Do you appreciate a good dupe or knock-off at the fraction of the cost of the original? Well, who doesn’t right? That’s exactly what we are going to do today with this Anthropologie inspired black boughs garland. As soon as I saw this pretty come through my feed, I knew it was totally MaryJo coded. I loved the look, but not the price tag so much. I will share a technique to reproduce the look easily and economically.
This creepy garland with all the organic touches I love immediately when I saw it. This knock-off project is easy, economical and looks fantastic. More than enjoying the crafting process for myself, I love, love to share craftiness with others who enjoy it too. Please join me as we get crafty together.
The Gist
The Anthropologie Cascading Black Boughs Garland Look at a Fraction of the Cost
> Use high end pieces to inspire and recreate the look you are going for at a fraction of the cost
> Step by step guide to reproduce the Anthropologie Halloween cascading bough garland design
> > Discover tips and recommendations for crafting at home
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Inspiration Behind the LED Cascading Boughs Garland Dupe DIY
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…
I wanted this creepy garland with all the organic touches I love so much as soon as I laid eyes on it. Upon further inspection, I realized it was a bit on the spendy side for a Halloween decoration, which has a shortish display window. So I zoomed in and looked at it closely and you know what my immediate thought was. I can make that!
Plus, if you read my Trends and Forecasts in the September newsletter, you would have seen that botanical elements in a creepy, dark and overgrown manner are on trend for Halloween this year. And here we are.
How to Duplicate the Fabulous Anthropologie Black Cascading Boughs Garland Look
With some supplies from the Dollar Tree and some black paint you can create this beauty easily. You can also pick up some old greenery at thrifts and garage sales to assemble the look if you stumble upon pieces which just need some TLC with creativity and imagination.
MJ Insider Craft Pro Tip:
Read all the instructions through once & then re-read everything again, familiarizing yourself with everything you need. By knowing what to expect avoids any surprises during a project, preventing unnecessary stress.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Prep Project
- Read instructions thoroughly
- Assemble all supplies
- Remove all tags and stickers from greenery
- Organize picks by style, making two piles (basic stems & cascading stems)
Create Garland Base
- Take one basic greenery pick and layer it on another basic pick facing the same way and overlapping to hide the stem, only displaying the greenery
- Attach both picks using floral wire so they remain together
- Repeat the above steps using 6 consecutive greenery picks
- Create another set of 6 picks using the above process
- Join both sets of 6 picks together in the middle of garland facing opposite ways, using floral wire
Attach Cascading Boughs
- Layout full greenery base and position hanging boughs to hang across garland starting in the center
- Starting in the middle of garland attach a cascading pick with floral wire so it drapes down from base garland
- A few inches from cascading pick above add another cascading bough with more floral wire
- Repeat above steps to add all 6 cascading boughs across garland
- Make sure all the stems and boughs are attached firmly- I gave my garland a gentle shake
Paint Garland
- Take your garland outside and lay it out flat
- Apply a liberal coat of black spray paint over the entire garland, making sure to reach into all the nooks and crannies as much as possible
- Once first side of garland is fully dry flip entire piece over
- Apply a liberal coat of black spray paint over the other side of garland, making sure to reach into all the nooks and crannies as much as possible
- Once second side of garland is fully dry add another coat on both sides allowing to dry fully between sides
- Fully inspect garland and add paint in any bare spots that are not fully black
- Set aside and allow to dry fully- If you have the time, setting aside overnight to fully cure is recommended
Add Lights
- Once entire garland is fully dry, start at one end and wrap LED lights around stems, reaching the center
- Repeat above step on other side of garland
- Turn on lights and adjust placement so it’s spread evenly across entire garland – depending on how long your garland is, you might need more sets of lights
- Using pipe cleaners attach battery pack on an end of garland where it’s hidden yet accessible to turn on & off
Display, Decorate and Enjoy
- Drape your amazing cascading garland on your mantel shelf
- Fluff and make sure it’s attached properly
- Decorate around garland to create an amazing display
- Voila! Enjoy your dupe at a fraction of the cost
MJ Insider Crafting Pro Tip:
Do not stress over different colored greenery and mismatched picks since you will spray all of it with black paint, making it match with a cohesive look
Tips & Recommendations to Keep in Mind
Mismatched Greenery
Since you will be spray painting the entire piece you can pick up greenery of any color. My basic greenery picks and the cascading picks I used were different colors to start, but in the end it did not matter. Focus on the shape and size of the greenery to achieve the full cascading look.
Paint is a Magic Wand
The black paint brings this entire garland dupe together seamlessly. Paint transforms so many pieces and it’s truly a magic wand for crafters and DIYers. I opted for black paint to achieve the same look as the inspiration piece but you can also do a deep green or aubergine or purple depending on your Halloween decor preferences. Make it yours!
Size Matters
You can make this as long or short as you like, depending on where you want to place it or how you want to use it. I’m using this for my mantel display, but it can also sit around a cabinet or hang on a doorway or room opening. The original Anthropologie piece is 9-feet long but mine is slightly longer than 6-feet. Use more or less greenery picks based on the size you would like to achieve.
Light it Up!
The original piece requires a plug for the LED lights. I chose to use battery operated lights instead for ease of use and placement. This way you don’t have to worry about having an outlet nearby and can decorate anywhere to your heart’s content. Just make sure the power switch is accessible on the battery pack for easy on and off use.
MJ Insider Crafting Pro Tip:
Creativity improves our mental health by elevating our mood, lowering anxiety and reducing stress. By regulating our emotions through creative endeavors provides a sense of control and empowerment. Not only does it make us feel better, but it also makes our homes look amazing.
PSA…
Count down to Halloween…
Just saying…
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More High End Dupes
Fake it ~ ’til you make it! Get the look…
ANTHROPOLOGIE ~ BALLARD DESIGNS ~ MACKENZIE CHILDS ~ POTTERY BARN ~ TERRAIN ~ WAKEFIELD POTTERY ~ WEDGWOOD
Side by Side Comparison of the Anthropologie Halloween Cascading Boughs Garland Dupe
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Closing Thoughts ~ Conclusion to the Anthro Garland Dupe DIY
So… the original Anthro garland retails for close to $140, while my dupe cost less than $30. I’m not mad about that. I absolutely love the way it looks AND I don’t have to deal with a plug since there isn’t an outlet close by nor do I have to deal with an unsightly electrical cord. I think it’s a major design flaw on Anthro’s part, but nobody is asking me. That’s why creating your own seasonal decor is a better way to go.
What do you think? Let me know if you give this a try. I would love to see your version. Happy crafting! Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope to see you again soon. It’s always lovely having you here.
Au revoir!
Q & A – Anthropologie Cascading Boughs Garland Dupe DIY
Q1. What is the best type of greenery to use for the Anthropologie Halloween garland dupe?
A1.You’re in luck. Various types of greenery can work for this project. Use bushy, full greenery to create the base, then use trailing greenery for the hanging boughs. Look for affordable, used greenery at thrifts, garage and estate sales. The black paint will work its magic like a magic wand creating a cohesive look. I have also included some options in the shopping section below for your convenience.
Q2. Can I use a different color besides black?
A2. Absolutely! Although black is a classic look for Halloween decor, you can use deep purple, swamp green, rust or any color that fits into your Halloween aesthetic. Make it yours!
Q3. Where can I display the black boughs cascading Halloween Garland?
A3. There is no right or wrong way to display the Halloween garland in your home. Use it on a mantel shelf as I did here, or drape it around a door opening or use it across a cabinet or buffet table. The possibilities are truly endless. I’m thinking it would also make a great centerpiece for a Halloween tablescape. Have fun with it!
Get the Halloween Garland High End Dupe Look
- Artificial Pine Needles Branches
- Artificial Weeping Willow
- Fairy Lights Battery Operated 7ft 20 LED Mini String Lights
- Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint, Ultra Matte Black
- Floral Wire 22 Gauge Flexible Paddle Wire,Black
- Black Pipe Cleaners Chenille Stems
- Craft Scissors
Don’t forget to Pin It and save for later. You never know when inspiration will strike!
For more inspiration follow me on Pinterest.
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The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”
W.B. Yeats
Great idea, MaryJo and such fun to make and hang. I love that you get to choose the greenery and design the garland to suit your space. this is definitely going on my list of things to try. Have a great week.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Thanks Lynne. Please let me know if you give it a go. I would love to see your take on it. Please share. XO- MJ