Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a beautiful wreath hanging on your front door! But before you go out and spend what can be serious cash on a wreath or two why don’t you try making one instead? As I mentioned in my last post, I went to a wreath making workshop this past weekend at my local nature center with my mother and grandmother.

As it turns out, making wreaths is both easy and cheap!

Here is what you need if you want to try making one yourself:

1. Floral wire
2. Wire cutters
3. A wire wreath frame (look for these at Walmart or your local dollar store)
4. Pine branches (we used frasier fir, but any kind will do)
5. Decorations (such as bells, ribbons, pine cones, etc.)

Now that you have gathered your supplies, here is what you’re going to do:

1. Cut your branches into 5” pieces.
2. Make small bunches out of your branches (4 to 6 pieces per bunch).
3. Attach your wire to your frame by wrapping it around the cross section. In other words, wrap the wire where a horizontal wire meets a vertical wire.
4. Lay one of your bunches down and wrap it twice with wire. Pull the wire tight to ensure it is secure.
5. Place your next bunch so that it is slightly overlapping the first, covering the wire attaching the first bunch.
6. Repeat this process until your bunches go all the way around the frame.
7. Tie off your wire, wrapping it around the cross section like you did when you first attached it.
8. Decorate!

I wrapped a thick ribbon around my wreath to give it a little flare but you can also go for a very natural look, attaching only dried flowers, pine cones and other natural elements.

Wreath-making = incredibly simple.

I was truly amazed and impressed when I saw a room full of beautiful wreaths from people who had never made one before!

I would encourage anyone to try this holiday craft. After all, who wouldn’t want a beautiful wreath hanging on their front door during the holiday season?