There really is something incredibly satisfying when you take a whole heap of stems and turn them into something else…

My friend Judy asked if I would make her a door garland, I then decided to decorate their courtyard – well why not ! All it took was a couple of contorted hazel twigs, Fatsia japonica leaves , rose hips and some Euphorbia foliage. The vase of cut stems, are heading into their home for Christmas.

This structure below was made from Alder ( I always use freshly cut plant material as it is really flexible to bend into shape) When the glitter ball is not spinning around and creating what looks like a flurry of snow on the kitchen wall, I am quite content with the shadows created.

I thoroughly enjoy making door garlands. Here’s a quick photo montage of how to make you own.

Take small amounts of moss, and wire onto the frame. Ensure there are no gaps, as you need a firm base to wire on your chosen foliage.

I take five or six pieces of different foliage and form a bunch, these are then wired on. I work around the entire frame, making sure that all the foliage is going in a clockwise direction. Once I get back to my starting point, I have a good look at it, to make sure there are no foliage gaps . If I am happy with how it looks, the reel wire is cut and secured firmly onto the frame. Well I don’t want it to unravel of someone’s front door !

Once the foliage base is complete, twisted hazel is wired on, which creates a three dimensional wreath. I then add in all sorts of things – from tiny clay snowballs, wire flowers, cotton reels, pencils and buttons…

And here are a few I have made over the last few years.

These are a few of my 2020 creations , it has definitely been a year of wire work.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas. And may all our gardens be full of beautiful flowers and delicious home grown food throughout 2021.