Monday, December 27, 2010

A Fresh Evergreen Wreath

If you have never made your own fresh evergreen wreath, you may want to give it a try!  It is really quite easy and so rewarding to see your own handiwork hanging on your door, especially knowing the money you saved! 

Gather pine branches from the woods, use excess clippings from your Christmas tree, or ask for stray branches where Christmas trees are sold.  Keep the greenery outside until you are ready to make your wreath.  Purchase a green wire wreath ring and some sturdy green floral wire from a craft store.  You will also need a wire cutter and small branch pruners. 

Working from the outside of the circle in, simply layer small branches of greenery one at a time by twisting wire around each one to the ring, overlapping as you go. It won't look spectacular at first, but keep layering and twisting from the outside in.  When the wreath is as full as you want it, make a wire hook on the back and add a bow, if desired.  For extra color, a few Christmas picks can be added - either 3, 5, 6 or 7 look best. 

After Christmas remove the picks, but leave it up all winter or as long as it stays nice.  Misting it with water every now and then might help lengthen the freshness if using only the greenery.  Dismantle it when it looses its freshness, but save the wire ring for next year's wreath.

No comments: