When it comes to Swedish Midsommar – one of the most celebrated holidays in the country’s calendar – headdresses are not just optional attire, they’re essential. Every aspect of Midsommar is imbued with a sense of renewal and this summer, its Swedish charm has spread to the UK.
Starting this weekend and extending throughout the following week, Midsommar is the celebration of long nights and warm weather and has become a great reason to get together, share summer drinks and be with friends. There are so many traditions, from local delicacies right through to how to dress, but nothing says Swedish Midsommar like a beautiful floral headdress.
In preparation for this year’s celebrations, funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk partnered with Swedish floral designer Nordic Twigs to create a modern British twist on the traditional headwear.
YOU WILL NEED:
• Stub wire
• Wire reel
• Parafilm floral tape
• Scissors
• Foliage
• Seasonal Flowers
FLOWERS YOU’LL NEED FOR THE TRADITIONAL CROWN
• Alchimella
• Nigella
• Nigella Green magic
• Oenothera or evening primroses
• Madam Bombastic spray roses
• Trifolium or Clover
• Leuchanthemum or large daisy
• Fresh Mint
• Orignamum Pink Charm
FOR A CONTEMPORARY TWIST
• Pepperberries
• Blackberries
• Carnation
• Umbrella Fern
• Astrantia Star of Love
• Clematis
• Nigella Green Magic
• Madam bombastic spray roses
Caroline, from Nordic Twigs, explains; “The ingredients for a more traditional crown are carefully selected, using flowers with a meadow-feel. For a home made feel, use wire to attach the flowers but for a special occasion such as a wedding, parafilm should be used to soften the feel of the flower crown and cover any mechanics.”
“For contemporary flower crown, let your imagination run free. Let colours clash and be big and bold if that takes your fancy. The more contemporary look gives you the opportunity to play with colours as well as using unusual ingredients. However, the same technique is used as in the traditional flower crown.”
METHOD:
• Use approximately 3 x stub wires and twine them together creating a long section
• Cover the wire with floral tape
• Place on top of head to get the right size and twine the ends together, creating a circle. Repeat with floral tape to cover the wire.
• Cut flowers about 3-4 cm long and use the wire reel to attach them to the circlet, moving from side to side so that you get a nice coverage
• Repeat until the whole circlet has been covered
