Wildcrafted Wreathmaking Workshop

Celebrate the beauty of the season and our local landscape in this unique, hands-on Wildcrafted Wreath Workshop. Guided by expert naturalists, you’ll learn how to make your own holiday wreath from sustainably foraged materials and gain skills to identify Pacific Northwest trees in their winter state. This workshop is perfect for all skill levels and offers a chance to connect with nature and local flora in a meaningful way.

Dates: Saturday, December 7 OR Sunday, December 8
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Tyee Arts & Education Center, Mount Vernon, WA

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Welcome & Intention Setting
Gather for introductions, setting intentions, and an overview of sustainable wildharvesting practices.

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Plant Walk & Material Collection
Head out for a guided walk to gather materials for wreaths while learning to identify winter plants and trees native to the area. This walk will emphasize sustainable foraging practices and the unique characteristics of each species.

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM | Bio/Snack Break
Return to the workshop area and enjoy a brief snack break. Feel free to bring a lunch or enjoy provided drinks and snacks while relaxing and connecting with others.

12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Guided Wreath-Making
Hands-on instruction for wreath-making, layering techniques, and adding personal touches with foraged materials.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Closing Circle & Reflection
Share finished wreaths, reflect on the experience, and express gratitude for the natural materials gathered.

• Tree Identification: Learn to recognize key winter tree species native to the Skagit County area. Our instructors will guide you through each tree’s unique traits, ecological importance, and cultural stories, offering tips for sustainable wildharvesting practices.
• Wreath Crafting: Craft a one-of-a-kind wreath using branches, pinecones, berries, and other natural materials. You’ll learn foundational wreath-making techniques, layering, and creative tips to add personal touches to your creation.
• Community Connection: Enjoy an intimate, friendly workshop setting where you can share stories, ask questions, and bond with others who share a love for the outdoors.
• Seasonal Treats: Hot drinks and delicious snacks will be served to compliment the afternoon of crafting and merriment.

• Skill Level: No experience required. This workshop is open to beginners and experienced nature lovers alike.
• Materials Provided: Wreath bases, wire, and a selection of foraged decorations (pinecones, branches, etc.) are included in the ticket price.
• What to Bring: Dress for the outdoors, as part of the workshop includes a short foraging walk. Feel free to bring any extra decorative items you'd like to incorporate. Gloves and hand pruners might be helpful if you wish to collect your own materials on our walk.

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Matt Hale is a mycologist and naturalist from the Skykomish Valley of Washington State. His lifelong passion for wilderness, plants, and fungi led him to studying at Alderleaf Wilderness College where he graduated in 2015 with Permaculture Design and CyberTracker Level II certificates. Over the last 10 years, in addition to teaching wilderness skills to youth and guiding wilderness therapy trips, Matt owned and operated a farm and forage business in Sedro-Woolley.

Ansley Roberts is an Appalachian-born, desert-grown kid with more tree sap running through her veins than blood. She apprenticed with Ariella Daly of Honey Bee Wild in beekeeping, dreamwork, and goddess study as well as in wilderness ceremonial leadership with Cascadia Quest. As a trained herbalist, wilderness rites of passage guide, and dreamtender, Ansley has the great honor and joy of leading others to their belonging on this earth and to the stories in their bones.

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Host or Publisher Rainwalk Rewild