LINDA HOBBINS, THE ARTIST

Linda Hobbins started Custom Wreaths of Potomac 5 years ago, specializing in custom dried, fresh and silk wreaths, floral arrangements, centerpieces, and more. She designs trees for the holidays as well. She worked part time at a floral shop (Behnkes) in Potomac, MD for about 10 years where she became highly trained in wreath making and floral arrangements. 

 

"My wreaths and arrangements are original, they’re custom and I put a great deal of thought into each one.” Linda says. "I love working with flowers of any sort." 

 

Linda set up a workshop on the lower level of the Carriage House adjacent to her home in Potomac, MD. The red post-and-beam Carriage House, which replicates the main house, was designed by architect David Howard from New Hampshire 10 years ago as a guest house for friends and family, including her 5 children and 8 grandchildren. The lower level workshop, open by appointment, is where Linda creates her magic with walls of wreaths hanging on working and nonworking doors and windows, silk floral arrangements and centerpieces scattered along the tabletops, holiday ornaments such as white owls and holiday balls in baskets, and trees decorated and ready to enjoy.

 

"I love to design wreaths of all kinds for all occasions, from fresh to silk to dried, and enjoy working with fresh flowers especially for table arrangements,” Linda adds. "My designs are three dimensional."

 

Many of her customers visit her yearly to see what's new and to decorate their homes for the holidays. Fall wreaths, boxwoods, fresh flowers enhanced with silks, centerpieces for holiday tables, and Christmas trees are her main focus from September through December.

 

"When I use silks to make the wreaths and other decorations, they don't look artificial at all,” Linda says. “They have a life of their own."

 

Besides wreaths and table arrangements, Linda also designs holly balls, mistletoe arrangements, eucalyptus and rosemary swags, and crescents. She has sold her wreaths and other floral designs to homeowners nationwide including in California, and ships all over the country.