You can create stunning holiday garlands by combining fresh greenery like spruce, juniper, and arborvitae with vibrant winterberries and arctic fire dogwood.
Start by weaving different textures of evergreens together, then add string lights for a magical glow. Enhance your design with elegant velvet ribbons, securing them with wire for a polished look.
Local garden centers offer fresh materials, while craft stores like Michaels and JoAnn’s provide ribbons and supplies at competitive prices.
Don’t forget to properly maintain your garland throughout the season and plan for proper storage afterward.
There’s so much more to discover about crafting these festive decorations.
Highlights
- Create natural garlands by combining fresh evergreens, winterberry holly, and arctic fire dogwood for vibrant seasonal color.
- Layer mixed greenery like balsam, spruce, and boxwood with string lights woven throughout for depth and warmth.
- Design elegant ribbon accents using wire-wrapped velvet bows and secure them strategically along the garland length.
- Source budget-friendly materials by repurposing Christmas tree branches and shopping with digital coupons at craft stores.
- Enhance longevity by using proper floral care techniques and selecting quality greens from local garden centers.
How to Make Christmas Garlands
This short video takes you by the hand and shows how easy it is to make your own Christmas garlands, even if you have never attempted one.
If you’re new to this basic floral skill, this on-point video will answer many of the most frequently asked questions about making Christmas garlands.
You’ll enjoy this video, especially if you want to make Christmas garlands and swags. Watch it and see.
Start With Fresh Greenery and Berries
Crafting a beautiful holiday garland starts with selecting the perfect mix of fresh greenery and berries. You’ll want to gather a variety of textures and colors, including spring grove and polar gold arborvitae, winterberry, holly, blue spruce, and juniper branches.
Proper floral care techniques will help guarantee your garland stays fresh throughout the season. If you’re lucky enough to have these in your garden, you’ll save money while securing the freshest materials possible.
Don’t forget to include some arctic fire dogwood for a pop of vibrant color, and remember local garden centers and florists are excellent sources of fresh greens during the holiday season.
If you’re on a budget, you can even repurpose branches from an inexpensive Christmas tree. Whatever greens you choose, make sure they’re fresh and pliable for easy bundling and shaping.
Add String Lights and Ribbons
Once you’ve assembled your fresh greenery garland, adding string lights and ribbon transforms it into stunning holiday decor.
Using a variety of mixed evergreen textures such as balsam, spruce, and boxwood creates visual depth and interest. Weave your lights through the garland first, then tuck the wire securely between the bundles with your paddle wire.
Work the lights from one end to the other, ensuring even spacing throughout the garland.
You can create elegant ribbon loops and bows using the same wire-wrapping technique you used for the greenery bundles.
Choose a ribbon that complements your fresh materials, like rich velvet that pairs beautifully with winterberry holly or blue spruce.
Don’t forget to secure any loose ribbon ends with small pieces of wire, tucking them neatly into the garland’s foliage for a polished, professional look.
Where to Find Garland-Making Supplies
Many online craft supply retailers offer extensive selections of garland-making materials at competitive prices. You’ll find everything from paddle wire to artificial greens, often with better variety than local stores.
While shopping online, you can easily compare prices and read reviews from other crafters who’ve used the products. Similarly, when you make Christmas candle centerpieces, you can find budget-friendly alternatives to expensive materials without sacrificing quality.
- Amazon and Etsy feature individual sellers offering unique garland-making supplies
- Michaels and JoAnn’s online stores frequently offer digital coupons for bulk purchases
- Specialty floral supply websites stock professional-grade paddle wire and tools
- Garden supply retailers provide seasonal fresh greenery for shipping or local delivery
- Craft warehouse websites, like HobbyLobby, often sell discounted materials during the off-season
Plan for shipping in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons when ordering fresh greenery online.
Consider ordering extra materials to account for any variations in quality or potential shipping damage.
Cleanup Tips After the Holiday Season
Proper storage and cleanup of holiday garlands guarantee they’ll remain beautiful for future seasons. When removing your garlands, carefully remove any delicate ornaments, lights, or ribbons before handling the main garland.
You should carefully shake off any loose debris, and if necessary, use a soft brush to remove dust or faux snow.
Natural garlands can be composted or disposed of with yard waste.
For artificial ones, wrap them loosely in tissue paper or bubble wrap, avoiding tight twists that could damage the branches. Store them in a cool, dry place using plastic storage bins or garland bags to protect against moisture and pests.
Don’t forget to label your containers clearly, making next year’s decorating much easier and more organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Homemade Christmas Garlands Typically Last Before Showing Signs of Wear?
You’ll need to find that the longevity of homemade Christmas garlands varies based on their materials and storage conditions.
If you’ve crafted them from artificial materials like fabric or plastic, they can last 3-5 years with proper care.
However, natural garlands, such as those made from pine branches or dried materials, typically show wear after 2-3 weeks indoors.
To extend their life, keep them away from direct heat and sunlight.
Can Artificial and Natural Garland Materials Be Safely Combined in One Piece?
You can combine artificial and natural materials in your garland creations, take some precautions.
To prevent mold, be sure your natural elements are thoroughly dried, and don’t let them touch lights directly.
You should secure each component separately, using floral wire for natural items and hot glue for artificial ones.
Remember that the natural elements will need replacing sooner than their artificial counterparts.
What’s the Best Way to Store Garlands to Prevent Tangling?
Wrap your garlands around a sturdy cardboard tube or piece of PVC pipe before storage to help prevent tangling.
Don’t forget to secure the ends with twist ties or ribbons.
If you’re storing multiple garlands, keep them separate by placing each in its own plastic storage bag or container.
You can also roll delicate pieces first in acid-free tissue paper to protect any decorative elements.
Are There Pet-Safe Alternatives for Traditional Garland Materials Like Tinsel?
You’ll find several pet-safe alternatives to traditional tinsel garlands that look just as festive.
Consider using fabric ribbons, felt strands, or paper chains, which won’t harm your pets if they get curious.
Natural materials like pine boughs, popcorn strings, or cranberry garlands are also safe options.
You can also try plastic greenery or metallic beads, but make sure they’re securely fastened to prevent your furry friends from pulling them down.
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