Follow these simple steps for how to make your own DIY Christmas wreath by using the branches from your Christmas tree.
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An hour or less
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Beginner
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Less than $20
Introduction
Follow these simple steps for how to make your own DIY Christmas wreath by using the branches from your Christmas tree.ÂWatch How to Make a DIY Christmas Wreath in 7 Steps
Tools Required
- Plastic locking clip
- Pruning shears
- Wire cutters
Materials Required
- 22 Gauge floral wire
- Pine tree boughs
- Wire wreath frame
Project step-by-step (7)
Gather Materials
- Purchase a wreath frame and a spool of floral wire from an arts & crafts store.
- Cut four to six branches from the bottom of your real Christmas tree using pruning shears.
- Gather up other accent greenery to incorporate into your wreath such as scotch pine, red winterberry holly, arborvitae and/or dogwood.
Cut the Ends off the Tree Branches
- Cut the fresh ends off the branches into lengths of six to eight inches using pruning shears.
- Create individual piles of all the different vegetation you’ll be using in your wreath.
- Cut fourteen 12-inch pieces of floral wire.
Create the Bundles
- Make about fourteen bundles by clustering together the trimmings from each pile. Layer them on top of each other aligning the stems.
- Hold a bundle together with a plastic locking clip over the stems.
- Take a 12-inch piece of floral wire and wrap it around the stems pulling it tight, then twist the wire together. Â Flip the bundle over and do the same on the other side. (See photo.)
- Release the plastic locking clip.
Attach the First Bundle
- Place your first bundle on top of the wreath frame so it follows the curve of the frame.
- Next, bend the attached wire around to the backside of the frame and twist the two ends together while pulling it tight, securing the bundle to the frame. (See photo.)
- Wrap the remaining wire around the frame keeping the tails of the wire pointing in, so as not to poke or scratch you.
Attach More Bundles
- Position the greenery of the next bundle over the stems of the preceding bundle, securing the bundle as before.
- For a fuller look, tilt bundles, alternating left and right of the previous bundle.
Secure the Last Bundle
- Carefully lift up the top of your first bundle and tuck the stems of the last bundle under it, securing it to the frame as before.
Tighten Any Loose Bundles
- If you find that some of the bundles are loose, you can always tighten the wires on the backside of the wreath by twisting them with a pair of pliers.
- You can also attach more wire to the backside of the frame and make a few more rotations around the loose bundle, hiding the wire under the top of the next bundle.
FAQ
How long do fresh wreaths last?
Typically, a well-crafted fresh wreath made from hardy evergreens like pine, cedar, or fir can last for about a month, sometimes even longer, if properly cared for. To extend the life of your fresh wreath, keep it in a cool location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Spritzing it with water or using a floral preservative can also help maintain freshness.
What wreath to use after Christmas?
Consider a winter-themed wreath with elements like pinecones, berries, and evergreen shrubbery. Alternatively, a simple, elegant wreath made from dried flowers or preserved greenery can provide a timeless and welcoming look. These wreaths can transition seamlessly into the New Year and beyond, allowing you to enjoy your decorative accents well into the winter season.