This year will set a record in this house for how soon I got started decorating for Christmas. I’m writing this one down in the calendar. I can’t wait to show you what other projects I’ve been up to, but I thought I’d squeeze this one in since it was so easy! We have a boxwood topiary in our backyard that needed shaping up, so this seemed like the perfect timing for me to use this evergreen for my wreath.
**Update (3-17-13): I was excited to find this simple tutorial on how to preserve boxwood that I’ll be using the next time I show you how to make a wreath out of boxwood clippings.**
**Update (3-17-13): I was excited to find this simple tutorial on how to preserve boxwood that I’ll be using the next time I show you how to make a wreath out of boxwood clippings.**
What you’ll need to grab to make a wreath out of boxwood clippings:
1. A bag full of cuttings from a boxwood that are 4-6 inches in length.
2. 12 inch wire wreath frame. I bought mine from Hobby Lobby for $2.50.
3. Floral wire. This usually runs about $3.00.
4. Wire cutters
5. Ribbon
The two things that I learned from this project are:
#1. A few creepy crawlies may be in the clippings. Work on a white surface so you can see them then promptly kill them as they run for their lives. I found two baby spiders. Eek!
#2. Cut the floral wire ahead of time and bend into the shape of a letter “U”. This makes it easier to push the wire between the branches.
Start on the outside of the frame and attach the clippings to the wire frame with the floral wire.
This is how the back of the wreath looks with the branches attached with the floral wire.
Overlap the next branch and repeat all the way around.
You can then fill in any bare spots and trim any clippings that are sticking out.
Hang and admire, knowing you only spent 30 minutes of your day and less than $6.00 to make a beautiful wreath that even Martha Stewart would applaud. I might be exaggerating…a little.
I hung my wreath from a burlap ribbon in front of the knock-off Pottery Barn Eagan mirror I made last Spring. I had made the mirror to go above the TV that you see in the reflection of the next photo, but I like it much better here.
{Would you have guessed that I keep all of our tools in these two chests?} Have you ever tried to make a wreath out of boxwood? I’d love to know how long I can expect it to last. I’m hoping it will at least stay green for the next month till Christmas!
Thanks for the feature!!!
Gretchen says
Simply beautiful! I wish I had some boxwood hedges. My neighbors need to watch out.
Tricia SimplicityInTheSouth says
Ha! Ha! I hear ya’ Gretchen! I’m wishing I had a neighbor with a magnolia tree!
A little bit of quiet says
I was just saying today I would love to make a wreath this year (but alas, there’s just no time!). I adore yours. I don’t quite understand how you attached the boxwood but it looks gorgeous. Well done. x
Tricia SimplicityInTheSouth says
Thanks! I attached the boxwood to the frame by twisting the floral wire around the boxwood stems to the frame. I just added a picture to my post so you can see what the back of the wreath looks like.
Sarah @ 20 State says
So fresh and lovely, I’m trying to make one from Australian natives but its super hot here, 40 degrees Celsius and everything is wilting, including me!
Tricia SimplicityInTheSouth says
Oh my! I had to convert that on my calculator. 104 degrees Fahrenheit? I hope it cools down for you by Christmas! I won’t complain anymore about our short Winters. Hope you’re doing well!
102 Lismore Street says
Love the burlap bow. I’m going to hit up my parents’ yard today and snag some boxwood! And, you’re going to have to spill the beans on how you made that mirror!
Tricia SimplicityInTheSouth says
I’ll certainly try! I didn’t know if any one would be interested in a tutorial since there were a few on the internet that I used, with some modifications. But since you asked, I’ll have to share! It’s good hearing from you again!
Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
It is really beautiful. I love how simple and clean it looks. Good job!!
Tricia SimplicityInTheSouth says
Thanks, Kenz! Hope you’re having a good Thanksgiving! I’ll be stopping by Monday for the DIY Action Squad link party. I was just finishing my project up today.
Jennifer@ Blissfully Ever After says
Love it, Tricia! It is classic and beautiful…plus I love the price tag 🙂 I too would love to know how you made that mirror….GORG-E-OUS!
xoxo
Tricia SimplicityInTheSouth says
Hey Jennifer! I guess I need to spill the beans on how I made the mirror after all! I’m glad I took pictures! I’m so bad about starting a project and getting so into it that I forget to pick up the camera.
Patricia says
I shall try this. I especially like it hanging in front of a mirror. It may not last long in an Australian summer but the airconditioning and a water spray could keep intgoing.
PS I shall use grevillea – an Australian native.
Tricia SimplicityInTheSouth says
I just googled grevillea and it looks like a beautiful plant. There are so many different variations! I bet it would make a stunning wreath!
K @ Shift Ctrl ART says
It looks absolutely gorgeous. Love it. I love to make boxwood wreaths too. It’s a little time consuming, but looks so great. And keeps for a long time too.
Tricia SimplicityInTheSouth says
It’s good to hear that it should last! Yes, they can be time consuming. I’d love to find something faux at the craft store that I could use year after year. That would be ideal!
Candy Vaughn says
Ooohhh!!! I’m going to have to take a walk around my hood and see if any of my neighbors need some trimming done! I think we have some boxwoods but they are overgrown (previous owners fault) & don’t have great foliage. I will definitely be planting some in the spring.
P.S. Great tutorial!
Tricia SimplicityInTheSouth says
Thanks Candy!
Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says
This is stunning! I’ll be featuring it later today.
XO
Tricia says
I’m so flattered that you featured my wreath tutorial! Thank you so much, Kristin!
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says
This is really pretty. I’ve been looking all over for boxwood wreaths and can’t find any. Maybe because I live up north? I would love to make some if I can find the boxwood! Thanks for sharing your tutorial. I’m pinning it!
Denise says
so pretty!!!! This is one of the very reasons we planted lots of boxwood in our yard….and I have yet to actually make a wreath. 😉 Thanks for sharing your tutorial, I hope to finally make one!
Tricia says
Thanks! My husband is a landscaper, so when I told him that I was going to trim our boxwood topiary for my wreath, he promptly gave me the stink eye. I’m glad I didn’t butcher it!
Sara says
Love the wreath! I am going to try it! I also LOVE that mirror! Wow! Do you have a tutorial on how to make?
Tricia says
I don’t have a tutorial yet, but since it’s been requested a few times, I’ll will have one up after the holidays. Thank you!
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