Summer Wreath Making

In August in the UK, wheat and barley are in abundance in the fields. After visiting a lovely farm, and getting permission from the landowner to pick some barley, I decided to make a barley wreath. I had already got some wheat and thought I would also make a wheat wreath to compare the style and textures of both wreaths. Working with dried products is a little different from making a wreath with foliage and flowers.

What you will need:

• Reel wire

• Secateurs (the ones in the image above are Niwaki secateurs)

• Wreath ring

• Wheat/barely bundles

I decided to use a straw wreath ring and gold wire. I firstly attached some twine to hang the wreath (I often forget this stage!) and then attached the gold wire securely around the wreath ring.

I started off by making small bundles. I then attached them around the wreath ring at a slight angle, alternating as I go round - small bundle inwards and then a small bundle facing outwards - repeating this all the way around the wreath. I always keep the wire attached until the wreath is complete, wrapping the wire around the small bundles two or three times to secure (make sure you pull tight, but not too tight as you don’t want to snap the wire or cut through the stems!). I then snipped off the excess stems using my secateurs.

It is very therapeutic and relaxing making wreaths. However, placing and securing the last few bundles is quite tricky and often involves a little patience!

Half-way through

The finished article - barley wreath

The finished article - wheat wreath

I think I prefer the more wispy and whimsical look of the barley wreath. Both wreaths will last a good few years if they are kept out of direct sunlight and damp and humid conditions.