How to Make Festive Christmas Wreaths on a Budget

As my family and I strolled down the cobblestone streets of Williamsburg, VA during the Christmas season of 2007, I could not help but be impressed with the festive Christmas wreaths donned by most homes and businesses in the historic district. One in particular, featuring clamshells encircled on a fresh green wreath, struck a nerve. Our hometown on the Delaware Bay was once called the "Oyster Center of the World," and I saw possibilities of using our own bivalves for wreath decorating.

Fast forward to November 2008, where an assembly line of several members of our local historical society have gathered to put together oyster-themed wreaths as a fundraiser. The method was simple. We gathered oyster shells from a local shucking house and set them in bleach for a day. After scrubbing with a wire brush (wearing gloves so hands were not damaged), we simply drilled a hole in each end and then strung them on florist wire. We used gold wire so that it would not stand out against the white shell. The strands where then strategically placed on the wreaths and the wire tied off in the back. Using wired ribbon, I made bows, weaving ribbon along the entire circle of each wreath. Presto, chango! Festive Christmas wreaths featuring clams in Maryland become festive Christmas wreaths adorned with oysters in New Jersey. Final cost $8 - $6 for the artificial wreath from Michaels and about $2 for the ribbon.

This experience brought home the idea that beautiful wreaths do not have to be expensive. As in colonial times, some of the best adornments are the ones found locally, and these will also mean more to your family and friends who go through your holiday door. Look for local greenery, such as laurel, which can be found in wooded areas (check first to make sure your not on private property). Acorns, pinecones and red-berried holly are also fine ways to use the environment in a holiday wreath. Keep the bow as simple as possible so that its style is in line with natural the decorations. Attached decorations with artfully hidden wire or simply weave into the greenery of the wreath.

Other ideas for natural decorations:

Fruits, such as oranges, limes, cranberries

Leaves and branches spray painted gold or silver

Flowers from your garden dried and pressed

Herbs from your garden, which also will send a wonderful sent from your wreath

Cookies, spray-painted with a sealant so they last longer

Festive holiday wreaths can also feature your favorite hobby. Do you like scrapbooking? Make a wreath featuring your favorite pictures. Jewelry making, a popular pastime, lends itself perfectly. Simply adorn your wreath with your favorite beads strung on pretty ribbon. If you knit, crochet or cross stitch your handwork will make your wreath personal and beautiful. Small kitchen utensil, the older the better, will make a charming wreath for you back door. And don't forget the little ones. Toys tossed aside will make a holiday wreath that will bring back memories.