Rich with history, symbolism, and aesthetic beauty, the wreath is a favorite decoration year-round. The beginning of December welcomes boughs of fir, spruce, and holly to the wreath form — since ancient times, evergreens have served as symbols of life and strength against the bitter cold, snow, and ice. We concluded our 40th year with our traditional wreath-making workshop using these botanical treasures of the winter season.
Wreath bases were purchased from Jones Tree Farm.
Early on the snowy morning of December 5th, members began by unloading more than two dozen dewy, natural wreath forms from a pickup truck. These were stacked alongside piles of winterberry, holly, boxwood, white pine, pinecones, and twigs — in the spirit of our dedication to conservation, we used only all-natural clippings and trimmings.
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- White birch twigs — or small twigs spray-painted white — add brightness.
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- Both large and small pinecones provide textural interest.
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- Winterberry is a bold red choice for twig- and evergreen-based wreaths.
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- Holly is an easy-to-find and beloved trimming for Christmas wreaths.
Once members had selected their bases and trimmings, Sandy Nesteriak led the group through bow-making instructions. Using nothing more than a long ribbon and a length of wire, handmade bows are inexpensive and simple.
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- Bow ribbons hanging and waiting for crafting.
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- Members follow Sandy’s bow-making instructions.
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- Finishing a handmade bow.
With bows and trimmings ready, members decorated wreaths following their own individual styles. As the morning rolled on, every wreath became a one-of-a-kind work of art with trimmings used in endless combinations. Throughout the room, some worked individually while others worked in groups, lending their tools, materials, advice, and compliments.
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- Adding swallow tail detail to bow streamers.
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- Judy Wise smiles while working on her bow.
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- ORGC members brainstorm trimming layout.
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- Planning out the trimmings.
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- Penny Martin and Nancy Whiteley examine wreath trimmings.
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- Adding berries and pinecones.
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- Karel Julian and Marie St. George add trimmings to their wreaths.
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- Linda Hooper and Sandy Nesteriak working on clippings and bows.
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- Alfreda Mozdzer comments on trimming placement.
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- Wreaths in progress.
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- Glenda Mercer displays her finished wreath.
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- Renee Marsh positions her finished wreath.
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- Two finished wreaths.
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- A finished wreath featuring a spray of trimmings.
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- A row of finished wreaths.
Finished wreaths were tagged for locations throughout the community, and volunteers delivered them that afternoon. We ended our final meeting of the year with a potluck holiday luncheon, featuring a variety of hot dishes and delicate desserts.
It has been a fulfilling, productive, and happy 40 years for the Olde Ripton Garden Club. The wreath-making workshop’s shared sense of joy, community, purpose, and friendship perfectly captured the heart and spirit of our group. We look forward with excitement to the next 40 years!
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- A winter arrangement.
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- The dessert spread at the 2016 wreath-making workshop.
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- Christmas cookies at the 2016 wreath-making workshop dessert spread.