Improved Boxwood Wreath

Are you planning to make your own fresh wreaths this holiday season? It’s not too complicated and right now all of the boughs are readily available at grocery stores or maybe in your own yard.  Last year I shared how I made a boxwood wreath and this year I’m sharing an improved version.

Supplies:

Once you have the basics then all you need to add (or clip from your yard) is the fresh greenery.

• Wreath Form ( Wire or Grapevine)
• Paddle Wire
• Pruning Shears or Sharp Scissors
• Fresh Greenery (2 Bunches for a Fuller Wreath)

 

To achieve a full and even wreath the key is to make small bundles of greenery that are roughly the same size. Rather than trying to use one large branch, cut it into smaller pieces, hold that bundle and secure it to the frame. Continue layering the bundles and securing them with the paddle wire.

Also using more greenery helps too. I used two large bunches of boxwood for this wreath compared to last year when I only used one. Last year I wrapped wire around each bundle that I added to the frame but this year I skipped that step and only did one continuous length of wire for the whole wreath.

These are the basics but berries and a mixture of greens could be added too.

 

Boxwood Wreath 2015

A few photos of it finished wreath.

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Potted Christmas Trees

This year we’re starting a new tradition of using potted evergreens as a Christmas tree. Last year our tree was a large branch in a vase but now I’m trying a Dwarf Alberta Spruce that we will plant in the spring and a Norfolk Island Pine that we’ll keep indoors. Our backyard had no trees or plants when we moved in so little by little we can start adding some dwarf evergreens every year. Sunset Magazine has some information on caring for a living tree here.

Another recent project is this coffee table that I made based on the directions from House Updated. Brit’s instructions and the purchase of a Kreg Jig made it a very fast and sturdy table to make. I think that figuring out the dimensions of the wood was one of the hardest parts. I haven’t done any woodworking since grade 7 but after this project I’m keen to try some of the many fabulous plans that Ana White has.