Make a Wreath from Nature

Written By Kim Manunui

Here at Kids Greening Taupo we set ourselves an ANZAC day challenge to create a beautiful wreath using natural items found in our backyard and local green space. We wanted to make one that didn’t require any extra supplies like glue, string or wire. It took some perseverance and a bit of trial and error, but we were really happy with the result. Read on to find out how to make your own.

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You will need 10-15 pieces of flax. Make sure to only cut the outside leaves of a flax bush, and to cut them on a downward diagonal away from the centre of the plant. This ensures that water runs away from the heart of the plant (watch the start of this VIDEO for more info).

Split each piece of flax into thin strips, from where the leaf starts to soften, to the tip. Leave the tough end piece attached. Tie each piece of flax into a knot where the tough end of the flax splits into the strips.

Slip the hard end of the flax leaf inside the knot of another leaf. Slip the hard end of the next flax leaf inside the knot of this leaf. Repeat this until you have a circle. Slide the end of the first leaf through the knot of the last leaf to finish off the circle shape.

Wrap the long strips of flax around the wreath and tuck the ends of them through the knots to secure them. This should make your wreath more solid and hold it all together.

Now for the fun part! Decorate your wreath with natural treasures that you have collected from around the garden. I tucked black flax flowers at even spaces around mine, then filled the gaps with red autumn leaves, sprigs of small yellow leaves, wild flowers and small pine cones. You can secure these items by weaving the stalks through the flax strips and knots. Your design can be messy and rustic, or you could make a beautiful pattern. Have fun and be creative!

Make sure you share a photo of your finished wreath with us. We would love to see how it turns out.

The extra special thing about this wreath is that when you have finished with it, you can return it to Papatūānuku, as it is biodegradable. Nature does not create waste.

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project.  Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth.  And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz
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