I saw these beautiful, dainty wreathes that someone had hung in their kitchen windows. I loved them instantly. We spend so much time standing in front of the kitchen window and it’s so nice to see something pretty when everything outside is brown. Those wreathes were artificial and expensive. I am going to show you how easy it is to make a fresh wreath for little or no expense.
The holidays used to be so overwhelming for me. Expenses kept adding up and the list of people to buy for kept growing. I never felt as though I could afford to spend much on holiday decor, except for the tree. The budget isn’t quite as tight now and I do my best to keep the crazy out of Christmas. Now, I have discovered the joy of decorating with items from nature. It’s affordable, good for the environment, and a mood booster. Maybe the best part is that there isn’t much to pack away. It just all goes to the compost pile. No extra totes to lug around and stow away until next year.
Supplies for Learning How to Make a Fresh Wreath
- Wreath form (Below are several options for this)
- Green floral wire
- Snips
- Greenery
- Embellishments (bow, pinecones, dried oranges, flowers, etc)
You will need a frame for the wreath. There are a few options for this. You could use the frame from an old, artificial wreath, purchase a frame from a craft shop, or make your own. Using the old, plastic wreath will keep it out of the landfill and the purchased wire frame can be used forever. They are both great options. I had a wreath form but it wasn’t small enough for the window. I used the wire from a coat hanger and wrapped it around a stainless steel bowl. Use a bowl that is the same circumference you want the wreath form to be. After cutting the extra wire, tape the ends together with a strong tape.
Gathering Greenery
Use what greenery you have available. You can just go with one type or use a combination.
- Pine
- Juniper
- Cedar
- Spruce
- Boxwoods
- Privet
- Holly
- Ivy
Be on the look out for natural ways to decorate your wreath.
- Holly berries
- Nandina berries
- Cedar, Juniper berries
- Dried flowers
- Pine cones, pods
Gather a little more than you think you will need. It may take more than you think.
How to Make A Fresh Wreath
Cut a small bundle of greenery about four or five inches long. That depends your form and your preference. You can always trim them. Lay each bundle down so that the greenery is facing the direction you want it to. Wrap the bundle around the form until secure. Start again with the next bundle until you have made it all the way around the wreath.
Adding Some Decoration to Your Fresh Wreath
Secure the your decorations by wrapping floral wire around the base of the item. Then add to wreath. Try to wrap the wire under the leaves as much as possible. When you are happy with the wreath, use twine or ribbon to hang them. To hang the wreath in the windows, lower the window pane and feed the ribbon through. Shutting the window should hold the ribbon in place.
