The owners of Lakewood’s the Salvaged Boutique have a simple goal: Make your holiday decorating elegant and easy. Opened in 2015 by sisters Kathy Cruz and Karen Studd, the pastel-colored boutique sells a variety of vintage and new home decor, gifts and paints. A studio space in the back hosts craft workshops on cabinet painting, bullet journaling and more. “We don’t like the typical, classical thing,” says Studd. For the holidays, she shows us how to make an elegant wreath. “We wanted something a little more streamlined, more modern, different and using materials that are easy and accessible.”
Hoop it up. The base sets the tone for the entire design. Using a 10- and 14-inch wooden embroidery hoop, place the smaller hoop within the main one to add dimension. “The hoops are really inexpensive,” says Studd. “It just has a great shape.”
Less is more. While many wreaths are covered in evergreen branches, this design takes a more minimalist approach. Rather than a full circle of greenery, do a classy swag along the bottom or on one side, as if an evergreen branch grew onto the hoop. “Just make it look as elegant and natural as possible,” says Studd.
Keep it clean. Due to the lightweight materials, simple floral wire can be used rather than messy glue or tape. Attach the greenery in the desired shape. Then wrap a piece of cut wire around each stem and onto the brim of the hoop.
Finish with style. Use a couple simple ribbons for a finishing touch or add a little Whoville flair with a Christmas house, snow-covered tree or Santa Claus on the inner hoop. “You can go as far as you want with it or as minimal as you want,” says Studd. “Hang it with ribbon or just by the loop.”
