Dried Flower Wreath: Sustainable Making From Saved Flowers

Dear Sweet Pea, 

There are those people out there that question the meaning of cut flowers. They aren’t sure why cutting flowers is even a thing. But when you research the history behind giving flowers you find that people have been giving flowers to express feelings for quite a while. The tradition dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome then continues its journey through Medieval times, through the Victorian era, into current times with no signs of stopping. 

The symbolism of flowers has been used to express love, grief, and everything in between. I adore the idea of the flower dictionaries of the Victorian era that assigned meaning to different types of blooms. It’s like a secret language and who doesn’t love the intrigue of a secret language? 

My husband and friends know my affection for flowers and often give me bouquets throughout the year. I’m never disappointed or apathetic about receiving the little bundles of life. I enjoy arranging them and at times divide them into smaller bouquets to spread around the house. While they don’t have an extremely long life – some shorter than others – I find ways to keep them around as long as possible. 

Drying and pressing flowers has been a long-time hobby of mine. There’s something quite poetic about preserving and appreciating them after the fullness of life has faded. There’s still beauty there. It’s darker and textured with time but so beautiful still.

These shades of brown I’ve come to love over the years. The younger me wanted the richest, most vibrant color. The current me sees the browns differently. They’re earthy and warm and gritty. They speak to me softly and I see reflections of redemption there.

The wreath I made recently is a collection of flowers I received this year, as well as flowers I grew in my backyard. I’m considering making this project a new year ritual- a way to look back and move forward.

I put together a follow-along style video showing my wreath making process below. Most things are self-explanatory but if you have any questions ask me in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer.

Besides the dried flowers, I used a wooden embroidery hoop, masking tape, raffia ribbon, adhesive tape, and hot glue. I come to the table with a loose plan and a fearless posture being okay with losing a cared for flower or two along the way – it took some time for me to get there.

I hope you enjoy it and that it sparks a new love or re-ignites an old one!

Until the next making session!