How to Make an Evergreen Wreath

Wreaths are a traditional and festive symbol of Christmas that can be displayed on doors, mirrors, or walls. You can make your own in an afternoon (minutes, even!) and make others as gifts for the holiday season.

EditSteps

EditGathering Your Materials

1. Get evergreen branches from Cedar, Pine, and other clippings. Trim them to about 6 inches (15.24 cm). The greenery you choose is totally your choice. You can even mix!
   
   
   • It takes a whole lot less than you would think. You can make a door wreath with three 3 ft (.9 m) long branches (give or take). Cut the branch ends into 6" (15 cm) pieces before you start. The only necessity is that you cut them before you use them -- Pine, Ivy, Boxwood, Magnolia leaves, Holly, etc. all work.
2. Pick out a few brightly-colored items such as berries, holly and pine cones. The embellishments you use to spruce up your wreath can totally change the feel and create a more classic or funky vibe.
   
   
   • There is nothing wrong with a simple green wreath. Attaching a red bow at the bottom is just as festive as spraying it with glitter and going to the nines.
3. Obtain a frame. Get a wire coat hanger and fashion it into a circle. If you're not keen on this idea, you can buy wire frames in different shapes and sizes at your local craft or floral shop.
   
   
   • A single wire frame is good for a thin, delicate wreath. But if you're going for a show-stopper, stick with a double wire frame -- it allows your wreath to be more lush-looking and full.

EditAssembling the Wreath

1. Attach floral wire to a place on the wreath frame. Take one end of the wire and twist it around the frame to hook it. No fancy Girl Scout knots needed; just make sure that puppy is gonna stay in place.
   
   
   • Don't cut! You'll be using one long strand of wire this entire time. Don't worry -- it won't be seen through the greenery.
2. Get a bundle of the evergreen branches with the tips all at one end. Place them where the floral wire is attached. Lay a small bunch of your greens on your frame, and wrap your floral wire securely around the stems at least three times. Don't cut the wire yet!
   
   
3. Continue wrapping around the frame. Take a second bundle and cover the stems of the first bundle with it, at a slight diagonal. Wrap wire around the stems of each bundle and keep on adding same-sized bundles until you've gone full-circle.
   
   
   • Once you have completed the circle, tuck the last bundle under the first bundle. Adjust the greenery and stems as necessary.
4. Finish off the wire. Tuck it under the nearest bundle, secure it with a knot, and cut. Leave a few extra inches before cutting the end. If you'd like to make a hanger, form a loop at the end of the wire and twist it around itself.
   
   
5. Use a new piece of wire to affix the ends of pine cones or berries to the wreath. Tie a knot in each piece when you are finished.
   
   
6. Finished.
   
   

EditTips

• For added shimmer, spray-paint a portion of the greenery gold or silver before making the bundles. This will also extend the wreath's life.
• Add other items in the wreath, such as miniature candy canes or small ornaments.

EditWarnings

• The tips can be pointy! You may want to wear gloves.

EditThings You’ll Need

• Evergreen clippings
• Coat hanger or wire frame
• Floral wire
• Pinecones, berries, etc.
• Scissors

EditRelated wikiHows

• Care for a Christmas Tree
• Be Full of Christmas Spirit
• Replace Dead Christmas Tree Lights
• Decorate Your House at Christmas

EditSources and Citations

• http://ift.tt/2Ccn9aD
• http://ift.tt/2nXTH5v

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/2AAj1UV
via Peter