Want to host your own successful wreath class? Here are the most important steps that will help you provide the best classroom experience for both you and your attendees.
Key Steps to a Successful Wreath Class
Prep Materials
Ensure all materials are high quality, organized, and ready for use. To save a tremendous amount of time, I recommend you prepare all the materials (mesh and ribbon cut to size) ahead of the class.
Keep Supplies Organized
Organize supplies in a plastic container, don’t forget to include a business card or some promotional materials. It’s the perfect touch that doesn’t cost too much.
Create a Welcoming Space
Plan your space with community in mind, considering how the arrangement of furniture and decor can either inspire or hinder meaningful connections.
Depending on the environment, please allow enough space for each participant. (I personally prefer an indoor environment due to the unpredictability of the weather and elements.) Be sure to check in with the participants to ensure their comfort with the room temperature and adjust if you can.
Begin with a Warm Welcome
Greet each participant personally to make them feel valued. Arrive and set up well before your guests arrive.
A past supervisor once said, “Being 10 minutes early is late”. Being there ahead of your guests also allows you the important opportunity to greet them personally and make them feel valued.
Introductions
Plan to have a round of introductions to build a sense of community from the start. The moment I step into a warm and welcoming space, I feel instantly at ease.
Show and Inspire
Showcase the Final Project
Display a finished wreath at the beginning to excite and inspire. When preparing the class space, have the finished project at the front of the room or in an obvious location where all can see.
In most cases, the participants have previously seen the completed project in the event invitation or social media advertisement.
Interactive Demonstrations
It is important to give a demonstration of each process. Direct experience trumps theory, so we let participants see techniques in motion, then step in and try them out, learning by doing in a hands-on, interactive setting. Share that you will be showing each step and best practices along the way.
Foster a Supportive Environment
Use encouragement and positive feedback to build confidence. This is a great opportunity to encourage the participants that they “can do it.” They will find their” inner creativity” that maybe they didn’t even realize they had and leave with a beautifully designed finished project.
Explain that you will detail how to break down the wreath-making process into manageable steps, ensuring that participants of all skill levels can follow along.
Encourage Questions
Create a safe space for participants to ask questions and express themselves. I highly encourage them to ask questions along the way and at each step in the process. They may have the same question someone else may have so it is great to share. It’s a learning process and we won’t go to the next step until everyone is comfortable moving forward.
Encourage Creativity and Personal Expression
While providing guidance, encourage participants to add their individualized touch. This is where I might suggest adding more elements to the wreath to take it up a notch.
For example: making a Christmas wreath you could add some coordinating-colored ornaments. However, the wreath style they are currently designing is perfect on its own.
Material Exploration
Allow time for participants to experiment with materials and techniques. As we begin, I encourage the participants to open their containers (I have all materials supplied in a plastic container with lid) and we review what the materials and tools are that they will be using.
Share the story behind your materials – where they come from, and what makes them special. By trading secrets on local go-tos, web finds, or natural sources, you’ll be well on your way.
Ease Peer Learning and Support
Encourage participants to interact, share ideas, and support each other’s learning. At the beginning of the class and after the introductions; the participants usually will start to share conversation with each other or find related topics of conversation.
For my classes, it is often “where are you originally from”? My classes are held in Florida and most of us have moved to Florida from another part of the country. They find it interesting or share that they too may be from the same area.
Bring people together and foster a sense of belonging – that’s the real opportunity. Another popular subject is “I am making this for……” and again it promotes that conversation to learn more about each other.
Show and Tell
Incorporate moments for participants to share their work and progress. As we complete each step, this is where I ask them to show each other. While doing this I hear “oh yes.” Again, creating more confidence. They walk away from the process with their head held high, feeling pretty proud of themselves.
Conclude with Reflection and Encouragement
Share Achievements
Finish strong by putting each wreath-maker’s handiwork on display, cheering on their creative accomplishments. It’s the spark of originality paired with a strong work ethic that makes all the difference.
While we have shared each technique along the way, it’s now time to see each other’s finished wreath. The Oohs and Ahs are typical reactions and fill my heart. Oh, did I mention that we take a group photo when we are done?
Success Extends After the Workshop
Get Feedback
Now that you’ve got the basics down, go out and collect candid feedback. Hearing back from your peers is always a smart move.
Here is where I ask what other designs or themed wreaths, they might be interested in creating (takes the guess work out of it for me) in the future. Identifying patterns in themes and colors might be just the creative spark you need. The folks in your demographic are drawn to this particular topic.
Take the constructive criticism so you can improve or highlight parts of your class.
Extend the Community Beyond the Class
Invite participants to join a social media group or mailing list to share further creations and tips. Always include your contact information with each participant.
I share my Etsy shop, Facebook page, and give them my business card that has my email address. At the end of class, I ask them to send a photo to my Facebook page showing how or where they are using their wreath.
Continuous Engagement
Offer information on future classes, community events, or crafting meetups. Don’t forget to include them in all future emails to keep them posted on future classes or some of my new designs.
Some of my guests take multiple classes and bring friends. My small business has found a true ally in them – they genuinely have my back.
*Don’t forget to take photos of the class for your own social media.
By focusing on these strategies, you create an environment that’s not just physically welcoming, but emotionally and creatively supportive as well.
Why Host a Wreath-Making Class?
Here is a small list of some of the things I share.
Unscripted Connections
Real bonding happens when we ditch the scripts and simply be – embracing the silence, the laughter, and the imperfect moments that make life worth living. Think beyond the usual outings – we’re talking game-changing experiences with the people you care about most. Sharing moments with friends while crafting brings an unshakeable sense of joy.
Learn Something New
No experience? We’re all good! Move forward with confidence. I build sessions that are totally bespoke to each client, tackling their specific needs and goals. No matter your skill set, you’ll find these resources straightforward, easy to grasp, and a breeze to follow.
Showcase Your Creativity
Each wreath is as unique as its maker. I’ll bring all the materials and guidance; you bring your creativity to life!
Quick Read
What I Bring to Your Class:
Provide high-quality materials for stunning wreaths, all delivered to your chosen venue.
Personalized Instruction:
Step-by-step guidance tailored to your group’s needs, ensuring everyone leaves with a wreath they’re proud of.
A Fun, Supportive Environment:
I pride myself on creating a warm atmosphere where everyone can relax, have fun, and embrace their creative side.
About the Author:
This post was contributed by Cathy Perry from Waterside Wreaths and Decor. You check out her Etsy shop here as well.
Waterside Wreaths creates unique wreaths and decor to add that personal touch or flare to anyone’s door, home, office and more. Our wreaths and floral designs make excellent gifts for any occasion.
