Creating an Evergreen Wreath
A few years ago, Kenny and I decided we wanted to try creating an evergreen wreath. We loved the look of natural greenery but the expense of the nice wreaths was a turn off. Making our own has become a tradition for us.
Plan Ahead and Gather Materials
That first year I started by googling and came up with a plan. Now, we just create according to what we have learned works well. Over the years we have used many different types of greenery. We always begin with pine and cedar. Boxwood has also become a go to for us. Occasionally we have even used magnolia and rhododendron. We had a nandina years ago that had the most beautiful berries that we used as decoration for our wreaths. We no longer have that shrub, so we now use holly because it is readily available to us and has nice berries as well.
We have a stockpile of old wire forms that we use year after year. We have also begun using grapevines that we harvest ourselves as well as honeysuckle vine. Other materials that we typically use include green floral wire, ribbon, jute, wire cutters, and hedge clippers or old scissors. The cedar and holly are both prickly and hard to work with but I find that I can’t wrap the wire around easily if I wear gloves.
Preparing to form the Wreath
We sort our greenery into piles of cedar, pine, boxwood, and holly (or whatever we have chosen to use). Then, we cut the pieces to about ten inches. We never measure and the pieces are not exactly the same which works to make the finished product look more natural.
Last year, we started adding a base layer of pine stems wired to the base. This helps hold the bundles that actually form the wreath more stable. It also gives the wreath an overall fuller look. You absolutely do not have to do this, but we have found our wreaths stay together better using this method.
Steps for Creating an Evergreen Wreath
After tying off the end of the wire to whatever base we are using, we begin making small bundles using each of the types of greenery. Sometimes, I tie the bundles together with jute and sometimes I just attach the bundles straight to the base as Kenny holds it steady. Either way, I attach the bundle tightly to the wreath base using the wire while also trying to hide it among the greenery.
We like to add the next bundle slightly overlapping the tied end of the previous bundle while keeping the wire firmly attached and just working our way around the wreath. The final bundle has to be tucked under the first bundle and the wire securely tied off. The wreath is finished at this point and doesn’t have to have anything else done to it.
Things to Consider
Sometimes, we wire in pinecones or tuck in bare branches. Occasionally we will attach bells or Christmas ornaments. However, we usually prefer ours to simply be tied with a bow.
I have also come to enjoy using a natural base and jute instead of wire. This allows the wreath to become fully compostable at the end of the season.
Caring for Your Wreath
Misting the wreath with water occasionally can help it to last longer. This is especially necessary if the weather is unseasonably warm and dry. One year, the wreaths that we did for our church windows turned brown before Christmas because it was a warm and dry December. However, we have found that when the weather is cool and mostly cloudy, our wreaths last a long time. We have even had some last from November to February.
Sourcing Greenery for creating your Wreath
Having access to fresh greenery makes creating an evergreen wreath easier. However, you can find greenery at tree farms or other locations. Just make sure you always ask for permission before cutting if not on your own property.