Wreaths, Scones, and Tea

Sally and I offered a wreath making class to neighbors and friends here in Ireland. Great fun! It was held up the road in the donkey pasture. The donkeys and ponies seemed to enjoy having a little gathering in their field, they all stayed close by, getting regular pats from the wreath makers. First thing this morning we were out foraging for material, then baking chocolate almond scones and preparing tea, and filling baskets with the necessary tools for wreath making….. wire, pliers, hand clippers, gloves. All the ladies that came did a fantastic job making their wreaths…. beautiful really, each and every one. We started by making a frame with willow, then adding other foraged embellishments….holly, hawthorn, various evergreens, lichens, and berries. Almost any wild found material can add a little something to these home-made creations. What a treat to have an abundance of greenery available. Back home in Maine many of the herbaceous plants have died back, leaving mostly coniferous plants for wreath making.
During our class, each person used their unique and thoughtful talent to assemble their very own stylish wreath. Check them out…..
I do hope everyone went home to display them on their front doors …a picture perfect entryway, I’d say!

Fall Wreathes

Two days of beautiful weather had us out foraging again. This time it was to collect some greenery to make a few fall wreaths. So much green here in Ireland! Lots of Ivy (Hedera helix),native holly ( Ilex aquifolium), and even the berries of St. John’s Wort ( hypericum perforatum). A plethora to choose from! Of course we started with young shoots of the ‘Sally Tree’ or native willow (Salix) that grows here in Ireland. This gave us our wreath form to add our greenery to. So, we set up shop outdoors and made some lovely wreaths, all with locally foraged plant material. Can you tell that I’m having tons of fun? Hope the fall weather where ever you are has been enjoyable!