Gathering your Foraged Wreath
A homemade wreath is an iconic sign of the holiday season. Their elegant design and familiar evergreen aroma greets us as we enter the homes of our loved ones. Interested in making your own? Here are some tips from Shailah Bunce, the co-owner of Rock River Farm in the Upper Peninsula, to create your own beautiful wreath!
Forage. Do your homework. First of all, be sure you have permission from the landowners to gather forest products. Second, be educated on what items are legal to harvest off of public lands. For example, Michigan Holly is protected and should not be harvested. The following are some acceptable materials you can harvest for your wreath:
cedar
spruce
white pine
pine cones
fallen branches
Prepare. Gather your supplies. Beyond your foraged materials, you’ll need a paddle of thin wire, wire snips, and a metal or wooden ring - all of which can be easily found at a local craft or hardware store. While you’re there, you may want to browse the holiday section for any bows you’d like to add or a wreath hanger for your front door.
Go! There is no wrong way to assemble your wreath. Consider whether you want to add a focal point, go asymmetrical, or stay consistent. Carefully use the wire to attach your items to the ring base, doing your best to keep the wire hidden. Add in pops of color like dried oranges or ribbons or go woodsy with antlers and branches. The options are endless and the season is here!
Rock River Farm in Chatham leads multiple wreath workshops each season, from foraged to herb focused wreaths. The farms own handmade wreaths completely transform the Marquette Regional History Museum at the Annual Holiday Art Sale.
Alex Palzewicz is the Upper Peninsula Local Food Coordinator for Taste the Local Difference. Want to learn more about foraged wreath classes in her region? Send her an email: alex@localdifference.org