Once only around during the holiday season, wreaths have become an indoor and outdoor decorative fixture. The popularity of the "country" look has helped to give this craft popularity, but wreaths can be created to fit the decor of even the most contemporary style. This is a business that can be started easily part-time and then expanded to full-time as you gather more customers and markets. You can purchase wreath supplies from wholesale growers or craft shops or gather natural materials if you live in a rural area. You might also grow the materials you need if you choose.

Start-Up Costs And Financing Sources

* $5-$ 15 for materials for a single wreath
* $500-$ 1,000 for additional supplies,advertising, promotional materials.
* Personal savings, credit lines on credit cards, loans from family or friends.

Pricing Guidelines

$20-$ 150 per wreath depending on the materials and if it is custom-designed

Marketing And Advertising Methods And Tips

* Begin selling at craft shows, then to home and holiday boutiques.
* Donate wreaths to a community auction.
* Contact interior decorators for referrals.
* Rent booths at home shows.
* Contact real estate agents and ask to decorate sample homes.
* Make direct calls to stores, businesses, and institutions that are being built or redecorated.

Essential Equipment

Glue, glue gun, pruning shears, wreath frames, dried flowers, vines, weeds, other natural materials, decorative accessories, drying shed (if drying your own materials), work room, display rack, large cardboard boxes for carrying and storing wreaths, flexible wire, hangers, telephone with answering machine.

Recommended Training, Experience, Or Needed Skills

* Take wreath-making courses at craft shops, craft centers, or adult evening schools.
* Work in a dried flower or wreath shop.
* Know various dried flowers and weeds. 4» Have a creative flair for design.

Income Potential

$400-$600 or more at a weekend craft show.

Type Of Business

About ½ in-home making the wreaths; ½ out-of-the-home selling, delivering, and marketing.

Best Customers

Business offices, interior decorators

Helpful Tips

* Develop your own styles and designs.
* Be active marketing your wares and seek out as many places to show your work as possible.
* Keep a list of the people who buy from you. Mail them brochures and notify them of shows where you will be selling your wreaths.
* Join a craft guild for networking information.

Variety Of Wreaths In Market Place

Wreaths are designed in the various styles and designs according to the occasional ceremony of the society. Funeral wreath is prepared for the funeral ceremony to pay tribute to the persons at the end of life very carefully, having the special fresh flowers and name tribute specially designed for the specific persons. Funeral wreath is very important to enhance the status of funeral ceremony which is prepared by the special florist. Laurel wreath is globular wreath prepared by interlocking branches and leaves of an aromatic evergreen bay laurel, reflecting the Greek tradition where Apollo is represented with this honorary laurel wreath on his head. Christmas wreath is often prepared by the florists at the occasion of Christmas to décor the personality of important stature. Diaper wreath is mostly used during the shower ceremony of the newly born child to enhance the charms of the ceremony. Door wreath is used for the enhancement of the unique look of the entrance door of your office or home where the variety of door wreath is presented with unique style and designs.

Country wreaths mostly reflect the tradition of the country side regions where the most of the wreaths are worn by the wearers in different occasional festivities. Decorative wreaths are used for the unique kind of decoration according to theme of party arrangements. Floral wreaths are specially made by the variety of beautiful flowers with unique style and color combination. Living wreath is the reflection of the greatest image of life for the people who are so lively and energetic persons. Grapevine wreaths are wonderful basis for silk and dried flowers. Silk flowers and greenery can be warped onto the wreath shape through the vines giving a loose and casual look. Wreath fund raiser has been using for the Christmas fundraising programs by developing the large amount of the profits with the offerings of high quality of holiday greenery. Herb wreaths are made of flowers and herbs to be combined in beautiful styles to give a unique look to the wearers. Front door wreaths are used to the hallway or entrance of the door for the purpose of refurbishment of the home at the special occasions. You may present all kinds of wreaths to satisfy the needs of your customers by starting your home based business of wreath supplies.