the french country christmas door wreath

A quick idea for a home grown door wreath, that is nicely shabby chic and country.  Certainly not bling bling.  This is the ideal wreath for a garden gate with its slightly unruly silhouette and totally natural feel.  I avoid  mistletoe berries on a front door  as they can get a bit messy

To make the wreath I used a raffia base which  I prefer to polystyrene wreaths; the raffia is stronger and easier to work with.

I wrapped moss around the wreath and fastened it in place with string.  This doesn't have to be a thick layer, just enough to hide the lighter colour of the wreath.

Next I simply make up small bunches of mistletoe and fastened them on to the wreath, still using the string.  When one bunch is secure, simply lay the next  bunch over the stalks of and build them up, always moving in the same direction.  The very last bunch has to be tucked beneath the heads of the first bunch and you have come full circle.  

 This wreath is really easy to make, it took me about 20 minutes to complete, although I admit that I was doing it outside, and we are just above freezing today so I wasn't exactly looking to extend the experience!

When you think you're done, it's best to stand the wreath up and take a critical look at it, checking for any gaps.

Then find a place to hang it, either using a piece of almost invisible string, or if you prefer a ribbon.

This wreath could also look pretty with small silver baubles stuck into the foliage - today my hands were too cold for that, BRRR! , but I may try some tomorrow.

Hope you like this piece of home made country art, 

tomorrow I'll have some ideas for presents.

Thank you for reading me!