Creative & Seasonal Wreath Workshop with Ivan Gilkes

Creating a wreath doesn’t have to mean following a traditional formula. In this creative, hands-on workshop, you’ll explore how natural materials, texture, and unexpected details can come together to create a wreath that feels uniquely yours.

Join us for this workshop with Ivan Gilkes where students will build an everlasting seasonal wreath using a mix of evergreens, textural natural materials, and ribbon using an exposed grapevine structure. We’ll explore composition and creative techniques that allow each student to develop their own interpretation of the wreath. The finished piece can be enjoyed throughout the season and displayed for years to come.

Students will:

• Learn how to work with an exposed grapevine wreath (10"-12" diameter) as the foundation for your design

• Experiment with ribbon, natural materials, and unexpected decorative elements to add personality and expression

• Create a one-of-a-kind seasonal wreath designed to be enjoyed throughout the season and beyond

About the instructor, Ivan Gilkes:

Ivan Gilkes is a Brooklyn-based floral designer and creative director who brings a sculptural, story-driven approach to every arrangement. After years designing weddings, events, and installations for clients like Google, HBO, Meta, and Rolex, he founded floralstud.io to explore the emotional and architectural sides of floral design. Ivan’s teaching blends curiosity, intuition, and design storytelling, always with an emphasis on how flowers make us feel as much as how they look.

This class is perfect for floral designers, creatives, and anyone looking for a hands-on seasonal workshop with a little more room for experimentation. Whether you’re decorating your own home, looking for a creative afternoon with friends, or simply want to explore working with dried and everlasting materials, this workshop offers an opportunity to create something beautiful, personal, and made to last.

Please note: The arrangement pictured is for inspiration—the class project will follow the overall design approach shown, but each student’s finished wreath will be an individual interpretation, so varieties, materials, color palettes, and final designs will vary by class. Flowers and botanical materials are purchased the week of each session, so specific materials and colors cannot be guaranteed.