FRIDAY FIVE
The holiday season is a time for giving, but it’s also a time to do some fun crafty shit. And if you aren’t planning on cutting down your own Christmas tree this year, you’re likely itching to do something else that still requires you to do something with your hands that you can show off to all your friends. Enter the the build-a-wreath workshop, where the instructor will provide you with dead twigs and branches to assemble your own wreath. Here are five upcoming one-day workshops that aren’t sold out yet.
1. Fresh Wreath Making at glassybaby Berkeley with Alice’s Table
What could be more Berkeley than sitting in a warehouse making your own “fresh” wreath? Here is your opportunity to have a very Berkeley holiday experience. According to the workshop description, you’ll be “taking a fresh evergreen base and adding seasonal greenery and berries to make it a showpiece.” Are the materials made locally? Were they gathered in Tilden Park? Unclear. The workshop is on December 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the glassybaby production facility in West Berkeley. $75
745 Heinz Avenue (Berkeley) | eventbrite.com
2. Holiday Wreath-Making Party with Pollinate Farm & Garden
Confirmed: this wreath-making class in Oakland will be using locally foraged East Bay greens. On December 14 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., you can join the team at Pollinate Farm & Garden in East Oakland for a wreath-making party. No experience is necessary. Seasonal and holiday-inspired artisanal snacks from local farms, paired with mulled wine, will be served. This is something worth considering for a Saturday happy hour. $75
2727 Fruitvale Avenue (Oakland) | eventbrite.com
3. Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop at Bold & Sprinkles
Here’s one for city folks that isn’t sold out. On December 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can learn how to prep, design, and assemble a half wreath. A complimentary glass of wine or champagne will be served to help the creative juices flow. Wreath makers will be given a variety of seasonal greens and succulents to give their wreaths a more unique look. The cost is a little more expensive — because it’s the city — at $85.
1818 Noriega Street (San Francisco) | eventbrite.com
4. Make a wreath at Andy’s Orchard
If you’re looking for a workshop that is more, err, affordable, you’re going to have to travel a little. For those who are willing to make the journey (and who wouldn’t want to build their own wreath?), Andy’s Orchard in Morgan Hill has a good option—and it’s an adorable spot that’s worth the trip too. On December 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can make a wreath, a garland, or just any general holiday “swag,” starting at $25.
1615 Half Road (Morgan Hill) | eventbrite.com
5. Organize your own workshop
Maybe you don’t want to deal with travel and crowds — that’s okay. Another option is to organize your own BYOW workshop with friends and bring the expert to your own house. Enjoy Blume is a local SF company that will help you host a private workshop for your friends. This also means you can drink as much wine as you want while you wreath and not worry about embarrassing yourself. Prices start at $55 per person.
San Francisco | enjoyblume.com
