage:
Cut your foliage pieces into sections roughly 30cm long, depending on how wide you want your finished wreath to be. Arrange each foliage into a small pile in front of you ready for making into small bunches that will be bound onto the moss base.
Binding to your wreath:
Once you have prepared your foliage, you can create little bundles to add onto the moss base. Select a few pieces and create an attractive mini bunch. Hold in place on the moss base and use the wire to bind it securely. Wrap around 2-3 times to be sure. Gather another bundle of foliage and place over the cut ends of the previous bunch already bound to the moss. Repeat securing with wire. You can angle the bunches outwards slightly to create a wider wreath. Continue to bind the foliage in this way until you are happy with your design.
Cutting off wire:
Simply cut the wire to 20cm and secure to the inner copper frame. Cut and push the end into the moss to avoid any sharp ends that may damage your door.
Adding fruits, ribbon and other decorative items:
Wire the fruits as seen and secure to your foliage by winding round in the chosen position. You can also use this method for any other decorative items you may have at home that you want to add. We have had people add sweet little felt animals, extra dried flowers or baubles. Whatever takes your fancy if you want to keep adding you can but equally we have everything included in the kit you need.
Finishing touches:
The Ribbon can be tied on any way you choose - either around the whole moss base and foliage, by using a wire or by tying around the string at the top.
We would love to see your wreaths or table centres, please share on social and tag @bumblebee_collective and @basementflorist
Merry Christmas.
Ruth & Noeleen xx