When my friend and photog Whitney Neal let me know about this Wreath Making Class she was hosting with the amazingly talented Jaclyn Journey, I knew I had to get signed up pronto. Although I try VERY hard, I am not very crafty but when someone gives you all the tools, supplies and a good dose of guidance – putting together a decent DIY is definitely manageable. So my friend Caitlin and I, along with my mother-in-law Susan, headed over to the Greenhouse (what Whitney, Jaclyn and Abby affectionately call their studio at The Pointe) for some Christmas craftiness.

It was way fun.

Jaclyn had amassed a huge selection of wreath making materials – all kinds of pine, magnolia leaves, berries, ribbons, you name it – and all the tools. Add to that some wine, cheese and treats for fuel and we were set. After a quick teaching session, every one set to work creating their very own front door masterpiece. It was really fun seeing how different (and pretty) every one’s wreaths turned out. For mine, I went with a full coverage pine covered look with some berries, a little bit of olive leaves and a burlap bow. Caitlin and Susan’s both were full of lots of textures, pretty bows and intricate layers of branches and leaves. I wanted to make about five more after seeing every one’s handiwork but I guess I’ll just have to save it for next year’s class.

If you’re wanting to make a wreath yourself, here’s a few tips I took from Jaclyn.

* Start with a wrath form that’s made up of twigs/sticks. It makes it really easy to just stick the branches/leaves/berries into the form. Here’s a good option if you want to order one.

* Pick up a handful of a few different types of pine and leaves so you can add some extra texture and layers to your piece. You could probably just ask for the leftover branches when you get your Christmas tree (if you get a real one). A couple branches is definitely plenty.

* Grab some extras like berries, dried figs, pine cones, ribbons to add a little pizzazz.

* Have some wire and sharp scissors on hand. When you can’t get something to lay just right, a little bit of wire will help hold it in place.

Obviously these are some craft tips from a dummy but if you want to try some better (i.e. more specific) tips, you know Martha Stewart has you covered. 

p.s. – The are having a Holiday Gift Wrapping Class on the 4th. Head over here to grab a spot.

Our lovely hosts – Whitney & Jaclyn (stole this photo from Jaclyn!)

 First photo courtesy of Whitney Neal.  Sorry the collage photos are crazy dark and from my phone (I blame my hand tremor for my horrible phone pics).