Wreathmakers Offer Tips

Fri., Nov. 17, 2000

Duluth News Tribune

Here are some tips from wreath- and garland-makers:

If you want the classic Christmas smell, seek out balsam fir. “Balsam is the most dependable for smell,” says Chris Bay. “It’s energizing.” Cedar is also aromatic but requires more of its flat branches to create a full look. Be careful with spruce: As it dries it can take on an acrid smell that reminds some people of cat urine, Bay says.

Use Avon’s “Skin so Soft” to remove pine pitch from hands. “We used to use WD-40 but it dries your hands out,” Bay advises.

Once the pitch is softened, remove it with paper towel. Washing with soap and warm water removes the rest.

To open “closed” pine cones, put them on wax paper on a cookie sheet in a 200-degree oven for about 30 minutes. Leave them a little longer and the pitch will come out of the cone and form a hard, shiny glaze when it cools. “It’s good aromatherapy, too,” Bay says, because the pine scent fills your house.

Use wire, not hot glue, to attach pine cones to outdoor wreaths.

Brush pine cones with a bit of white acrylic paint to give a “snowy” effect that also makes them stand out better against a green wreath.

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