How to Make an Evergreen Wreath
Making a minimalist evergreen wreath is a fun way to bring a part of nature and the smell of Christmas into your home. Whether you hang it on your front door, above the mantel, or use it as a table centerpiece, an evergreen wreath adds a bit of warmth to your holiday season.
Best of all, crafting your own allows you to customize it with personal touches, making it blend in perfectly to your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make an evergreen wreath and offer flexible creative tips to enhance its design.
What You’ll Need to Make an Evergreen Wreath
- A wire wreath frame or a sturdy circular base (can be made from wire, grapevine, or even a coat hanger bent into shape).
- Floral wire (or any kind of wire).
- Wire cutters shears or sharp scissors.
- A variety of fresh evergreen clippings (such as pine, fir, cedar, or spruce).
- Optional decorations: pinecones, berries, dried citrus slices, ornaments, or ribbons.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make an Evergreen Wreath
Step 1: Gather & Prep Evergreen Branches
Begin by sourcing fresh evergreen clippings. If you have evergreen trees in your yard, prune them lightly to gather branches. Alternatively, check with local tree lots, which often give away clippings for free. Having a mix of textures and shades of green adds depth and interest to your wreath.
Clip the evergreen branches so they are between 6-18 inches long.
Step 2: Prep the Wire
Cut several 4-6 inch pieces of wire. Having these precut and on hand makes the wreath making process go much faster.
Step 3: Prepare Your Base
Lay your wreath frame on a flat surface. If using a grapevine base, you can tuck evergreen branches directly into the vines. For a wire frame, floral wire will help secure the greenery.
Take one of your longest branches and rest it along the wreath frame.
Step 4: Begin to Attach the Greenery
Twist one of the pieces of metal around the base of the greenery to attach it to the wreath frame. Continue to add 1-2 more pieces of metal wire to secure this primary branch in place and to ensure that it curves with the shape of the wreath.
Step 5: Continue to Add Greenery
Work around the wreath adding more and more pieces of greenery. You can attach the greenery by securing it to the metal wreath frame or to other branches.
Continue to fill in the wreath with various branch sizes to give it a uniform and full look. Occasionally pick up the wreath to see how the branches are hanging.
I chose to fill in just a portion of my wreath because I love the more minimalist look of part of the wire frame exposed. Feel free to wrap the entire frame or just a portion.
Step 6: Add Decorative Elements
To give your wreath extra personality, add decorative items like pinecones, berries, or dried citrus slices. Use floral wire or hot glue to attach them securely. A bow made from fabric ribbon is another lovely touch.
Step 7: Fluff and Finish
Once the entire wreath is covered, check for any sparse areas and fill them in with additional clippings. Fluff the branches to create a full, even shape.
Step 8: Hang Your Wreath
Use a sturdy hook or ribbon to hang your wreath. If displayed outdoors, it can last several weeks, especially in cooler climates.
Creative Variations for Evergreen Wreaths
- Natural Elements: Add burlap ribbon, cinnamon sticks, and small wooden ornaments.
- Bright and Festive: Use red berries, gold or silver ornaments, and a bright bow.
- Minimalist Look: Stick to one type of evergreen for a sleek, monochromatic style.
Why Make an Evergreen Wreath?
Creating your own wreath is not only fun but also sustainable. By using natural materials and upcycled decorations, you’re reducing the need for store-bought, mass-produced items.
If using natural elements in the wreath you can also remove the metal wires and compost it at the end of the season.
Plus, the fresh scent of evergreens is a natural mood booster that fills your home with the scent of the season.
Making Other Wreaths for Different Seasons
I love utilizing this wreath frame for other seasons. After the holidays I love to put together a wreath made from Eucalyptus for a refreshing bit of greenery during the dreary later winter months.
