Add Photo to Journal
|
|
| Photo Credit: Jennifer Bradley Lenet |
| Cotoneaster berries add wonderful color and interest to swags. |
Does your front door look a little too drab to greet all your holiday guests? Well, dress it up with a festive swag that you can make in minutes with plants from your garden!
This particular design is based on a 1- to 2-foot-long tree branch, which is combined with other materials (like cotoneaster, holly or baby’s breath) for a festive touch. Add a red velvet bow, a pinecone or two, and you’ve got beautiful swag to hang on your door that’ll invite everyone over with seasonal cheer. To start, head outside and find a good tree branch for the base (and bring a bucket of water with you to stow your cuttings so they stay fresh). Pine (Pinus), California pepper (Schinus molle), redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) or cypress (Cupressus) are great choices for swags. Before trimming off the branch, keep in mind the size of your door – then cut the length that complements your entryway. (Be sure to prune only the hidden branches in the back of the tree or those in overgrown areas so your landscape stays lovely.) While you’re outside, don’t forget to grab some accent plant materials for your swag. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) or Cotoneaster both have great red berries and make beautiful choices to pair up with pine, redwood or cypress. And California pepper’s pink berries are great if you want to incorporate some pastels. (If you won’t be making your swag for a few hours after you collect your cuttings, be sure to keep your bucket in a nice, shady spot and spray them down with water to keep them looking their best.) - Next, collect all the other tools and materials you’ll need for the project:
- A large, festive waterproof bow
- Heavy-gauge wire (24-gauge or higher) for wiring your swag together
- Wire cutters
- Any accent touches, like jingle bells or pinecones
|