Learn how to make your own DIY Fresh Christmas Wreath and Garland with these simple tips and tricks! They’re SO easy to make!!
Looking for a simple way to save BIG on DIY Fresh Christmas Wreath and Garland?? It can be as simple as asking for free tree clippings or scraps from your local tree farm or Christmas tree lot!
The benefits of a fresh wreath or live garland are so wonderful, making the minimal effort totally worth it! From the dreamy smell to the luxurious texture, fresh wreaths bring out all the holiday vibes! However, the cost to purchase a live wreath or garland can be steep… I’ve seen several for $50 or more!
That’s why I know you’re going to love this simple little trick for making your own natural wreaths and garlands.
You can make a gorgeous wreath to hang on your front door, and then make a second one to give as a lovely gift to a neighbor, friend, or family member! Or make a beautiful live greenery garland to drape along your mantel or staircase banner!
You won’t believe how quick and easy they are to make, too! So what are you waiting for? Here’s what you’ll need + step by step instructions…
Related:
- 50 Christmas Decorating Ideas on a Budget!
DIY Fresh Christmas Wreath and Garland
Related:
Where to Get Free Christmas Tree Clippings:
So are you wondering where to get Christmas Tree branches? Now if you have cedar or fir trees in your back yard, you can simply use clippings from those. But if you don’t, you can just head to your local Christmas tree lot and ask if they have any extra clippings you could have.
For example, I went to my neighborhood Home Depot tree lot with a large black garbage bag, kindly asked for free clippings, and the sweet older gentleman pointed me to a huge wheelbarrow of extra clippings and even extra trees on the ground they weren’t going to sell. He said I could take as much as I wanted! So I used his pruning clippers {you might want to take your own in case they don’t have any}, filled up my bag with clippings, tossed it in the trunk, and headed home to make my wreath. The price was right!!
Frugal friend Jessica writes: “Most places that sell Christmas trees will give you the cast-off cuttings for free! Both my Lowes and Home Depot do this. I got an armload, and was able to make free wreaths and garlands!”
What Materials Do You Need to Make a Wreath?
- 18″ Wire Wreath Frame {can be reused year after year}
- Christmas Tree Branch Cuttings {free from your local tree lot}
- Green Floral Wire
- Small Pruning Shears {for branches}
- Wire Cutters or Snips {for floral wire and wreath picks}
- Pinecone Wreath Picks for texture {reuse every year}
- Holly Berry Wreath Picks for pops of color {reuse every year}
- 2.5″ Red Velvet Wired Ribbon for a Bow
- Optional: Dried Orange Slices
- Optional: Strand of Battery Operated Fairy Lights
How to Make a Live Christmas Wreath:
- Simply lay a thick cutting {or several thin cuttings stacked on top of each other, with the prettiest piece on top} out on your wreath frame, and trim down to fit. Pieces anywhere from 9″ – 12″ work well.
- Secure the cutting(s) by wrapping around near the base several times with floral wire.
- Then take your next cuttings and lay them slightly overlapping the previous cuttings, making sure to cover up the cut end and floral wire. Now fasten this section down with floral wire, and continue the process until all empty gaps are hidden and wreath is nice and full.
- Once you’re done, check for any wild and unruly pieces, and trim those off. Also, if you find sparse or bald spots, simply fill those in with additional branches.
- If you want a wreath that lights up, now is the time to weave in your optional strand of battery operated fairy lights.
- Then add some snowy pinecones, holly berry wreath picks, pinecone picks, ornaments, or any other fun add-ons you want… securing all with floral wire.
- Now finish off your DIY Fresh Christmas Wreath with a pretty bow, and you’re done! Wasn’t that so easy?
Related: How to Make a Bow for a Wreath with Wired Ribbon
How Long do Fresh Wreaths Last Outside?
Depending on the weather {temperature and humidity}, fresh wreaths can last outside for up to two to three weeks if you take the time to care for them.
- Every 2 days, spritz the back of the wreath with water to allow the branches to drink and keep the wreath alive longer. Just make sure to avoid getting any water on the bows, pine cones or holly berry picks. {this can be done daily in a warm, dry climate}
How Do You Make Garland from Christmas Tree Branches?
For a beautiful Christmas garland, you’ll simply need…
- Christmas Tree Branch Cuttings {free from your local tree lot}
- Green Floral Wire
- Green Paracord or 1/4″ Green Rope
- Small Pruning Shears
- Pinecone Wreath Picks for texture
- Holly Berry Wreath Picks for pops of color
- Optional: Ribbon to make bows for every few feet of garland
How Long Do Fresh Christmas Garlands Last?
Depending on your climate, and how dry the air in your home is, fresh garlands can last up to 2 – 3 weeks if you take the time to care for them.
- Keep them away from heat {vents or fireplaces} and sunlight so they don’t dry out.
- Every 2 days, spritz the back of the stems with water to keep them alive longer, making sure to not get any water on the bows, pine cones or holly berry picks. {this can be done daily in a warm, dry climate}
How to Make a Fresh Christmas Garland from Greenery:
- Start by making a knot with a loop at the end of your rope.
- Then lay a thick cutting {or several thin cuttings stacked on top of each other} out on your rope, and trim down to fit. Pieces anywhere from 10″ – 14″ work well.
- Fasten the stems to your rope using floral wire.
- Then take another section of branches and fasten them with floral wire a ways down rope, making sure to slightly overlap the stems and floral wire of the previous section.
- Continue the process until you have the length of garland desired.
- When you get to the end, simply take the last bundle of branches and turn it the opposite direction, to cover the floral wire from the previous bunch.
- Now make a knot with a loop at the end you just finished, and you’re done and ready to hang your garland!
- You can leave as is, or add in your pinecone picks or holly berry picks for some additional color and texture.
- Optional: Add a pretty bow every 6 feet or so, or in each section where you bunch it up when hanging for an elegant look.
Wasn’t that SO easy??
Score a deal on your fresh Christmas Tree with these tips for how to save more at Home Depot and Lowes…
How to Get a Free Home Depot Gift Card + 20 Shopping Hacks to Save BIG!
Use these money saving tips to save on Christmas lights, outside decorations, wreaths ornaments and more.
Get a Free Lowe’s Gift Card, then use these 23 Shopping Hacks to Save BIG!
Learn how you can save money on beautiful trees, ornaments, lights, blowups, and more!
When it comes to Christmas Decorating Ideas… more is always better!
So get have fun exploring these creative ideas and make your home Christmas decor the best yet…
How to Make a Bow for a Wreath with Wired Ribbon
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How to Dry Orange Slices in Oven
Are you wondering how to dry orange slices in oven? They are so easy to make and you can use them for garlands, crafts, ornaments & more!
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Give your front yard Christmas decor a frugal upgrade this year when you make this fabulous plaster hanger star strung with lights!
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Add more Christmas cheer to your front yard when you create some of these festive Wooden Christmas Trees!
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So have you ever tried making a DIY Fresh Christmas Wreath or live Garland before?
Leave a comment & share!
Stephanie says
To what do you adhere the branches? Thanks! I did this several years ago, only I used the low hanging branches from my own evergreen and bought wire wreath forms.
Heidi says
Hi Stephanie ~ you’ll want to attach the branches to an 18 inch wire wreath form.
Jodie Hickman says
Thanks for sharing! I love those stores already and was in Home Depot yesterday and Ace Hardware today. I’ve got to check this out. I love the smell of fresh garland and wreaths.