Nothing says "home for the holidays" quite like holiday wreaths and garland. There are plenty of real looking options out there, but they can be pricey! Learn how to make your own DIY holiday wreaths and garland for a fraction of the price.
DIYing this holiday decor is easier than you think!
This post is all about how to DIY holiday wreaths and garland.
Whether you're making a wreath or garland, the concept is pretty much the same. The only difference between the two comes at the very end.
Here's what you'll need to make these holiday crafts.
SUPPLIES
Where to get evergreen clippings
If you are lucky enough to have an evergreen shrub or tree in your yard, then take your pruning shears and snip off the ends. You'll want your pieces anywhere from 5-8 inches in length.
It's always better to cut them a little longer if in doubt. You can always shorten them later.
If you don't have any evergreens, and your friends, family, and neighbors don't have any either, try visiting your local Christmas tree dealer. They may be willing to sell you clippings.
For my project, you can see that I have two different types of evergreens. If you are able, mixing different species will make your finished product look really high end!
Assembling your holiday wreath or garland
If you're making garland, you'll want to cut your grapevine craft wire to your desired length. Remember that your stems will stick out on either end of the wire, so your finished garland will be several inches longer than your craft wire.
Next, for both wreath and garland makers, cut a piece of floral wire about 1.5-2 inches in length. Then you'll take one of your stems and twist the wire around the base of it as you can see in the next photo.
Next, place your stem onto your form, take the ends of the wire and twisting them around the form to secure the stem to it.
If you are making a wreath, you can start anywhere along the wreath form. But, if you are making a garland, start at the very end of your craft wire, with the stem facing away from the wire as pictured below.
Twist the end of the green floral wire that you have wrapped around your stem, onto the craft wire.
Here's a picture of how you'll secure your stem, and it's the same idea whether you are securing it to a wreath form or garland wire.
Rinse and repeat
Now you'll do the same thing over and over again. Twist the wire around your stem and then attach it to your wreath form or garland wire.
However, there is a trick to this! You want to place each new stem so that it is overlapping on TOP of the previous one. Here's a photo to help clarify.
So keep adding more stems in this fashion as you work your way around the wreath form or down the garland wire.
You can control the thickness/fullness of your wreath by how many stems you use and how closely together you place them.
If you're making a wreath, just keep going around the form until you get back to where you started. Once you get back to your very first stem, you'll want to tuck a few stems underneath that first stem.
Finishing Garland
To finish garland is a little bit different than a wreath, so let's review!
Once you get close to the end of your garland, you will want to start placing stems the opposite direction and start filling in the gap. Look at the following photos to see what I mean.
You'll want to add a few more stems than I did here. I wanted you to be able to see how they came together so you get the idea.
More stems + stems placed closer together = fuller, thicker wreath/garland
How to decorate your wreath or garland
Now it gets really fun!
You'll want to use more of your floral wire to secure your decorations to your wreath. Here are a few ideas for decorations.
If you have anything that is not going to be secured easily, like these dried oranges, you can use a hot glue gun to secure them to craft sticks.
Once the glue is dry, you can just push the craft stick into the stems of your project! If you're afraid that they might fall out, you can always wrap some floral wire around the craft stick and secure it to your wreath form or garland wire for extra security.
Your local craft store will have all sorts of decorations that you can add. Check out these cute little stems with bells on them!
And that's it! You've made your very own holiday wreaths or garland!
Caring for your homemade wreath or garland
You can extend the life of your piece if you lightly spray it with a little water 1-2 times per week.
When you're ready to take it down for season, don't forget to take out all your decorations and save them for your next DIY holiday wreath or garland!
Finally, don't forget that wreath forms and most garland wire can also be reused again and again!
I hope you enjoyed this DIY Christmas decor tutorial. If you really want to have fun, host a holiday wreath making party! They are a blast!
Share your experiences, tips, and even pictures in the comments below. And while you’re here, don’t forget to explore some of my other Christmas craft posts for more inspiration and ideas to make this holiday season truly special.
Make Your Own Stockings (FREE Christmas Stocking Pattern Included!)
DIY Mercury Glass Christmas Decorations
Looking for some party snacks to serve at your next holiday gathering? Check out some of my super easy appetizer recipes.
Jeanne says
Hi,
I love your website and ideas …
Stacey says
Thank you so much Jeanne!