Magickal Wreaths: A Guide to Crafting Symbolic Decorations

Crafting Your Own Wreath

Creating a wreath can be a fulfilling and symbolic activity. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make different types of wreaths for various purposes.

Materials Needed

• Strong thread
• Glue
• Branches from appropriate trees (preferably found on the ground)
• Pre-fabricated frames (optional, available at craft stores)

Steps to Create a Basic Wreath Frame

1. Gather Materials: Collect branches from fruit trees like apple, cherry, or orange. Ensure they are thin and pliable.
2. Form the Circle: Twist the branches into a circular shape, leaving as many leaves as possible.
3. Secure the Frame: Use strong thread or glue to hold the branches together.

For convenience, you can purchase pre-fabricated frames made from grapevines, which are available at most craft stores.

Types of Magickal Wreaths

Love Drawing Wreath

Materials:

• Circular armature or grapevine wreath
• Branches from fruit trees
• Dried or fabric roses (pink and red)
• Pink, red, and white ribbons

Instructions:

1. Form a circle with the branches.
2. Decorate with dried roses, tying the buds into the wreath.
3. Add ribbons in pink, red, and white.

This lush and feminine wreath is designed to attract love into your life.

Prosperity Drawing Wreath

Materials:

• Grapevine armature
• Sprigs of basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, sage, and bay leaves
• Small oranges or kumquats
• Cloves and pins

Instructions:

1. Intertwine the herbs into the grapevine frame.
2. Attach small oranges or kumquats.
3. Stick each orange with cloves using pins.

This simple yet elegant wreath is believed to draw wealth to the home.

Chinese Prosperity Drawing Wreath

Materials:

• Dried or fresh red, orange, and yellow chrysanthemums
• Styrofoam board or grapevine armature
• Red ribbons

Instructions:

1. Affix the chrysanthemums to the backing.
2. Decorate with red ribbons.

Chrysanthemums symbolize autumn, protection, and money in Chinese culture.

Protection Wreath

Materials:

• Long thin branches of holly with berries
• White ribbon

Instructions:

1. Braid and twist the holly branches into a circle.
2. Decorate with a white ribbon.

Holly is known to protect from evil spirits and bring blessings to the home.

Cornucopia of the Gods Wreath

Materials:

• Pine or spruce branches
• Wire and pliers
• Pomegranates, oranges, walnuts, kumquats, pine cones, acorns, bay leaves, and chocolate-covered coins
• Gold, yellow, and green ribbons

Instructions:

1. Twist the branches into a circle using wire and pliers.
2. Attach the fruits, nuts, and other decorations.
3. Finish with ribbons.

This wreath is a festive and abundant decoration, perfect for the holiday season.

Martha Stewart's Oshun Happiness Wreath

Materials:

• Hundreds of pins
• Bags of pink, orange, and yellow gumdrop candies
• Pink, yellow, and orange ribbons

Instructions:

1. Press the candies onto the backing using pins or glue.
2. Finish with a big bow of ribbons.

This vibrant wreath honors Oshun, the African Orisha of love, wealth, and happiness. However, it’s best displayed indoors to avoid attracting wildlife.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Historical Significance: Wreaths have been used since ancient times, with origins tracing back to the Etruscans and Romans who wore them as symbols of victory and status.
• Economic Impact: The U.S. wreath market is valued at approximately $1.5 billion annually, with a significant portion of sales occurring during the holiday season (Source: Statista).
• Environmental Considerations: Using natural materials for wreaths can be more sustainable. For instance, grapevine wreaths are biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Conclusion

Crafting magickal wreaths is a beautiful way to celebrate the seasons and bring positive energy into your home. Whether you’re looking to attract love, wealth, or protection, there’s a wreath for every purpose. Happy crafting!

For more information on the cultural significance of wreaths, visit History.com and Britannica.