Sisters crafters learn wreath-making

When you're lucky enough to live in a place that's filled with all the necessary ingredients for holiday decorations, it makes sense to take advantage of it.

Janet Zuelke is sharing her expertise as a wreath maker to create a one-of-a-kind wreath to hang either inside or outside your home.

Zuelke has set up shop behind Poppies, her family's café and garden market in a cozy and covered corner of the back yard. Equipped with more decorations than anyone could ever need - hot glue, sturdy metal wire, and wreath frames - Zuelke has created a user-friendly atmosphere where even the most timid "artist" can create something to be proud of.

Work tables are piled high with all kinds of materials like hemlock branches, juniper boughs, manzanita, cedar, pine and noble fir, all ready to attach to a wreath frame. Embellishments abound including purple beauty berries and dried lemons, green caspia, dried pomegranates, seeds, nuts, even orange Chinese lanterns. All of the pieces are added with hot glue after the greenery is wired tightly to the frame.

Wreaths made of natural materials and hung outside will last for months. Zuelke's classes also offer manufactured items like silk flowers and other decorations for indoor wreaths. Participants last week had a great time putting their wreaths together.

"It kind of feels like those old quilting circles," said Terri Daniel. When she was finished, Daniel had a wreath that was a celebration of the beauty of the winter months.

Mother-and-son team, Wendy Von Kalinowski and fourth grader Kincaid Smeltzer, had a great time putting their wreath together. In two hours, the two created a festive wreath that looked like it was destined for a high-end gift shop. What a great way to get in the holiday mood and have something beautiful to show for it.

Classes are scheduled throughout the holiday season, most are near capacity but a few openings are available throughout December. To find out about upcoming classes, call 541-549-1033.