I professed my love for making natural Christmas wreaths in the past. After I made the Joy Wreath Sign last year the questions poured in how to make one… or if I could make one for them. So this year I decide I better get things together to show you how to make some natural outdoor Christmas decorations yourself.
I thought I would share how to make a Christmas door swag first as it is a bit easier of a project, and tomorrow I’ll be sharing how to make a natural wreath (although, still easy, once you know a few tips).
To start you will need to gather a few swag making supplies
- Coat hanger (the wreath ring is for tomorrows project)
- Balsam Fir, Pine, Cedar, holly clippings (picture in that order)
- Garden pruners
- Floral wire
- Wire snippers
- Decorations/ floral picks
- Floral sticks (cut skewers work too)
- Ribbon (I used this one)
How to Make a Christmas Swag
1.) Push the sides of the coat hanger to the centre, stretching it into a long line. Using a pair of pliers, bend the hook of the hanger into a loop for easy hanging.
2.) Start with a long sturdy fir branch that is approx 18″ long, for the swag base.
3.) Layer the bottom branch with two additional sturdy pieces approx 16″ long.
4.) Make a similar arrangement of three branches, with the ends pointing in the opposite direction measuring approx 10- 12″ long.
5.) Twist the end of the floral wire around the coat hanger to secure.
6.) Layer the six fir branches together on top of the coat hanger. Twist the wire around the entire bunch of greenery multiple times, securing it to the hanger.
7.) Add in additional layers of cedar/ pine/ holly in the same manner as you desire. Secure with a wrap of wire with each additional layer.
8.) Embellish with ribbon, bells, pinecones, and small ornaments.
When you’ve mastered the swag, you may want to move beyond the basic bow. Below are a few tricks I use to attach ornaments.
You can use toothpicks or skewers wrapped with a small piece of wire. This will allow you to poke the decorations right into the greenery.
I love how vibrant this wired coloured burlap from May Arts Ribbon is. It really makes the swag pop!
I think I’ve used this Natural Cotton Burlap Blend on the Christmas swag below on about 10 projects this year too. Definitely on my list of favourites.
I love how easy it is to make a Christmas swag. It’s one of my favourite Christmas decorations, relatively easy to make and very affordable. Give it a try an be sure to stop by the Fynes Designs Facebook page to share your creation.
Plus click over to learn to make Natural Wreath too!
You might also like the JOY Wreath Sign
*This post may contain affiliate links. By purchasing an item I will receive a small percentage which helps me fund this website. Thank you!
Katie Goldsworthy says
November 6, 2014 at 2:03 pmThis is beautiful!! Pinning to the Monday Funday board!
Kate says
November 8, 2014 at 7:52 amLove your swag and you make it look so easy. Thanks so much for showing us how to make our own.
Elizabeth Hauswirth says
November 9, 2014 at 5:48 pmFunny, I thought I could smell this while I was watching the tutorial! Very pretty! and it’s getting me in the Christmas mood!
Lois Mecord says
November 9, 2014 at 5:52 pmI have so wanted to make one like this. It looks like fun. I am now excited to have this step by step. Thanks
Virginia says
November 10, 2014 at 9:27 pmI hope you make one, please share a photo on my FB page when you’re done, I would love to see it!
Christina @ The DIY Mommy says
November 9, 2014 at 6:24 pmThese are just gorgeous, Virginia! I definitely want to try some natural swags and wreaths this year. Thanks for sharing!
Sally at miydiy says
November 9, 2014 at 7:01 pmGorgeous!
Lynda Jo says
November 9, 2014 at 9:35 pmLove this idea. I have several large Box Woods, can I use them?
Virginia says
November 10, 2014 at 8:26 amOh my goodness yes! I so wish I had had boxwood plants. I have two tiny guys I can’t wait until they get bigger! I would LOVE to see it if you make them… I’m a little jealous!
Shelly Smith says
November 10, 2014 at 3:44 pmCan you help with a little direction on the bow and how you start it and secure it? I love these and want to make one for you my door but need help with the bow.
Virginia says
November 10, 2014 at 9:26 pmThe ribbon is very easy to do (I just forgot to take photos along the way) You use one continuous stand of ribbon. Make a loop and twist a piece of wire around, use the wire to attach it to the brush (like a twist tie) make another loop (repeat the process)nestle the connecting piece underneath a piece of brush. I hope you can follow that!
swampnana says
November 10, 2014 at 4:29 pmThese are so beautiful, I will definitely be doing this with the grandkids this year! Will the holly stay green for several weeks? Thanks again for the instructions.
Virginia says
November 10, 2014 at 9:19 pmYou’re most welcome! Thanks for swinging by!
Kate says
November 21, 2014 at 3:30 pmI just made a swag following your instructions – you made it so easy.
Thank you very much. ^^
Judi says
December 8, 2014 at 8:26 amWOW! I’ve always admired these swags and wreaths but been scared of having a go at making them. Now I can’t wait to go out and pick some greenery! Thanks SO much for sharing your knowledge, and being so inspirational.
Merry Christmas
Judi in the UK
Virginia says
December 8, 2014 at 5:36 pmGo get em girl! So happy you found the tutorial, I’d love to see what you make! Happy Holidays
Tammy says
November 7, 2015 at 5:35 pmVery Pretty! Great tutorial!
Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden says
November 9, 2015 at 7:08 pmI love your wreath. A friend recently gave me some pine cones and this is just what I need to make! thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty
Linda says
November 9, 2015 at 11:38 pmThanks for the tute. Very well done. Pinned to my Christmas board. Hope you are enjoying the Fall season. Linda @Crafts a la mode
Melissa Vera says
November 13, 2015 at 8:32 pmHi just stopping by the let you know that this awesome post was picked as one of the highlights this week on the #HomeMattersParty linky. You can find it at http://adventuresfrugalmom.com/home-matters-linky-party-63/ make sure to grab the I was featured button for your side bar. Congrats.
Jamie says
November 13, 2015 at 9:58 pmThose are beautiful!! Never knew they could be so easy to make. Might have to try this, this year!! #HomeMattersParty
Megan says
November 14, 2015 at 3:40 pmThese are beautiful! I really want to get wreaths for my windows this Christmas, and I think I should add a swag now, too! I’ll be following for more ideas. I’d love for you to check out my free Christmas Card List template on my blog and linked through The Creative Exchange Link Party. Thanks!
Audrey says
November 14, 2015 at 5:37 pmI love the departure from what has become the standard wreath shape. Congratulations on your feature on the #HomeMattersParty
Sharleen says
November 15, 2015 at 10:49 pmBeautiful! Congratulations of the Home Matters Party highlight. Thanks for linking up to Home Matters Party. #HomeMattersParty http://cu-rio.net/home-matters-linky-party-63/
mandy cat says
January 16, 2016 at 7:38 amDefinitely on my to-make list for Christmas 2016. But here in Florida, it will have to be artificial greenery. Real evergreens would have survived about a day in our 2015 holiday heatwave. I put out luminaries Christmas Eve wearing shorts and a tee shirt!
Virginia says
January 18, 2016 at 11:42 amI think it would still look great! I’d love to see it
kim Epstein says
October 10, 2018 at 1:53 pmThanks for the step by step. Just beautiful! I’ll definitely do this!