The art of wreathmaking goes way back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they were a symbol of victory. Over the decades, they’ve remained popular thanks to people, like Yvonne Quebedeaux, who have made them a holiday decoration staple.
Yvonne began making wreaths as “something to do” after she retired from the banking world, working as head teller/customer service manager. “I’ve always loved decorating for the different holidays, so I thought I’d make wreaths,” says Yvonne.
It’s been 12 years now and the Lafayette native continues to make seasonal and custom wreaths, several of which are sold at the Delcambre market in the Sew Chic booth.
Starting with a grape vine wreath, Yvonne pulls in greenery and then incorporates silk flowers, brightly-colored add-ins and a big bow. A spare bedroom in her home acts as her workroom where there are plastic bends that store ribbons, flowers (sorted by color) and other equipment. Outside of her usual Hobby Lobby shopping for flowers and other décor, Yvonne also frequents Amazon stores.
She says inspiration “just comes to her,” like when she came up with her best seller, the crawfish boil wreath. “It’s got plastic crawfish, shrimp and crabs.” she begins to describe. “There’s a small bottle of crab boil, packages of Zatarains and Tony Chachere’s seasoning, hot peppers, a half a potato, lemons, corn on the cob and small Tabasco bottles. It’s my signature wreath – especially for customers wanting it for their outdoor kitchens or camps.”
A couple of recent orders have had deeper meaning. She recently crafted a wreath for a retiring firefighter who wanted to hang a memento of his career on his front door. For a couple who lost their young child, she created a sweet remembrance that included a ballerina and a cross and attached the wreath to a wire easel that is placed at the gravesite.
This summer’s popular designs include magnolias and light colored flowered and lemons. They also celebrate the 4th of July and the shrimp festival. “My shrimp boat wreath has got little white boots and shrimp – of course – and a queen doll with a crown,” she says with a smile and a love for her craft that is evident.
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