Make Your Own Wreath From Your Christmas Tree Clippings!

Hi, Friends! I just had to share this with you right away, as it occurred to me that you are all probably doing some of the same things as me right now, in preparation for Christmas. Please forgive me, these photos aren't up to my usual standard, but I was anxious to let you know how to do this-this weekend if you were wanting to.  Have you ever made your own wreath? It's so easy, that I really just couldn't wait to share it with you!

My niece and I were popping around town to all the Christmas Tree lots to scope out the best trees for the best price. It was really a lot of fun! I am a little picky, and when you are on a tight budget, that's not the best thing.  I haven't picked my tree just yet, but, I was lucky enough (living in a small town has perks) to benefit from the trimmings that were being removed from the bottoms of other people's trees for the various different stands. 

As you can see, as I lead into the How to's of this fun project, there are numerous ways to decorate your wreath once you have it made! That leads me to the How!  Do you like the Pointsettia or the Snowman version better? Same wreath, different decorations from my Christmas stash.

It's amazing how different they can look.

So, first, the hanger! Yes, that's what I said, the good old fashion wire hanger. Do you have any? They are getting more and more sparse.  If you have a wreath form, by all means, use that! I, however, did not, but I  wasn't going to let that stop me.  Do the best you can to form your wire hanger into a circle.  Don't worry, it's going to get covered, so it doesn't have to be a perfect circle, Good thing for me! 

This is definitely one of those projects that is best done outside.  I just gathered the branches I was allowed to gather up, some dollar store floral wire, my scissors, pruning shearers my hanger and I was ready to begin!

This entire wreath, the construction of it, that is, took me a little under 45 minutes!

My best recollection of building a good wreath is to begin by cutting several pieces of your wire, to have at the ready ( about 6-8 inches each)  and begin making small "bouquets" of your evergreen, until you have your desired thickness. Each little "bouquet" (about 6-7") is that attached to the hanger with more wire, and continue the process all the way around. Be sure when you are making your beautiful little bundles, to add your branches all facing up, or, that is, with the front side of the branch. There is a real difference.

If you get confused, this is how the back side looks. You can really see the difference, so make sure to have them all front forward. 

Wrap each bundle with your pre-cut wire, and then add it to your hanger to complete the wreath. Be sure to tuck each new bouquet under the last bunch you attached to the form, don't be afraid to use extra wire to secure any branches that have a mind of their own, you really won't see the wire, all of your pieces are attached in the back, and luckily this is not a 2-sided wreath! 

Here's the back, you can see I am not afraid of using extra wire. Truthfully,I would rather fix in place and use more wire than have it not hold its form. 

Continue on until your wreath is complete. You can now either use the hook part of your hanger for displaying or you can just cut it off. I use a wreath hanger, so I have no need to keep the hook of the hanger. So I just cut it off, when the wreath was completed.  Now, you can just hang it in place and decorate with whatever you like the best. Get out your decorations and see what you think fits in nicely. You'll truly be amazed at how easy this is.

 Final price breakdown: Branches=free, decorations=already own, floral wire from the dollar store=$1/plus tax ( you really only use a third of that) I can't  think of a more fun thing to work on, while, at the same time, making something that could have cost you a good deal of money. Now, if my family would just realize, I can't make one for everyone.  That's a story for another day. Have fun! Be well.
Many Blessings,
Theresa

Sharing with: Nifty Thrifty Things, Between Naps On the Porch, The Dedicated House

Create With Joy, The Charm of Home, Dwellings ~ The Heart of your Home, Coastal Charm , I Should Be Mopping the Floor, A Pinch of Joy, Katherine's Corner