Real Evergreen Garland - Christmas DIY

So… since you have come across this post about ‘how to create a real evergreen garland’ you must be on your way to make this Christmas magical. Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year, so I go all out on decorating our house with homemade wreaths and garlands and all other decorations.

Ok, I won’t leave you waiting any longer, here are the steps in creating your own real evergreen garland.

Shopping list:

garden secateurs
florists wire or twine
steel wire – one I used link here
evergreens you want to use for your garland
any decorative items you want to pretty your garland up. I used pinecones, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, real- tiny apples. You can use baubles, ribbon, bows- whatever you fancy
glue gun
Christmas lights. I always finish my garlands with wrapping Christmas lights around it

Step 1

We need to make a base for you to attach the evergreens to. Measure the length you want your garland to be. Then measure 2 or 3 lengths of your steel wire to that length and tighten them together by twisting the florists wire around.

A Note– I found this kind of base being really good for a garland that will be sitting on top of something. For example- fireplace, banister, table etc. If you want it to be looped- you will need more of a base or you can try to tie the evergreen bunches really close together. (I will try this next year & update you on this.)

Step 2

real evergreen garland bunches — The bigger & bushier the bunches- the bigger the garland will be.

Now we need to make the evergreen bunches. The easiest way I found to do this is- to get all the little branches ready in front of me and then just make 4-5 bunches up in one go. Once you’ve done a few- add them on top of your wire to see, roughly- how many more you will need to make. I tend to make 1 short to leave enough space to join both ends together.

Step 3

Once you’ve made enough evergreen bunches- start laying them on top of your wire base. Make sure you decide where you want the joining part to be- either the middle or one end. Re-arrange the bunches so it all fits nicely together. When you are happy with that, pull the wire out and start tying the bunches on using your florists wire or twine.

Step 4

When you’ve gotten to the part of filling the gap/ joining part. Get some loose evergreen branches ready and make smaller bunches up by tying them straight to the garland. I didn’t manage to completely mask my joining parts, but I made sure I hid it when I added the extra decor items.

Step 5

Now… let your creativity run free. Add your extra decor items. My top tip- place them on the garland, move them around to make sure you find the right spot for everything. And then glue them down.

Step 6

Both of my garlands secured to the banister.

Depending how long your garland is, you might need an extra pair of hands to help you move it to its place. Before you do- make sure you’ve cut 4-6 lengths of twine or florists wire to secure it to the banister.

Step 7

Finishing touches – re-attach anything that might have fallen off in the transit of your garland. Tuck in and hide away all the wire or twine you used to secure it. If any other wire or joining part is showing- use extra brunches or decor to mask them. Once you’re happy with that- add some Christmas lights.