How to Make a DIY Holiday Wreath With Foraged Materials

sustainablelivingreport | December 12, 2019 | Green DIY Projects, Homesteading & Off-Grid Living

Save money on holiday decorations this year by making your own DIY holiday wreath using locally foraged materials! Here’s how…

The holidays are here, and if you want to add a festive touch for your home without spending a lot on pre-made decorations that may have a large carbon footprint, why not make your own? For example, a DIY holiday wreath made with foraged materials from around your yard or homestead is not only much more affordable, but will also give a much more personal touch than a store-bought wreath!

You can even make several wreaths and give them as gifts to your loved ones. Each one will be special and unique, and they’re easier to make than you might imagine!

The first thing you will want to do is forage for your wreath materials. Depending on where you live and what grows in your area, you may be able to find quite a wide variety of ingredients.

Here are a few tips from FloretFlowers.com:

Be sure to include a number of contrasting foliages, unusual textures, evergreens and fun little surprises. Dried grains, berries and catkins are all wonderful choices to add sparkle to your finished wreath in addition to the more basic evergreen elements.

Other ideas include:

Dried leaves or twigs,
Holly (sprigs of leaves and/or berries),
Pine cones,
Dried grasses,
Seed heads,
Dried flowers,
Nuts or local seasonal fruits such as persimmons
Whatever else you see that would look fun and interesting!

Once you have collected your materials, you are ready to begin:

Next make up a number of little ingredient bundles and set them aside. These will become the foundation of your wreath. Be sure to place the more basic evergreens on the backside of the bundle and concentrate the more contrasting and unusual elements to the front.

Once you have your bundles assembled, it’s time to put your wreath together. You will need the following accessories:

A wire wreath frame (or several, if you are making multiple wreaths)
A spool of green floral wire
A pair of sharp pruners

Got everything together? Let’s make a wreath!

Begin by laying a bundle of greens on the wreath frame and then secure it down with a few wraps of floral wire.

Next, moving a few inches down the frame, add your next bundle making sure to keep the ingredients facing the same direction and then secure it down with wire. Continue this process until the entire frame is covered.

When the wreath frame is fully covered with greens, it’s time to add in the special little touches that will really make your finished wreath pop. Pinecones, berries and dried grains are all wonderful options. These specialty elements should be clustered together for greater impact and then wired up and attached throughout the wreath.

Once you’re finished, take a look at your wreath and make sure everything is positioned the way you want it. Make any final tweaks you desire, and your DIY holiday wreath is ready to hang and admire!