Artichoke wreath and twig stars

Materials

• 30cm wire wreath base
• 12-15 dried artichoke heads
• 2-3 sprigs of dried Ruscus aculeatus (butcher’s broom)
• 20-30 Iris foetidissima berries
• 18cm stub wire (22 gauge)
• 3 x 20cm lichen-covered twigs
• 6 butcher’s broom sprigs
• 30cm length of 3mm ribbon
• glue stick
• glue gun

To make

Arrange the dried artichokes in size order and attach (starting with the largest at the bottom) to the wreath base with stub wire. Twist wire around a pair of dried butcher’s broom leaves, leaving a tip of wire between the leaves to pierce an iris berry, and a long length of wire at the other end which you should use to attach the leaf and berry to the wreath in between the artichoke heads.

To make the stars, place three lichen-covered twigs across each other to form a star. Tie together at the centre with wire, leaving a long end for a loop to hand the stars up with. Add a spot of hot glue to the centre, and stick six sprays of butcher’s broom leaves to radiate out between the twigs. Bind the centre with thin ribbon.

Click here to see more natural Christmas decorations.

Styling by Kristy Ramage