Floral forms
Marni Jameson talks with the author of “Wreaths,” a new book that offers a new twist on the circular form.
Sometimes the wheel does need to be reinvented, which is why Laura Dowling wrote “Wreaths,” a gorgeous new book with how-do tutorials due out next month, in time for us to put a fresh twist on an old holiday standby.
“Commercial wreaths often seem bland, derivative, unimaginative and tacky,” said Dowling, whose book seeks to put an end to that, and to “take this decorative and symbolic element, and make it striking again, elevate it from blase.”
An advance copy of “Wreaths,” from Belgiumbased publisher Stichting Kunstboek, landed on my desk last week, and, as so often happens when I look at a book from a talented designer, it made me feel very dull.
Here was page after page of gorgeous wreaths made from the most unlikely materials: lemons, brown grocery bags, bell peppers, turnips, berries, Brussels sprouts, coffee beans, apricots and salad greens.
“Of all the floral art forms,” Dowling said over the phone last week, “the wreath is arguably the most powerfully symbolic.”
Since ancient times, cultures worldwide have used wreaths to represent eternity and immortality, and to mark joy, success and celebration.
For Dowling, former chief florist for the White House, the challenge was to create a new twist on a circular form as old as, well, the Earth.
She held her dream job from 2009 to 2015. Since then, she’s written “Floral Diplomacy,” “A White House Christmas” and now “Wreaths.”
Dowling’s 128-page book lays out everything you need to know to make 78 inventive, unexpected wreaths. Each recipe includes the tools you’ll need, materials, skill level, approximate duration and eye-candy photos. Q: What do you wish more people knew about wreath making?
A: Anyone can go out and buy a wreath. But so many are flat and typical. I would love for people to know they can create one that is so much better. I also want them to go beyond the Christmas wreath, and create wreaths year-round out of what’s seasonal and accessible.
It’s all in the layers. Start with a simple elegant layer, like a plain green wreath, a ring of rambling branches or a circle of floral foam so fresh flowers have a water source. Then add layers and levels of fruit, flowers or vegetables. ... I like unexpected combinations (limes and chile peppers) in surprising color combinations. Finally, wrap and tuck in smaller elements, like berries, small flowers, leaves and vines in and around the wreath to create texture, dimension and interest.
Q: What’s the most common mistake DIY wreath makers make?
A: I notice when I’m out shopping or walking through neighborhoods, so many wreaths seem skimpy or predictable. Those are the biggest mistakes amateurs make. Here more is more.
Q: I have disagreed with myself on this topic. How do you feel about real vs. faux materials?
A: I used to be a purist, too, but I also understand the
practical consideration. Today the quality of faux greenery and florals is so much higher than before. Now we can draw the best from both worlds. I often use faux as a base for bulk and volume, but I trick the eye to see the real and natural. I don’t think I would ever do all faux, thought I do make all-natural wreaths.
Q: Some folks, including me, can’t spend all day on a wreath. Can you suggest any shortcuts?
A: Buy a full evergreen faux wreath and reuse the base. Make your freshest, and most perishable layer your last layer, which is what the eye reads first, and just replenish that.
Q: Do you have a favorite?
A: I like best the ones where I use more unusual items, like the purple cabbage and turnips wreath. I also like those that include humble materials, like potatoes.