Whenever I think of Spring, in additional to marshmallow peeps, daffodils, rabbits, and trees in bloom, I think of wreaths because it seems everyone in my neighborhood hangs one on the front door the moment the snow has melted and the flowers start to bloom (a common custom in New England where I live). Given their history and religious associations dating back before the Persian Empire, then referred to as a diadem, wreaths were typically then worn as a headband. In ancient Rome decorative wreaths were used as a sign of victory and celebration and according to a variety of sources it seems that the custom of hanging a wreath on the front door may stem from this practice. In modern times, wreaths in the home are used in celebration of holidays but many, like myself, enjoy displaying them for non-religious reasons simply as decorative objects year round. Clearly a wreath is no ‘trend’ item — with a history dating back that far I’m sure they will hang around for a long time to come. :)

“Balance” by Royal Buffet.

It’s interesting to note that not all modern day wreaths for the home are created equal — they come in a myriad of shapes and sizes from circular to square and made from or adorned with everything you can imagine. At first you may think of evergreen or holly, but I’m certain the common silk and dried flower variety springs to mind as well. In addition to those commonly found in stores and florists, there are lots of uncommon designs that I’d like to highlight because they deserve a notice. From living greens to feathers, twigs, fresh flowers (my preference when it comes to floral wreaths — I had wreaths on our seats at my wedding), felt, bells, shells, yarn, vintage horse show ribbons, cards (love!), cork, metal, men’s ties, ornaments, eggs, buttons, paper and fabric, pretty much anything is fair game!

Mod white powder coated steel circle by Kenneth Wingard, wild twigs and feathers by Holly Ferencze, spring from SodabyAmy and a living succulents (not plastic!) via Viva Terra.

Paper wreath from The Spotted Sparrow in Germany and a gorgeous ruffled vintage French ivory wreath by Simple Joys Paperie.

The Constant Gatherer in South Carolina is a constant source of inspiration…

Inspiration from craft queen Martha Stewart online. Search her website for wreaths and prepare for projects galore!

Ribbons by Bitter Sweet Design and a simple Spring wreath made by a favorite indie designer of mine, Lobster and Swan.

Love and Happiness by Haru (I own a similar one from this Etsy seller) and a personalized baby fabric wreath (for a boy) from Holland Fabric House.

Cheerful paper flowers from Wool Paper Sugar and a doily twinkle light wreath as shown in the holiday issue of Martha Stewart Living 2008. You can make this doily wreath: DIY here

One of a kind treasure by Beach Cottage Studio and Spring Fling from Dana and Carol, first spotted today on Creature Comforts who I must credit because seeing this single wreath on her blog inspired this very round up! Inspiration is funny like that. Thank goodness for the lovely and talented bloggers out there highlighting so many gorgeous finds!

More Martha Stewart inspiration including a brilliant brown paper bag wreath (top right) via Abby Goes Design Scouting who found this in a back issue of Martha Stewart Living.

Cardboard wreaths from Cardboard Safari.

The modern “Family Ties” wreath DIY over at ReadyMade mag online and a vintage paper wire one from Great Findz.

And last but certainly not least, these intricate paper designs by Helen Musselwhite via LivingEtc.

I personally love paper crafts so seeing paper used in wreath making is one of my favorite crafting projects out there. I was a little hesitant to come forward to admit to liking wreaths because it seems most associate them with either funeral homes, kitschy crafting, nursing home decor or strictly for holidays only. Then I thought that this post may be beneficial because if you do associate wreaths with words like tacky or dated, perhaps after seeing the variety that exists you’ll give them a second glance. It all comes down to personal preference in the end so whether you like them or not, I’ll leave that part up to you. This is by no means an effort to convert you!

So tell me… do you like wreaths? When you think of one what immediately comes to mind? If you have a wreath where is it in your home? Do you display a wreath on your front door?

(images above all linked to their sources)