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Christmas decorations: how to make your own Advent wreath
The Advent season is just around the corner and what could be nicer than ringing in the festive season with a homemade Advent wreath? In this article I show you, step by step, how to make your own Advent wreath and tell you the materials you’ll need.
The meaning of the Advent wreath
The Advent wreath as we know it today goes back to the Protestant theologian Johann Hinrich Wichern who, in the 19th century, designed a large wooden wreath with candles to help children during the Advent season visualise the days remaining to Christmas. Today, a wreath of green fir twigs with four candles is a familiar sight in many households.
Each candle stands for one of the four Advent weeks. Gradually lighting them symbolises the growing light that will dispel the darkness of winter – a powerful message of hope and new beginning.
The circular shape of the wreath also carries a deeper meaning: it stands for eternity, unity and everlasting life. The lushness of the wreath’s evergreen branches also symbolises growth and permanence – values that particularly touch us during the reflective quiet of the Advent season.
How to make an Advent wreath
You will need:
• a straw ring or a metal wreath for the base
• fir branches
• thin green wire for binding
• secateurs
• four candle holders and matching candles
• decorations of your choice (e.g. baubles, bows, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices)
Instructions:
1. Take your straw ring or metal wreath.
2. Cut the fir twigs into smaller pieces so that they are easier to attach. Starting at one point on the wreath, attach the branches to the base and fix them using the wire. Wrap the wire tightly around the twigs and the wreath so that everything is securely held in place. Work your way round, section by section, until the twigs cover the entire wreath.
3. Position the candle holders evenly around the wreath. Press or glue them securely in place according to the type of holder. Insert the candles into the holders: they must be stable and not wobbly.
4. Now let’s get creative! Attach the decorative elements using wire or hot glue, placing the baubles, bows, cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices where they look best. Make sure that they are not too close to the candles so that nothing can catch fire.
5. Check that everything is firmly attached and cut off any protruding wire ends. Your Advent wreath is now finished and ready to take pride of place on your table!
©Julia Lassner - Globusliebe
The Advent wreath as we know it today goes back to the Protestant theologian Johann Hinrich Wichern who, in the 19th century, designed a large wooden wreath with candles to help children during the Advent season visualise the days remaining to Christmas. Today, a wreath of green fir twigs with four candles is a familiar sight in many households.
Each candle stands for one of the four Advent weeks. Gradually lighting them symbolises the growing light that will dispel the darkness of winter – a powerful message of hope and new beginning.
The circular shape of the wreath also carries a deeper meaning: it stands for eternity, unity and everlasting life. The lushness of the wreath’s evergreen branches also symbolises growth and permanence – values that particularly touch us during the reflective quiet of the Advent season.
How to make an Advent wreath
You will need:
• a straw ring or a metal wreath for the base
• fir branches
• thin green wire for binding
• secateurs
• four candle holders and matching candles
• decorations of your choice (e.g. baubles, bows, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices)
Instructions:
1. Take your straw ring or metal wreath.
2. Cut the fir twigs into smaller pieces so that they are easier to attach. Starting at one point on the wreath, attach the branches to the base and fix them using the wire. Wrap the wire tightly around the twigs and the wreath so that everything is securely held in place. Work your way round, section by section, until the twigs cover the entire wreath.
3. Position the candle holders evenly around the wreath. Press or glue them securely in place according to the type of holder. Insert the candles into the holders: they must be stable and not wobbly.
4. Now let’s get creative! Attach the decorative elements using wire or hot glue, placing the baubles, bows, cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices where they look best. Make sure that they are not too close to the candles so that nothing can catch fire.
5. Check that everything is firmly attached and cut off any protruding wire ends. Your Advent wreath is now finished and ready to take pride of place on your table!
©Julia Lassner - Globusliebe