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TIP: Avoid using Spruce for indoor wreaths as they tend to drop their needles quickly.

Get into the holiday spirit by making your own fresh cut wreaths. Easy to do, all you need are few basic supplies and a bundle of fresh-cut evergreens branches.

Supplies you will need:

• Pruning shears
• Wreath frame 15 inches
• No. 22 wire or 24 and/or strong twine (binding greens)
• No. 20 wire (binding accents)
• Cones, berried branches, ribbon, etc.
• Fresh greens (harvest yourself if possible), other wise purchase fresh-cut greens.

Instructions:

1. Start with a wreath frame. You can purchase wreath forms from a floral or craft store, or construct your own.
2. Cut evergreens into 4 6-inch lengths. For bulky evergreen such as pine, strip the lower 1 inch of needles to create a stem. Using tow or more evergreen varieties will give your wreath a fuller look with contrasting shades of green. 
3. Lay three of the cut evergreen lengths on the frame with the tips facing backwards. 
4. Secure the wire to the frame adjacent to the evergreens, wrap, and bind the cut ends of the evergreens by wrap 3-4 turns with the wire. Secure the wire.
5. Lay three more lengths of evergreens and repeat overlapping the first set much like shingles on a roof.
6. Continue until you completely cover the wreath form with fresh-cut evergreens. To finish attaching the greens, hold back the first sprigs and bind the last bundle. This prevents binding down the tops of the first sprigs. 
7. Add sprigs of ornamental broadleaf cutting by wrapping no. 20 wire around the stem first, then threading the wire through the evergreen and securing to the wreath form. 
8. Finish by adding cones, berries, bows, and ribbons.

At the end of the season, remove dried evergreens from your wreath form; clean the form with soap and water, let dry and store to use again. Fresh-cut wreaths are not only for Christmas, you can craft fresh wreaths during the year using a variety of fresh materials such as Boxwood, Hydrangea flowers, ornamental grasses, juniper sprigs and Privet.

Where to Buy Wreaths Online:

Farm Fresh Living: Sustainably grown, fresh-cut wreaths made from Oregon evergreens, delivered to your door.

Stargazer Perennials: Fresh-cut Christmas wreaths in twelve styles, free shipping during the holiday season.

Floral Decor: Fresh Holiday Wreath in over thirty styles delivered fresh.