How to Make a Wreath From Branch Cuttings

Wreaths are not just for Christmas! I have them in the farmhouse throughout the year because I love the shape and how they have many different looks. This afternoon, Gavin was trimming our California Redwood. There were a lot of smaller branches on the ground and I thought it was a pity to waste them. I decided to have a go at making a large wreath for the verandah. I’ve made a willow wreath in the past but I’ve never made a wreath from branches. So how did I make a wreath from the branches? It was so easy. You need a few simple items.

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What You Need to Make a Wreath

The list of supplies to make a wreath like this one is minimal. The branches hold it in shape, so you don’t need a wreath form to create the circle. The trick is to choose branches that have a bit of a curve to them already so they bend into a circle. Thick branches work better as they give structure to the wreath.

To Make a Wreath Like Mine You’ll need:

• Branches. I used California Redwood but any branch that will bend into shape should work. It helps if they are quite stiff so eucalyptus might not work so well for this kind of wreath.
• Thin wire that will bend easily but still hold its shape. I found mine in the shed so I have no idea what gauge it would be. It’s the kind that will hold in place once bent but does not require too much effort to bend.
• Tin snips to cut the wire. I didn’t need to cut mine as it was already a good length.
• You may need secateurs to trim the branches if you have any knobbly bits that don’t bend into shape.

What To Do

Start by laying your branches around to make a circular shape. Make sure you overlap the branches so that the thinner end pieces lay on top of the thicker branch parts. This will ensure you have a good structure when you wire it. Then you won’t need a form to hold the branches in place.

The next thing to do would be to wrap your wire into a coil so that it can be wound easily around the branches.

After you are happy with the look of your wreath and have your wire at the ready, pick up one of the branches. Wrap the end of the wire around the thick end a couple of times to begin. Keep wrapping along the branch until the branch starts to become flimsy.

Add in the thickest part of the next branch and wire the two together. Keep wrapping the wire and adding branches as you go, so they overlap. I wasn’t too fussy about threading the wire under the leaves. My branches had a lot of leaves so they just found their own direction. Some went under the wire, others were not in the wire.

When you get to the middle of the last branch pull it around to cover the thick part of your first branch. Make a number of close wraps to finish off and trim the wire if you need to. I wrapped a bit of string around the last part too, tieing it very firmly to make a loop to hang the wreath. This whole project could be made with jute string catching the leaves for a completely different look.

Once you finish the wreath hold it up and make sure it is circular. Adjust if necessary and trim any leaves you think you don’t need. The wire is firm enough to hold the shape once you put it in place.

Now your wreath is ready to hang. Because it is not made on a form, you might need to find ‘the best side’ to hang it so it stays round. What a gorgeous decoration for your outdoor area or garden any time of the year though. And a great way to use offcuts before you put them in the compost.