Okay, it is THAT time of year again; time to bring up a discussion about wreaths! A few questions to get discussion rolling: As far as woodies go (curly willow in particular), is there some way of defoliating the twigs

short of doing so manually? Or do most of you wreathmakers

do them up fresh and let the leaves crumble off once dry?

I have heard of some process of moving fresh stems into water and a cool, dark location, for a period of time(?) after which they would defoliate on their own. Anyone familiar with this?

As for using fresh stems (like sweet annie) or twigs (like willow) in a clamped ring, how does one compensate for the inevitable shrinkage that occurs with dry-down?

Any other hints or tips on using the Wreathmaster (foot operated) machine? MapleRidge Supply offers it in two formats - a crafters version and a master's version (more for thick woody stems like evergreens). Does anyone have a preference of one over another? I am doing dried flower material and woodies such as dogwood and willow - no evergreens. Comments? Insights?