Wreath Workshop with Ink and Earth Studio

[AD] I was gifted a place and a plus one on this workshop in exchange for a review. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.

I really love flowers – and all things Christmas. For the last few years I’ve been tempted to book myself on to a wreath making workshop. They always sound such fun, festive things to do. But, like many things in life, I just hasn’t got around to arranging it. So when local florist, Forest, from Ink and Earth Studio got in touch to see if I’d like to review her Christmas wreath workshop I was like a rat up a drainpipe in accepting. I invited my Mum, as I knew she’d love it too and it seemed like a good ‘mother and daughter’ festive activity.

Ink & Earth Studio floristry

I was already a big fan of Forest’s work. Ink and Earth Studio creates floral designs, and is known for her use of dried flowers and grasses and a cool, bohemian style. Forest also styles spaces and offers illustration and bespoke graphics design services – so she can not only do your wedding flowers but also help with invites, table numbers etc.

Studio Jumble

The workshop was held at Studio Jumble. Nestled in among the quirky, boho pop-up bars and flea market of Neepsend near Kelham Island in Sheffield, this provided a perfect location for the workshop. The room was dressed prettily for Christmas with flickering candles and lots of gorgeous flowers and foliage all ready for our creations. There was a toilet at the studio, and lots of on street parking nearby (is it only me that over thinks these things?!).

Ink and Earth Studio wreath workshop

Forest was an amazing tutor and host. She clearly demonstrated each step and was on hand to offer help and assistance when required (and I was like a needy child, requiring a lot of assistance!). I’ve been teaching nearly twenty years and have been involved in staff development for much of my teaching career, so I don’t say that lightly. Forest is clearly incredibly talented and knowledgeable – but translating that into facilitating other people creating their own bespoke wreaths is a whole other skill set, and Forest nailed it. Bear in mind she was also dealing with a wide range of abilities – ranging from my Mum, who is naturally very creative and artistic and has skilfully arranged flowers for decades – to klutzes like me who manage to make every bouquet of flowers I’ve ever received, just somehow worse).

One aspect I really enjoyed, that I suspect is probably quite unique to Ink and Earth Studio was the sheer amount of choice we had. The flower bar was incredibly well stocked with a delightful assortment of greenery, grasses and both dried and fresh flowers. We had free rein to choose whatever we liked and that felt like a real treat.

We made our wreaths using a metal frame, moss and florist’s wire. This seems a much more eco friendly and sustainable approach than using florist foam (oasis) which isn’t biodegradable. I was surprised to hear that our wreaths could be stored and reused next year – but even if they end up a bit worse for wear, with a bit of patience the wire could be unwound and reused to make a new wreath.

The first step was attaching moss to the hoop. I’m afraid after that I got distracted by the festive buffet. We were only expecting nibbles but Forest had put on a lovely spread – and there was warm mulled wine, teas and coffees and various soft drinks.

After devouring my buffet plate, we set about finishing our wreaths. Festive tunes playing in the background, there was a lovely atmosphere in the studio. Mum and I both agreed that it was really relaxing and cathartic to immerse ourselves in creating something. It was lovely to spend some time with my Mum doing something different. I also left feeling like I’d learnt a lot.  

There were maybe ten other people at the workshop. All female, a range of ages and everyone seemed lovely. I’ve sometimes wondered about doing this sort of thing by myself and whether it would feel weird, but I really don’t think it would.

Everyone created something totally unique. At the time, I felt my wreath was a bit rubbish next to everyone else’s (I slipped down that comparison hole!) – but since getting home I am actually chuffed to bits with it. It’s not perfect – but it’s genuinely incredible that I have made this myself! And for a first attempt, it’s pretty impressive. My daughter thinks I’m the cleverest thing since sliced bread and wants me to take her next year. I think we’ll wait just a few more years, but it’s definitely something I would love to do with her in the future.

Overall, the wreath workshop was really good fun and I have no hesitancy at all in highly recommending any future Ink and Earth Studio events.

Go for:

A really lovely festive activity. Enjoy a couple of hours immersed in creating your own luxurious, bespoke Christmas wreath.

Details:

Tickets to this event were £55 per head, which included everything needed to make a 12” fresh / dried wreath with full tutorial and festive nibbles and drinks.

To be the first to hear about future workshops, or just to see more of Forest’s lovely work, follow her on Facebook and/or Instagram.