Why Natural Materials Make Better Wreaths
There's something about a hand-made wreath using fresh, natural woodland materials that no artificial alternative can replicate. The slight irregularity, the earthy scent, the way the stems hold their curve — it's what makes a wreath feel genuinely crafted rather than assembled.
As the season turns in September and October, wreath makers across the UK start looking for the right materials. Fresh hazel whips are among the best you can use — and here's why.
What Are Hazel Whips?
Hazel whips are the young, flexible stems cut from coppiced hazel woodland. Typically 7–12mm in diameter, they're supple enough to bend into tight curves without snapping, yet firm enough to hold their shape once formed. They're cut fresh from the woodland — which matters enormously for wreath making.
Choosing the Right Size
- 40cm x 7mm hazel whips — ideal for smaller, delicate wreaths or the inner ring of a layered design. Great for table centrepieces and decorative door wreaths up to 25cm.
- 60cm x 7mm hazel whips — the most versatile size. Suitable for standard door wreaths (30–40cm) and layered designs. A bundle of 12 gives you plenty to work with for one or two wreaths.
- 120cm x 12mm hazel rods — for larger structural wreaths or those who want to create woven bases with more depth and substance.
How to Make a Simple Hazel Wreath Base
- Gather 6–8 whips of similar length and thickness.
- Form a circle with the first whip, overlapping the ends by 10–15cm. Hold in place.
- Wind a second whip around the first in the same direction, weaving it in and out to lock the ring together.
- Continue adding whips one at a time, tucking the ends in as you go, until the ring is the thickness you want.
- Leave to dry for 24–48 hours before decorating. The ring will firm up as the moisture leaves the stems.
Decorating Your Wreath
Once your base is dry, the wreath holds beautifully. Autumn and winter decorations that work especially well with hazel include:
- Dried seed heads, teasels, and honesty
- Cinnamon sticks and dried citrus slices
- Foraged berries and rosehips (wire them in for longevity)
- Pine cones, acorns, and dried oak leaves
- Hessian ribbon, raffia, or natural twine for hanging
Tips for Working with Fresh Hazel
- Work with the whips as soon as possible after delivery — fresh-cut hazel is at its most flexible in the first few days.
- If the whips have stiffened slightly, soak them in water for a few hours to restore flexibility.
- Thinner whips (7mm) bend more easily; thicker rods (12mm+) give more structure.
- Uneven, slightly gnarled whips often make the most beautiful wreaths — embrace the natural character.
Order Your Hazel Whips
We cut our hazel fresh from our UK coppiced woodland and dispatch quickly so you receive the most flexible, workable stems possible. Browse our full range of woodland craft materials, including hazel whips in three lengths, ideal for wreath making this autumn.