organic Christmas wreath DIY

Dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries and pine cones give this fresh cedar garland wreath all the organic feels. This was a fairly easy and inexpensive project. Come on in, and let me show you how you can put together this organic Christmas wreath DIY in an afternoon.

The base is a fresh cedar garland I picked up at a local grocery store, which is also readily available at most tree farms and home improvements stores. Layered organic elements dress up the wreath, crowned with pretty ribbons. Viola!

pieces of an organic Christmas wreath

Here is a list of the materials used to created this organic Christmas wreath. The elements can certainly be altered to items that speak to you.

• Fresh cedar garland {usually 5-6 feet long}
• Wispy branch wreath form
• Dried orange slices {process below}
• Star anise
• Fresh cranberries
• Cinnamon sticks
• Small pine cones

At the end of the season I will discard the cedar garland and cranberries. Everything else can be saved for a later further use. I already have an idea for the wispy branch wreath form for a project next spring.

process of the organic Christmas wreath DIY

Start by attaching the greenery garland to the wispy wreath form using floral wire. My garland came zip tied in a circle form. I just kept the basic shape and used the floral wire to secure it to the wispy wreath form plus coral any unruly branches. Once I had it secured, I cut away the zip ties.

Next lay out all organic elements on the wreath to arrange placement and general composition. Once you are happy with the placement and composition, simply hot glue all the pieces together and to the wreath.

Once the glue has dried, attach a pretty ribbon. I used a mix of three thin ribbons in the cream, tan and black color palette. I tied all three ribbons in a knot in the middle with long strands. A small piece of twine attaches the ribbon to the wreath. All you have to do now, is hang the wreath and enjoy.

styling the organic Christmas wreath

The organic Christmas wreath hangs on our front door. This is the first time our Dutch door has dressed up for the Christmas season. If you are new around here, you can read all about the door we had installed earlier in the year here {a new Dutch door front entry}.

I usually hang a fresh wreath from the Christmas tree lot, which are really pretty and natural. But this year I wanted something special in honor of the Dutch door. Dutch doors give me cottage vibes, so I thought an organic homemade wreath was the perfect crown for our Christmas entry.

details about the organic Christmas wreath DIY

The star anise, pine cones and cranberries I just used as they are. Bundle the cinnamon sticks together in groups of three, tied together with a piece of twine.

The orange slices I dried in the oven. Simply slice oranges evenly. I used a mandolin for this step but it’s not necessary. On a parchment lined cookie sheet the orange slices are arranged individually on cookie racks. Bake at 200 degrees for 4 to 5 hours.

When done, remove the orange slices from the oven and allow to come to room temperature. They can be stored in a Ziploc bag for different projects.

I love the organic feels the orange slices provide on this wreath. The orange slices can be used in so many other ways for seasonal decor. I love them in garlands and used as ornaments as well.

Nature is such a great foil and one of my favorite ways to decorate. The possibilities are endless.

“The beauty of the natural world lies in the details.”

Natalie Angiier

---

shared @ between naps on the porch