DIY Network

Evergreen Frame Wreaths More Christmas Crafts

By Michele Beschen

The gift of being able to create your own wreaths is one that will keep giving season after season. It will also give you a tremendous amount of creative freedom with your decorating.

Materials:

picture frames of any size, shape or material
fresh or artificial greenery at various lengths
gloves
pruners
paddle wire or green floral wire
hot glue gun and high temperature glue sticks
embellishments - ornaments, bare branches, etc.*
*Collect an assortment of branches. Scavenge your yard for interesting greenery, purchase greenery at a nursery or tree farm, or use artificial greenery from a floral or hobby store.

	Locate inexpensive picture frames at dollar or thrift stores. Make sure your frame has enough width to attach objects.
	Figure A
	Figure B

Steps:

1. Trim your branches into smaller pieces and bundle them together, mixing different kinds of greenery together for different textures. Tip: Be sure the bundles are full enough to cover the width of your frame.

2. Wire your bundles together with thin paddle wire. Weave the wire through the bundle to prevent branches from slipping (figure A). Wrap around a few times and twist off.

3. Attach the bundle to the frame with hot glue (figure B), starting in one corner and working clockwise. About six inches of your bundle (not the stem end) should hang over the edge of the frame. Tip: Use high temperature glue for the strongest adhesion.

4. Continue overlapping your bundles as you go and securing with glue. The fluffy end of your bundle will cover up the wire and stems of the bundle right before it. When you get to the corner of your frame, bring the next bundle in, overlapping the stem portion. Be sure to let that fullness go out over the edge.

5. Tuck the stem of the last bundle under the first bundle. Attach a bare branch as a finishing touch. Wire it off to one side for an excellent place to hang ornaments.

6. Hang the evergreen frame wreath using picture wire for easy adjustment.