So, let’s face it, we’re not going to be seeing a lot of the great outdoors in the coming weeks - a small sacrifice to make to keep our loved ones and communities safe.
Greenery and nature are good for our mental well-being; science has proven that it can increase our happiness, self-esteem and attention span to name but a few of the benefits. In light of recent events, we at Pinstripes and Peonies put our thinking caps on; if we can’t be in the great outdoors, then we can bring the outdoors, indoors!
And so, *drum roll please*, welcome to our Step-by-Step guide on how to create our ‘Foraged Foliage Wreaths’ (now say that 5 times over…).
The following has no age or ability limit, it’s for everyone and is designed to be made with items easily accessible around the house. So do give it a go and share with little ones, grandmas, friends; anyone that can just about draw stickmen, nature lovers and everyone in between.
First things first, here is the list of household items that you will need to create your masterpiece:
What You'll Need:
A metal hanger than can be bent into a circle (failing this you could temporarily use an embroidery hoop, or even a bit of string/ rope although this won’t give you a perfect circle).
Scissors.
String or wire to attach the foliage (if you don't have these to hand, the little twisty wires that come with sandwich bags work really well!)
Foraged foliage (see below).
Snacks - because we love snacks.
Step One – Find Some Foliage.
This can be found in a variety of places for example in the garden, from that neighbour’s hedge (with permission!), when you’re out for a (socially distanced) walk, or even from the herb garden. You’ll need enough to cover an approximately 30cm diameter circle.
A little word on foraging, always be considerate and only take what you need. Always ask permission and be careful with what you pick. For a list of safe to pick foliage, click here.
Step Two – Flex Those Muscles.
Take your metal hanger and bend it into a circular shape. Keep the hook intact, this will be useful for hanging the wreath later.
Step Three – Prep The Foliage.
As foliage doesn’t always conveniently grow in small pieces of approximately 10cm long it may need to be cut down into smaller, more manageable sprigs. See below for a before and after.
Step Four – Gathering Up The Greenery.
To make life less complicated, when it comes to attaching all of the foliage onto the wire frame, it’s easier to cluster the foliage together into small bunches first. Gather up a few stems and tie them with your string or wire. Depending on the size of your foliage, you will need approximately 10 clusters to fill the hoop.
Step Five – Time To Attach!
Grab your frame and lay it flat on your work surface. Take one of your foliage bunches and lay it along with the frame, securing the stems with string or wire. Repeat this step until the circle is full!
(A helpful tip: make sure that your bunches of foliage are all pointing the same direction, to ensure a continuous, more natural-looking flow).
Step Six – Decorate.
With all of your foliage attached, this will give you your base wreath. You can simply leave it like this and appreciate all its luscious greenery, or you can add ribbons and bows; fresh, dried or paper flowers; Easter trinkets or anything else you can find around the house.
Step Seven – Share The Love.
We would absolutely love to see your creativity! Tag us on one of our social media channels @pandpflowers and with the hashtag #PinstripesChallenge or send us a picture to flowers@pinstripesandpeonies.com
Happy foraging and happy wreathing!
Peace Out & Flower Power,
Team Pinstripes & Peonies.