Fresh Greenery Wreaths & Garland

Add a touch of the outdoors to your decor and ta-da! You have yourself a merry little sustainable holiday wreath that’s budget-friendly to boot.

The Story

“Using fresh-cut greenery from evergreen branches sourced from your yard or the woods is a sustainable and festive way to bring the outdoors inside during the holiday season. Not only does it provide a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought decorations, but it also fills your home with the invigorating scent of the outdoors, creating a truly festive ambiance. Fresh-cut greenery, being directly from nature, tends to stay vibrant and fragrant for a longer duration compared to its store-bought counterparts, and the natural elements add a touch of authenticity to your holiday decor.”

– Trace Barnett

How to Make a Fresh-Cut Greenery Wreath and Garland Using a Wire Clothes Hanger

MATERIALS:

Wire clothes hanger

Evergreen branches (pine, cedar, fir)

Floral wire

Pruning shears

Water mister

Rosemary, Dried flowers, Citrus, etc. (Optional)

WREATH INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare Your Base: Start by untwisting the wire clothes hanger and shaping it into a circular form, creating the foundation for your wreath.
Forage Evergreen Branches: Gather a variety of evergreen branches from your yard or the woods, ensuring you have a mix of textures and fragrances. Pine, cedar, and fir work well.
Attach the Branches: Using pruning shears, cut the branches into manageable lengths. Secure them to the wire frame with floral wire, wrapping tightly and layering for a full, lush appearance.
Create Layers: Continue adding branches, overlapping each layer to achieve a visually appealing and textured wreath. Ensure that the wire is tightly wound to keep the greenery secure.
Hang and Adjust: Once your wreath is complete, hang it in your desired location. Adjust the branches as needed to achieve the desired shape.

Bonus – GARLAND INSTRUCTIONS:

Intertwine Evergreen Branches: Gather a generous amount of evergreen branches and intertwine them to create a flexible garland. This can be done on a flat surface or by draping it over a sturdy support.
Secure with Floral Wire: Use floral wire to secure the branches together, ensuring the garland maintains its shape. Add more branches as needed, adjusting for length.
Mist for Freshness: Lightly mist the greenery with water to prevent drying. Alternatively, you can immerse the cut ends of the branches in water overnight before crafting.
Hang and Enjoy: Hang your handmade garland in your desired location, whether it’s on a banister, mantel, or as part of your holiday decorations.

TIPS:

Keep your wreath and garland in a cool place when not in use to help preserve freshness.
Consider adding festive accents like pinecones or ribbon for extra flair.
Refresh the misting regularly to maintain the vibrancy of the greenery throughout the holiday season.