Step-by-Step Instructions to Create a Unique Handmade Christmas Wreath.
Are you like many other women I know who would create their own fresh holiday/Christmas/winter wreath rather than hang a boring, same-as-everyone-else wreath on their door?
Ya know what I am talking about. The fake-looking evergreen wreath has big ball ornaments. Or how about the fresh Christmas wreath from the big box store that, while pretty, is just boring, thin, and doesn’t last much past Christmas?
This is where creating your own fresh, evergreen Christmas wreath shines!
I am a DIY lover, so if I find out something can be done, I'm usually up for trying it out.
I hope to inspire and encourage you to try it, too. It's rewarding to go out into nature or your backyard and create something fun! There are so many good ideas and inspirations for creating truly unique Christmas wreaths.
I hope this post inspires you to think outside the box and really create something special for you.
Use the paddle type. Do Not use the spools. You cannot get enough resistance with them.
Below is how I assemble my Christmas wreaths. There are many ways and, ultimately, no rules. It's your Christmas wreath. You make it any way you want.
Have fun with it, take your time, and enjoy the process. The reward of combining pieces of nature into art is quite addicting.
One last reminder: any mistakes can be fixed. Add more greens, clip a few off, and put a pinecone in.
Don’t be a perfectionist, but let it be unique and handmade. We don’t want it to look like the store made it.
Evergreen Wreath Instructions
What you will need:
Pruners
Wire
Cutters
One spool of green 22-gauge floral or paddle wire. I've also used 26 gauge, which works okay.
I use one wire or grapevine wreath frame, 14-inch to 18.
Assorted evergreens - at least 90 stems in 6 to 8-inch lengths (purchase here)
Optional: pine cones, clusters or berries, holly, ivy, twigs, wheat, grass, or anything that looks interesting to add.
Start with a wreath form. Depending on the look you are going for, you can use a wire wreath form or a grapevine wreath. Also, pick your size. I use 18-inch wreath forms, but you can use any size.
Cut your assorted evergreens into 6 to 8 lengths.
I like to separate everything into piles. Stack your more basic stems on top of each other with your more interesting stems on top. These make a nice little bundle. Make 15-18 bundles, depending on the size, suitable for an 18-in wreath form.
Wrap the wire around the base of the stems. Pull tight; you don't want the stems to slip out. Wrap 3 to 4 times around.
Lay a bundle of greens on your wreath frame and secure it to the frame with 3 to 4 wraps of wire. Don't cut the wire; pull tight.
Move a few inches down and wire on the next bundle. Keep all your greenery facing the same direction. Make sure this bundle covers the stems of the last bundle and the wire frame. I like to place my first bundle centered on the frame, my second one facing upwards, and my third a little downwards, and continue around the frame. You can also go straight all the way around.
When I reach the end, I will tuck a few small bundles underneath the first bundle to make it look even. You can also wire your pine cones, berries, or ribbon there. Cluster these together to give it the most significant impact.
Wreaths will last months outside, depending on your ingredients and temperature.
If kept in a warm room, mist it twice daily with water.
Purchase a bundle of assorted evergreens HERE. Fresh and full of texture, all you need to do is clipping and wrapping.
