Make your own decorations with our winter wreath making guide. You don’t have to go out and buy the latest designer wreath, you can make your own Simple Handmade Holiday Décor.
Making your own wreath for Christmas or the winter season can be a festive and fun way to put your own creativity into your decorations. It can be so fulfilling to make your own wreath with your bare hands and a few simple tools. It’s so much easier than you think. Read on to learn just how simple it is to make a wreath.
Make your own Decorations
I was always scared of attempting to make my own evergreen wreath. It looked so complex, and it seemed there were so many supplies needed.
However, it is just a few simple steps to creating your own beautiful wreath. My friend took me to my first wreath class not long ago, and it was shocking how fun and simple it was.
The smell of crafting with pine boughs and evergreen pieces is intoxicating and therapeutic. Adorn it with a few simple items, and you have a perfect door decoration or porch decoration for the holiday season.
Wreath making is the perfect craft for anyone to try! It would also make a great ladies night craft or family craft. Wreath making is also a great way to use pieces right from nature to decorate or use vintage holiday decorations and make something new.
History of Wreath Making
Wreath making has a rich history that spans centuries and cultures. Originating in ancient Greece and Rome, wreaths were crafted as symbols of victory, status, and honor. They were often made from laurel leaves and worn as crowns by athletes, warriors, and leaders to signify triumph and achievement. Over time, wreaths evolved from personal adornments to decorative displays.
In pagan traditions, evergreen wreaths represented the cycle of life, renewal, and nature’s resilience through the seasons. The circular shape symbolizes eternity, with no beginning or end. Early Christians adopted the wreath as a symbol of Advent and Christmas, using it to mark the weeks leading up to the holiday.
What are Evergreen Trees?
Evergreen trees are plants that retain their foliage year-round, regardless of the season. Unlike deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in autumn, evergreen trees continuously replace old needles or leaves while maintaining a green appearance.
This characteristic makes them especially valuable for landscaping, winter interest, and crafting decorations like a DIY winter wreath.
Common Species of Evergreen Trees
- Pine (Pinus). Known for their long needles and cones, pines are widely used in construction, paper production, and holiday decor.
- Spruce (Picea). With stiff, spiky needles and a conical shape, spruces are popular as Christmas trees.
- Fir (Abies). Firs have soft, flat needles and are fragrant, making them another holiday favorite.
- Cedar (Cedrus). These trees are aromatic, with scaled foliage, and their wood is often used for storage chests.
- Cypress (Cupressus). Found in warmer climates, cypress trees are known for their feathery, dense foliage.
- Juniper (Juniperus). Junipers produce blue, berry-like cones and are commonly used in landscaping and culinary applications.
- Holly (Ilex). Known for their glossy, spiked leaves and bright red berries, hollies are iconic for winter decor.
Winter Wreath Making 101
Today, wreaths are a versatile and cherished decoration, made from materials like pine boughs, flowers, or grapevine wreath form. Celebrate everything from holidays to personal milestones. The art of wreath making continues to thrive, blending tradition with creative expression.
Where to Find Evergreen Boughs
You can find evergreen boughs in several places. When I went to a wreath making class, our instructor used evergreen cuttings from friends’ and neighbors’ trees.
Best Part, you can also get them from your own backyard if you have many pine or evergreen trees. That is what we did for our craft night.
There are some stores that sell evergreen cuttings as well. Check with local Christmas tree farms and farm markets in your area as well.
How Much Time to Plan for Making a Wreath
Making a pine bough diy wreath typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the design and your level of experience. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved.
- Gathering Materials (10-30 minutes). If you’re cutting fresh pine boughs yourself, this can take extra time. If you have pre-cut boughs, this step is quicker.
- Preparing the Wreath Base (10-15 minutes). Attaching pine boughs to a wire frame or grapevine base using floral wire or a hot glue gun.
- Layering & Arranging Greenery (20-40 minutes). Achieving a full, balanced look by layering and securing branches.
- Adding Decorations (15-30 minutes). Incorporating ribbons, pinecones, berries, or ornaments for a festive touch.
- Final Touches & Adjustments (5-10 minutes). Fluffing, securing loose pieces, and making any final tweaks.
If you’re making multiple wreaths, the process becomes faster as you refine your technique and spend less time getting ready.
Wreath Making Materials
The list of materials is not long. Decorations make a big difference in creating beautiful wreaths for the winter months. Here are the basic supplies needed for wreath making.
- Evergreen boughs
- Wreath frame, Wire Form
- Floral wire
- Pruning shears
- Wire cutters
- Hut glue gun
- Embellishments like pinecones or berries
- Decorations like beads, ornaments, and boughs
Note. You can use artificial greenery from your local craft store if you are not able to locate any real pine boughs for your seasonal decor.
How to Cut Evergreen Boughs for Wreath Making
To cut and gather evergreen boughs for wreath making, start by selecting healthy trees such as pine, fir, spruce, or cedar. Use sharp pruning shears to snip small branches, ideally 6–12 inches long, focusing on areas where pruning will not harm the tree’s shape or growth. Cut at a slight angle near the base of the branch. Avoid over-harvesting from one tree. Take only a few branches from each to maintain its health.
Choose fresh, vibrant boughs with pliable needles, as these will be easier to work with and last longer. Shake off any debris or insects, and store the boughs in a cool, shady place until you’re ready to use them.
For best results, gather your boughs the same day you plan to craft your stunning winter wreath. Keep them hydrated in a bucket of water to maintain their freshness.
How to Make a Wreath Step-by-Step
Step 1. Select four to six cuttings about the same length
Step 2. Layer the cuttings on top of each other facing the same general direction.
Step 3. Attach the first bundle of boughs to the wire base (wreath frame) at the “stem” side of the bundle. They should be almost parallel to the wire frame. Secure them with three to five wraps of the floral wire. Do not cut the wire.
Step 4. Select another four to six cuttings. Same process as before.
Step 5. Attach the next bundle to the frame by lifting the first and tucking it underneath. Then, wrap this second bundle with three to five wraps of floral wire.
Step 6. Continue this process until you are back at the start. Use the last bundle of cuttings to hide the first where it attaches to the frame. Secure tightly, leaving about a three-inch tail of the wire.
Step 7. Wrap the last tail of wire on the back of your project and tuck several times to secure it in place and prevent it from injuring you.
Step 8. Select your embellishments and use about six-inch segments of wire to attach them where you like to the wreath frame. Alternatively, you can also use a hot glue gun to secure.
Styling and Displaying Your Beautiful Handmade Wreath
Styling and displaying your pine bough wreath can elevate your home’s décor, bringing a natural, festive touch to any space. The most classic spot to hang a wreath is on the front door, creating a warm and welcoming entrance.
Use a sturdy wreath hanger or ribbon to secure it without damaging the door’s surface. Indoors, wreaths look stunning above a fireplace mantel, as part of a gallery wall, or even as a table centerpiece with a candle in the middle.
For outdoor display, consider hanging your wreath on a garden gate, front porch, a window, or even a mailbox to spread seasonal cheer.
Customization allows your wreath to match any season or occasion. For a holiday look, weave in pinecones, red berries, and a festive bow.
If you prefer a rustic theme, add dried citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, or burlap ribbon. For a more elegant style, opt for metallic accents, twinkling fairy lights, or frosted artificial snow aka flocking.
Artificial wreaths can also be refreshed for different seasons. Swap holiday decorations for spring florals, summer seashells, or autumn leaves. Whether you go for traditional or modern, your wreath can be a beautiful, ever-changing accent that complements your home’s aesthetic year-round.
Top Tips for Extending the Life of Your Wreath
Start with Fresh Greens. Use freshly cut pine boughs, fir, or cedar to ensure a longer-lasting wreath. Avoid dry or brittle branches.
Soak Before Assembling. Hydrate the boughs by soaking them in cool water for a few hours or overnight before making the wreath. This helps lock in moisture.
Spritz with Water Regularly. Mist the wreath with water daily, especially if kept indoors, to prevent the needles from drying out.
Keep It Cool. Display the wreath in a cool, shaded area. Direct sunlight and indoor heating can cause it to dry out faster.
Use an Anti-Desiccant Spray. Sprays like Wilt-Pruf help seal in moisture and slow down drying, especially for outdoor wreaths.
Avoid Heat Sources. Keep the wreath away from fireplaces, radiators, and heat vents to prevent premature drying.
Refrigerate When Not in Use. If possible, store the wreath in a cool place or even in the fridge overnight to extend its lifespan.
Opt for Artificial Enhancements. If longevity is a concern, mix in faux elements like berries or pinecones to maintain a fresh look even as the greenery fades.
Creating a pine bough wreath is a fun and rewarding way to bring natural beauty into your home.
With just a few simple materials and a little creativity, you can craft a stunning decoration that reflects your personal style. Whether hung on your front door, displayed indoors, or gifted to a loved one, a handmade wreath adds warmth and charm to any space.
Plus, with proper care, it can stay fresh and beautiful for weeks. Give it a try and enjoy the festive touch of nature in your home.
