Crafting for the Holidays! What I love most about the holiday season are the wonderful smells, from a fresh cut Christmas tree to peppermint cookies and gingerbread men, nothing brings the holiday season more to life. What better way to bring the holiday season inside (or out!) than by crafting your own wreath – this fun idea will add beauty to your home and bring in that fresh pine scent, and it’s also a great craft to do with the family.

What can I use? There are many different types of greenery you can use for your wreath, most of which you may find in your backyard, such as pine boughs, magnolia leaves and box hedge stems. Holly, mountain laurel, ivy, fir, spruce….there are so many types to choose from! To add a decorative flair to your wreath, use pine cones, holly or other red berries, acorns, pecans or fruit.

What do I need? A few items you will need before you begin are: a clean working space (preferably in a garage or shed for easy clean up – we all know those pine needles can get everywhere!), wire wreath frame or two wire coat hangers, bows and/or ribbons and scissors.

Where do I start? If you feel crafty today or just want to try something new, Southern Living has a great article on making a magnolia wreath. If you don’t have a magnolia of your own, this very common tree might just be found in your neighbor’s backyard (but it might be a goodidea to ask the owners before snapping off branches!).

If you are looking for something more traditional, you can try this article and make a wreath using pine or ferns. You can also watch a short video here or a slightly longer onehere. For more information on the types of greens you can use, try this website. It’s also great because it includes the different types of decorations you can use, how to keep your greenery fresh and some safety information for pets and children.

And that’s it! If you decide to make your own wreath this holiday season, we’d love to see it!