DIY Holiday Garland
Hey Friends,
With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays things can get overcomplicated and too much pressure is placed on decorating and on having the biggest and best. This year I’ve decided to be more minimal with my decor and let nature be my inspiration. I literally went outside and clipped what I could find and made my own garland for this year’s mantle. Pretty simple, smells delicious, and inexpensive! Win Win!!
I started by taking some clippings from the pine trees around our property. If you don’t have any near you the local christmas tree farms always have clippings you can use! Then just buy a few key items to put your garland together and you’ll be done in no time!!
Here are a few images of the greenery I used.
About 5 days before beginning my garland I soaked fresh magnolia leaves in 1/2 party vegetable glycerin and 1/2 part water. Let them soak for 3-5 days to help preserve them. Rinse off once done and dry. They should be flexible and not break when bent.
TIPS WHEN CUTTING:
1.) Try to get clippings where the branches and clippings are all one direction, not too wild. At least this works best for the garland,
2.) Leave enough of a stem at the bottom so you can easily attach it to the rope.
3.) Works best to use 6 inch to 1 foot long sections. So not too small and not too big. This will allow your garland to look full and you won't have to attach too many pieces to your rope.
Now all you need are your assembly tools.
A floral assembly kit. You could buy these pieces separately but there was an inexpensive kit on Amazon so I just ordered it.
A sturdy rope or vine to attach your greener to. This one works well and blends into whatever you are doing.
STEPS
1.) Measure out your wired rope to the desired length of the garland.
2.) Next take your clippings and deepening on how many varieties you have lay them out alternating each kind.
3.) Cut a small piece of floral wire and take your clippings and secure them onto the rope by the end most sturdy part of your greenery.
4.) Let the ends be long and wild, you want this to look as natural as possible.
5.) Overlap each new piece over the previous one by about 2 inches to ensure you cannot see where the previous one was attached to the rope.
It’s that simple!! And you’re done!! Now time for extra trimmings!! I added some extra details to make the garland extra special.
1.) Pine cones from outside. These add another natural element that are easy to include
2.) Dried oranges. ( I took a few oranges and sliced them thin, placed them on parchment paper and dried them in the oven at 200 degrees for about 6 hours. They make a wonderful decorative piece that is inexpensive and natural.
3.) Cinnamon sticks. The smell of the cinnamon is delicious when combined with the fresh pine!
4.) Tiny handmade bells attached with velvet ribbon. This was the only thing I bought but I loved it so very much!
5.) Velvet Ribbon
This week I am going to take the same steps and finish my holiday decorations! I can’t wait to show you everything once it’s done! Remember to enjoy this time of year and not stress or feel pressured. Spending time with those you love is the most important part!
PIN FOR LATER
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