Guide
Out of this world: making the iconic rocket ice lolly into a charm
by Stefanie Lechthaler
Wind yourself a wreath
26.11.2018
Translation: machine translated
2 December is the first day of Advent. The unofficial start of the Christmas season naturally includes an Advent wreath, whether home-made or bought. Or at least a little Christmas decoration if wreaths aren't your thing.
I'm all set
For the first variant, we had a ready-made wreath delivered to us. It still needs to be decorated, but the real branches are already neatly tied around the ring. Karina and I decided to keep the decorations in red and gold. A classic Christmas look. We organised four candles, stars, snowflakes, orange slices, self-collected rosehip branches, angel hair, small Christmas baubles and gold decorative wire. We also need hot glue to make everything last on the wreath.
First, the candles need to be placed. We use special Advent wreath candle holders for this. This way, you can be sure that no hot wax drips onto the wreath. First place the candle in the centre of the holder. Place it in the desired position so that it holds well. Once all the candles are evenly distributed, you can start decorating.
For some naturalness and a demonstrated closeness to nature, the rosehip is used first. Karina drapes it around the wreath and ties it with golden thread. This is decorative and holds. Any protruding branches can be cut off with secateurs. Next come the red baubles. Glue them in the desired place with hot glue. If possible, drape them at least in a double pack. Otherwise, the baubles will look random and lost.
Be heavy on the wire
Variant two takes a little longer because you tie the wreath yourself. This doesn't bother me because I find the work soothing and I like to smell the fir branches.
To wind the wreath, you need a wreath blank (mine is made of straw), fir branches and green wire, which is less noticeable. My branches come from Nordmann fir, as they are nice and bushy and don't needle until late. I first have to cut 10 - 15 centimetre long branches from larger bundles. I make sure I get a good mix of single and multi-layered branches so that I end up with an even wreath. Now wrap the wire around the straw wreath a few times for a solid start.
Now it's time to decorate. This step is much quicker for me than the first wreath as I hardly use any elements. A few pine cones, small baubles and thinly sown angel hair, that's it. I don't use hot glue to attach the decorations, but some kind of wire clips. You can reuse these without any problems.
A crystal clear thing
If you don't like wreaths but still want to bring a bit of Christmas into your home, you can make a decoration in a glass. You will need a vase-like glass, a Christmas rose (Helleborus) or a plant of your choice, some moss, rosehip branches and your favourite decoration.
I am satisfied. I now have a wreath for my home and one for the office that bathes my immediate surroundings in soft light. All that's missing now are home-baked biscuits, dear colleagues. Then Christmas can come!
My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.
Arts and crafts
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Garden
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Plants
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Guide
Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.
Show all
