Featured photo courtesy of Viridescent Floral Design
These unique, nature-inspired wreaths created by Valley floral designers are the perfect door décor for the holidays—and all season long.
INTO THE WOODS
“Nature is my inspiration and I forage for all of my materials. I love going out into the woods and surrounding fields where I live and collecting unique pieces that speak to me. I love the subtleties of texture and color in dried elements, and the opportunity to honor the change of season.”
—Kate Patton, co-owner Dark + Diamond, Ancram | darkanddiamond.com
Where to buy: Dark + Diamond’s studio or via Instagram (@dark_and_diamond). Wreaths are also available for pickup and delivery depending on your location. $65+
TRADITIONAL WITH A TWIST
“My wreaths come from the landscape. I use balsam, juniper, and other greens cut locally, add some extra varieties from local Christmas tree lots, and forage for dried seedpods, berries, cones, and vines grasses. For a special touch, I include dried flowers that I saved from my summer garden.”
—Colie Collen, owner Flower Scout Farm, Troy | flower-scout.com
Where to buy: Collen’s retail shop in Troy. Hours are limited. $50 to $75. Custom orders are also available.
BERRY PRETTY
“I combine organic textural shapes and simple negative space in my handmade wreaths. I love using different natural materials, especially bittersweet vines. The berries on the vine change from bright yellow to red as the season gets colder, and the woody stems are usually quite bendable. While I try to emulate some type of circle for the wreath base, I like to let the vine stems take shape naturally and not force them to be perfectly round. I’ll then add different evergreens to build the texture and finish with a simple silk or velvet ribbon.”
—Kate Amato, owner Viridescent Floral Design, Beacon | virifloraldesign.com
Where to buy: Hyperbole in Beacon, Oliver & Chatfield in Newburgh, and Elizabeth’s Boutique in Poughkeepsie. Custom orders are also available. $50 to $150.
Get Crafty
Want to try your hand at a homemade wreath? Follow these step-by-step tips from our designers:
1. Collect your supplies
You’ll need floral clippers or heavy-duty scissors, a metal or natural dried material wreath base (such as grape vine), green floral wire, and ribbon (and any other decorative items of your choice).
2. Go outside and forage
With clippers in tow, snip off anything you find beauty in, like greens, dried grasses, pods, and berry sprigs. Collen’s favorite materials are balsam fir, white pine, winterberry, juniper, and pinecones. She often uses milkweed pods, thistle, and puffy grasses, too.
3. Arrange your materials
Before you affix anything to the wreath base, spread out your items and think about the look you’re going for—for example, do you want a full look with a little bit of everything, or a more modern, spare design?
4. Begin production
First, tie and knot floral wire around the form—whether it be a wire or natural wreath—and make sure it’s snug. Place the greens or main elements first, wrapping the wire around the stems as you go. Repeat with more layers until you’ve covered the wreath to your liking. Add additional elements throughout the form with smaller lengths of wire.
