How to Make an Evergreen Wreath From Scratch

Materials Needed:

1. Evergreens: Fresh evergreen clippings such as pine, fir, spruce, or cedar.

2. Wreath Ring: A circular wire wreath ring as the base for your wreath.

3. Floral Wire: Thin, green floral wire for attaching evergreens to the wreath ring.

4. Wire Cutters: To cut floral wire.

5. Pruners or Scissors: For trimming evergreen branches.

6. Ribbon or Embellishments: Optional decorative ribbon, berries, pine cones, or bows to enhance your wreath.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Evergreens:

- Gather your fresh evergreen clippings. Make sure to select branches with vibrant, healthy needles.

- Trim any excess foliage from the bottom of the branches to create a clean base.

- Measure the branches against the wreath ring to determine appropriate sizes.

2. Secure the Floral Wire:

- Take a piece of floral wire about 12-18 inches long.

- Wrap the wire around the wreath ring at a chosen starting point, twisting the ends together tightly to secure it in place.

3. Attach Evergreen Sprigs:

- Select an evergreen sprig and hold it against the wreath ring with the cut end facing inward.

- Bring the floral wire up and around the sprig, then back down and under the wreath ring.

- Twist the ends of the wire tightly at the back to secure the sprig.

- Repeat this process, adding evergreen sprigs around the wreath ring, making sure to overlap them slightly for a fuller look.

4. Alternate Evergreen Types:

- If you're using different types of evergreens, alternate them as you attach them to the wreath ring.

- This will add color and texture variation to your wreath.

5. Cover the Wreath Ring:

- Continue attaching evergreen sprigs until you've filled the entire wreath ring and achieve the desired fullness.

- Make sure there are no exposed sections of the wreath ring visible through the evergreens.

6. Trim the Excess:

- Once you've covered the wreath ring, use wire cutters to trim any excess evergreen sprigs or wire.

7. Add Embellishments:

- If desired, you can add decorative elements to your wreath.

- Attach a ribbon by looping it around the top of the wreath and tying a bow.

- Add pine cones, berries, or other embellishments using floral wire.

8. Hang Your Wreath:

- Your evergreen wreath is now ready to display!

- Hang it on a door, wall, or mantel using a hook or nail.

Tips:

- Wear gloves when handling evergreens to protect your skin from sap.

- Use sharp pruners or scissors to ensure clean cuts on evergreen branches.

- Overlapping the evergreen sprigs will create a dense, full look for the wreath.

- If you're using different types of evergreens, consider their textures and colors for an interesting visual effect.

- Be patient and take your time to achieve a beautiful and well-crafted evergreen wreath.