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Wreath Sale: A Circle for Life

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Thistles are a favorite of Rick's ("it doesn't matter that they hurt"), who endures the pain for art's sake. And natural gleanings are only the beginning as far as ingredients are concerned -- boas, crayons, feathers, seashells, and craft items are also part of the creative brew. With so many components available, Rick has noticed that a frequent lapse among wreath artists, while in the heat of pursuing a vision, is forgetting to leave space for a bow. And the bow on a wreath is like the halo on an angel. (It's important, to say the least.) Because bow making is a skill that takes practice, Liz Peckham (Rick's sister) is the designated bow maker and sends over sufficient ribbonry to supply everyone. "A little glitter," Rick has found, "makes the bow stand out."

Members of the Little Compton/Tiverton team come up with everything from topiaries, garlands, and swags to centerpieces and candle rings. Some turn out many pieces, while others focus on just a few stupendous creations. (Each group makes about 50 items in an evening, with a total of 250 to 300 wreaths and decorations being prepared for the sale.)

Ed Bowen, owner of Opus, a wholesale specialty plant nursery in Little Compton, brings a pickup load of prunings and traditionally spends the night laboring over two breathtaking oversize wreaths combining every texture and subtle shade of color imaginable in evergreens. The resulting masterpieces are always snatched up early and fetch a premium of $175. (Most items are priced between $35 and $85).

The creations get zanier as the hours of the workshop tick away. And sure enough, right before they wrap it up for the night, Daune gets out the boas and turns her hand to a pair of glitzy, glittery, over-the-top Elvis wreaths that always fly from the sales tables faster than you can say "Here Comes Santa Claus."

Wreaths for Sale

The Lucy's Hearth 6th Annual Designer Wreath Sale will be held Saturday, December 2, from 9 to 1 at the Rotunda ballroom at Easton's Beach in Newport, Rhode Island. For more information about the sale or to find out more about the wreath-making workshops, visit lucyshearth.org or call 401-847-2021.