Tis the Season
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing a touch of nature into your home with DIY evergreen crafts? In collaboration with Pryor’s Nursery, your local go-to evergreen tree farm, we bring you a delightful journey into crafting festive decorations that brighten up your space and create lasting memories for the whole family. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, gather around, and immerse yourselves in the joy of creating with nature’s bounty.
Holiday decorations are usually made with the following evergreen branches: Pine, Fir, Cedar, Juniper, Spruce, and, of course, the Holly. But you can use whatever appeals to you, real or artificial.
DIY Evergreen Wreaths
Wreaths have long been a symbol of warmth and welcome during the holidays. Crafting your own evergreen wreath is a creative endeavor and a fantastic way to add a personalized touch to your home’s entrance.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Evergreen branches
- Wire wreath frame
- Floral wire
- Ribbon
- Pinecones
- Decorative ornaments
Step 1: Gather ‘Round
Gather the family and set up a crafting space. Ensure you have enough evergreen branches to create a lush and full wreath. Taking trimmings from your own trees is another way to recycle the pruned branches.
Step 2: Wiring Magic
Attach the evergreen branches to the wire wreath frame using floral wire. Encourage creativity by experimenting with different arrangements – mix textures, colors, and lengths for a visually stunning result.
Step 3: Deck it Out
Once the base is secured, it’s time to add festive elements. Attach pinecones, decorative ornaments, or any other trinkets that reflect your family’s style. Don’t forget a bow made from colorful ribbon to tie it all together.
Step 4: Hang with Pride
Admire your creation! Hang your handmade wreath on the front door or use it as a centerpiece for your holiday table. Every time you walk by, you’ll be reminded of the joyous day spent crafting with loved ones. Plus, if you reused branches from your own evergreen trees, take pride in knowing you provided them a new purpose.
Garland Galore
DIY Evergreen-crafted garland adds a touch of elegance to any space, whether draped along the staircase railing or adorning the mantle.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Evergreen branches
- Twine
- Floral wire
- Berries or small ornaments for an splash of color (optional)
Step 1: Nature’s Bounty
Start by collecting an assortment of evergreen branches. Aim for a mix of textures and colors to create a visually appealing garland.
Step 2: Twine Time
Lay out a length of twine, and begin tying evergreen branches to it using floral wire. Experiment with different layering techniques to achieve a full and lush appearance.
Step 3: Add a Pop of Color
For an extra festive touch, tuck in berries or small ornaments along the garland. This is a great opportunity for younger family members to get involved by adding their creative flair.
Step 4: Dress Up Your Home
Drape your handmade garland along the staircase, across the mantle, or even on the dining table as a charming centerpiece. The fresh scent of evergreens will infuse your home with holiday cheer.
Pinecone Perfection
Pinecones are versatile and readily available in the winter months. Gather the family for a pinecone crafting session and let your imagination run wild. A selection of various-sized pinecones can accommodate any craft project you wish to adorn them on. If you plan to use them on your holiday tree as hanging ornaments, keep the size and weight of the pinecone in mind, since some are heavier than others and can sag the tree branch.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Pinecones
- Craft paint
- Paintbrushes
- Ribbon
- Glue
- Glitter or faux snow (optional)
Step 1: Paint Party
Set up a painting station and let each family member choose their pinecones. Paint them in festive colors – think reds, greens, and golds. Allow the paint to dry completely.
Step 2: Ribbon Magic
Tie a ribbon loop around the top of each painted pinecone. This step not only adds a decorative touch but also allows you to hang the pinecones on your tree or around the house.
Step 3: Sparkle and Shine
For an extra dash of magic, add glitter or faux snow to the painted pinecones. This step is particularly exciting for younger crafters who love a bit of sparkle. My personal favorite is to add faux snow on them for more of a winter look to the pinecones.
Step 4: Trim the Tree
Hang your embellished pinecones on the Christmas tree, or use them to adorn garlands and wreaths. These handmade decorations will add a personal touch to your festive decor.
Evergreen Centerpieces and More
Take your DIY crafting adventure to the next level by creating stunning centerpieces and other festive arrangements using evergreen branches.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Evergreen branches
- Vases or decorative containers
- Floral foam
- Candles
- Ornaments or other decorative elements
Step 1: Base Beauty
Arrange evergreen branches in vases or decorative containers using floral foam for stability. This forms the base of your centerpiece.
Step 2: Light it Up
Add candles to the center of your arrangement. The flickering light combined with the evergreen fragrance creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Step 3: Decorate to Delight
Enhance your centerpiece with ornaments, pinecones, berries, or any other festive decorations. This step allows for endless creativity and personalization.
Step 4: Proudly Display
Place your masterpiece on the dining table, mantle, or any space that could use a festive touch. Your DIY centerpiece will be a conversation starter during holiday gatherings.
DIY Evergreen Swag: Draping Elegance
A less traditional but equally charming DIY evergreen craft is the swag – a draped ornament that adds a touch of elegance to any space.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Evergreen branches
- Twine
- Floral wire
- Decorative elements like bells or bows
Step 1: evergreen Branch Beauties
Select a variety of evergreen branches with different textures. Lay them out to determine the length and fullness of your swag.
Step 2: Tie it Together
Bundle the evergreen branches together and secure them with twine or floral wire. This creates the foundation for your swag.
Step 3: Add Finishing Touches
Embellish your swag with decorative elements like bells or bows. This step adds a festive and personalized touch.
Step 4: Hang with Joy
Hang your evergreen swag on doors, walls, or mantels for a touch of nature-inspired elegance. This craft is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make.
Embracing Evergreens Year-Round
As you embark on these delightful DIY evergreen crafts with your family, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of evergreen trees and the benefits they can provide to your home.
Evergreen trees symbolize life and resilience, standing tall and vibrant throughout the seasons. At Pryor’s Nursery, you’ll find a selection of evergreen varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. From the bright red berries of the Nelly Stevens Holly to the deer-resistant Green Giant Arborvitae, they are perfect for your privacy needs and holiday crafting adventures.
