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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Day #6: Making An Evergreen Wreath


Welcome to day #6 in the "It's a DIY Christmas" series and link party! We are halfway done. I can't believe it. Have you gotten a chance to read some of the other posts?

Click HERE for the introduction to the series!
Click HERE for Day #1: Faux Mercury Glass Ball Ornaments
Click HERE for Day #2: Advent Calendar
Click HERE for Day #3: Chalkboard Art
Click HERE for Day #4: Pom Pom Garland {Tutorial}
Click HERE for Day #5: Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments


I like my wreaths a little wild and crazy, yet simple. Jeff has kindly mentioned several times something about getting "attacked" every time he comes in the door ;). I prefer to call it being "greeted." What can I say? I like big wreaths, and I cannot lie. 

Today, I am going to show you how I make my evergreen wreaths on the cheap. I'm going to spill a couple of my secrets in this one {wink}.

Here is what you'll need:


Bend the wire hangers into somewhat of a circle.  It does not have to be perfect. 


Then use your green floral wire to attach them together. Once again, certainly nothing perfect.


I know that wire wreath forms are only a few bucks at your local craft store, but I always love saving money. And when the wreath-making urge hits, I just have to run to my closet :).

Next, you will need to get your greenery ready. I picked up these evergreen branches at Lowe's. I just ask the Christmas tree-trimming guy for the extra branches that they throw away. I am not ashamed to admit that I go dumpster diving in Lowe's Lawn & Garden Department :). Or you can go buy the same exact stuff in a neat little bundle. Your choice! Then, I get my pruners out and cut up the branches into more manageable pieces.

Then, you just begin strapping bunches of branches on there! If there is a scientific way to make these things, then I haven't found it. But, I know that I am not a perfectionist when it comes to evergreen wreaths...maybe you are.


Just keep wrapping, wrapping, wrapping. And watch out for the wire! It got me a few times. Oh, and don't do what I did last year and try to make one of these inside the house. Bad idea. You will be cleaning up pine needles for a very long time. It was a beautiful December day here in Oklahoma, so I took mine outside. 

Be sure to take a few steps back after every few bundles that you strap on to make sure you are keeping things somewhat even.  However, don't worry too much about getting it perfect...you can always go back and fill in, trim, etc.

 
The hooks on the hangers work perfectly for hanging the wreath on your door or where ever you want to put it. I have mine hanging al naturale for now. Seeing as our front door is a bright, cheery red {we're renting and I don't want to change it}, it doesn't need a whole lot of color. I might dress it up with some berries...not sure. I kind of like it how it is.
 
{Sorry for the tease, but I'll be showing you more of the "Joy" sign later on in the series}

I also wanted to mention that I love seeing the projects that you make that are inspired by something I have shared here on the blog. Please share it with me through Facebook! Either message it to me or post it on the Putting Down Roots Facebook page

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It's time to link up! Remember: Any Christmas related blog post is game {recipes, crafts, Christmas family photos, family traditions, etc}. Be descriptive in your titles!
 
The rules:

1.) You may link up a different blog post once every day for a total of 12 entries.

2.) You must submit a direct link to your post...not just to your blog's homepage.

3.) Your entry/entries may be submitted anytime between now and midnight on December 12th. 

Tweeting, pinning, "liking" & sharing on Facebook, instagraming, etc are not required for you to enter, but it would be awesome if you would do what you can to spread the word....whether you are entering a link or not.  Spread the love! :)


{connect with Emily here}

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