Good morning Friends! Thanksgiving is over and it’s time for all things Christmas right? Yes! To start the season off, I have a super inexpensive DIY today. I’m going to show you the easiest way to make a fresh wreath. Just like the expensive ones you see in stores. My friend Katie at Let’s Add Sprinkles is hosting this Creating a Cozy for Christmas Blog Hop so don’t forget to click on the links at the bottom of this post so you can enjoy what my talented friends have done!
Easiest way to make a fresh wreath!
I personally cannot justify spending $50+ dollars on a small wreath that you cannot use year after year. Last year when Christmas goodies were on sale, I found these wire wreaths. They have extra wired stems making it easy to wrap the live greenery stems around the metal frame.
I’d like to make several of these wreaths so to keep this as inexpensive as possible, I went to Lowe’s and asked if I could have the cuttings from the trees they had sold and trimmed. They directed me to the trash bin and said I could take as many as I wanted. Woo hoo! I hit the jack pot. I brought home a huge pile. If you want to mix your greens, grab some pine and cedar branches too. These are Douglas Fur.
What you’ll need for this project is a wire wreath, garden clippers and free tree clippings from your local hardware store or tree farm. If you want to add a bow or berries, grab those too. They aren’t absolutely necessary but will make it much prettier. The wire wreath shown above is from the At Home Store near me but I cannot find it online so the affiliate link is for a similar wreath from Hobby Lobby. It’s not as large but that makes it less expensive too.
I cut each stem about 12 inches long using the garden clippers. Side note: I ended up with sticky sappy hands so I think using latex gloves would be best. Start by laying the live stems, all in the same direction, around the wreath securing them to the largest ring on the wreath. Wrap the wire stems that are attached to the wreath around the live pieces of greenery to secure. I overlapped pieces and used the attached stems for 2-3 live stems at a time. I didn’t run out of the added wire stems even though I thought I would. Now go around again securing the live stems on the upper/smaller ring. Make sure you have covered all of the metal rings.
It only took about 30 minutes to do the entire thing. I like how the stems have their own natural floppiness to them. Fill in where you see any gaps with extra live greenery stems. Then add the different varieties of stems, any berries or other picks you’ve chosen.
After fluffing and adding the bow, I had the Mister hang it in a tobacco basket because I thought it would look sad up there all by itself. What do you think? I think pine cones and more berries would look amazing. What about adding Christmas ornaments? Oh my word… flock it! That would also look fantastic!
While 30 minutes and 5 bucks isn’t bad for a live wreath, the added berries were also $5 dollars so I suppose making a fresh wreath can cost a total of $15 plus tax. Still not bad! I’ve seen these in stores from $60 to 150!
I hope you’ll make one for yourself and send a picture. My plan is to make a few for hostess gifts! 😉
Eventually, some needles will fall off and the whole thing will dry out but it helps to spritz it each day to keep it as moist as possible. Similarly, I’ve heard that some people spray theirs with clear lacquer. If you try that, please let me know how it works!
By the way – I’ve also done the easiest way to make fresh garland! If you’d like to see that, click here.
Now head on over to My Thrift Store Addiction and see what Cecilia has in store! Don’t forget to check out the others by clicking on the name below!
Cindy I LOVE your wreath. I have always wanted to add a wreath to each front window at Storybook Cottage but couldn’t justify the price. I am going to keep my eye out for the wire wreath base this year!
Author
Thank you Laura. They should be at the At Home store and Hobby Lobby. Just make sure to get the frame that has the extra stems. I’m sure they’ll look beautiful on your windows!
Cindy, I’m glad someone else asks for the free extra Christmas foliage!! It’s a great way to add extra Christmas decor that is free!! I love the idea of putting the round wreath inside the square tobacco basket.
Author
Heck yeah – I’m a dumpster diver! LOL. Do you make your own wreaths too or maybe garland? Thanks Carol for stopping by.
This is adorable. I’ve always wondered what they do with the clippings. Perfectly cute and almost free. I may do this today.
Thanks for joining our Creating a Cozy Christmas blog hop.
Author
Last year when I collected a ton of clippings I had to go to a different Home Depot and they were charging or it. But they still had free clippings too so just ask or look around for the huge trash bin. 😉 Have fun Katie!
This wreath is gorgeous!!! I love wreaths but, like you, do not want the hefty price tag that goes along with it! It is great to know that we can make something just as beautiful for a lot less money! Great job my friend! Love and hugs!
Author
Thank you Benita! Cheap or free is awesome isn’t it?! I feel you are the queen of crafting so hearing “great job” that makes my day. Glad you hopped over today!
Cindy, your wreath is perfect. Love it hanging on the stone! The fresh greens will make everything smell like Christmas. We have a faux tree, but like you, I pick up tree trimmings from the local venders. I’ve not made a wreath, but I use them in dough bowls, in vases, etc. Happy Holidays to you!
Author
Those are some great ideas Sarah. I have always loved the look of fresh greens in a dough bowl. I need to find one but they are sooo expensive. Thanks for stopping by. Merry Christmas!
I adore fresh greenery and your wreath is beautiful, Cindy! Happy to be joining you on the hop and hope you have a blessed Christmas season!
Author
Awe, thanks Cecilia. I always look forward to your vintage looks. Happy hopping and Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much, looks great, always wondered where i could get some greenery. Have fun decorating, i know i will be busy.
Author
Glad I could be of service Marlene! Now go forth, make, and be merry! 😉
I want to do this right now!!! Your wreath is gorgeous. You will have some delighted friends if you make these as hostess gifts. (You can come to my house anytime!)
Author
Believe me Eilis, if we lived close together, I’d be there ALL the time. We would be decorating besties. Merry Christmas!
Love this wreath idea that you can use year after year, Cindy! Beautiful and full and it’s nice that this wreath didn’t cost too much. I love the idea of fresh wreaths but I’ve only had a couple and that was one of the last year’s in our house. 🙂 Happy to be on the Creating a Cozy Christmas blog tour with you. Hope your Christmas holidays are wonderful this year!! <3
Hugs and blessings to you,
Barb 🙂
Author
Hope your Christmas is wonderful too Barbara. And I hope you make a fresh wreath! I always want people to leave the blog inspired. ❤️
It’s fabulous Cindy! I have seen a lot of people going back to making live wreaths and I am so happy to see this old Christmas tradition come back to life! Pinning!
Merry Christmas Season!
Author
Thanks Amber. For the encouragement and pin! 😀
I am gonna be on the lookout for these wreathe forms (after Christmas sales!) for next year. What a gorgeous idea. I love gorgeous and frugal!!! I have seldom had live wreathes due to the expense and short life of them. I love the smell of pines, too, especially now with artificial trees. Merry Christmas!
Author
That’s a great idea Kathy. You may find one for $3! You’ll love how easy they are to make and the aroma. 😁