You can buy all sorts of artificial pine garlands – or you can make your own. The video below demonstrates how to make pine garland in a few simple steps.
2 Ways to Make a Rustic, Natural-Looking Holiday Garland
1. Fabricate a Swag Using Artificial Greenery
Gather various types of faux greenery to design one-of-a-kind holiday decor that will long outlast living branches. Use it again year after year for quick and easy decorating. In other words, make a one-time investment and then enjoy free decorations thereafter.
How to Make Pine Tree Garland with Faux Pine Boughs
Artificial greenery can appear surprisingly real, especially when you combine multiple sizes, colors and textures. Furthermore, unique, homemade garlands and wreaths can carry a more natural and unrefined look.
In other words, don’t be afraid of using the fake stuff. Not to mention, it’s easier to piece artificial branches together and less messy. =)
Note: If you don’t want to miss out on the fresh pine scent of live branches, consider getting a balsam & cedar scented candle or sprinkling fir needle essential oil.
I actually use a diffuser with the oil, which helps to spread the forest-like fragrance around the room.
Artificial Pine Branches:
I’ve listed a few ideas below for faux branches when designing your own decor. In addition, you may want to start with a cheap, plain pine rope to use as a backdrop, create structure and add fullness to your garland.
Also, don’t forget to add pinecones, berries and other Christmas-like decor to add texture, color to your greenery.
Plus, variety makes a pine tree garland more interesting, right?
- Artificial Pine Branches
- Faux Pine Needles
- Evergreen Pine Branches
Three Little-Known Tips for Crafting Faux Pine Garlands:
- Texture and Realism:
- To add authenticity to your faux garland, mix different types of faux pine branches. Combine traditional green branches with frosted or snow-dusted varieties for texture and depth. The interplay of colors and feels will make your garland look remarkably realistic.
- Hidden Wire Framework:
- Reinforce your garland’s structure by creating a hidden wire configuration. Start by shaping a basic wire form in the desired length and shape of your garland. Attach your faux pine branches securely to this wire base. This not only adds stability but also allows you to easily adjust the garland’s shape to fit your mantel.
- Faux Fruit and Berries:
- For a delightful twist, add faux fruit and berries to your assemblage. These pops of color create a festive and inviting look. You can even opt for scented faux fruits to infuse a pleasant holiday aroma into your space.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Crafting a Faux Garland for Your Fireplace Mantel
Materials Needed:
- Faux pine branches of your choice
- Wire garland base
- Faux fruit and berries
- Floral wire
- Wire cutters
- Ribbon or bows
- Optional: pinecones, ornaments, or lights
1: Prepare Your Workspace
- Lay out your materials and clear a workspace with enough room to create your garland comfortably.
2: Create the Base:
- Start by shaping your wire garland base to the desired length and form. This serves as the structure for your garland.
3: Attach Pine Branches:
- Secure the faux pine branches to the wire base using floral wire. First, attach the twig stems to the wire base, working in one direction. Then, overlap the branches slightly for a natural look.
4: Add Texture:
- Introduce different types of faux pine needles, such as those with frosted tips or snow-dusted details, to create textural contrast. And don’t be afraid to add in non-traditional greenery like palm fronds (a method used by designer Kelly Wearstler).
5: Incorporate Faux Fruit and Berries:
- Using floral wire, connect the fruit accessories at intervals along the garland. This adds pops of color and a touch of festive charm.
6: Enhance with Accessories:
- If desired, incorporate pinecones, ornaments or even small LED lights into your garland for extra flair.
7: Secure and Shape:
- Check that all elements are securely attached to the garland. Then, gently shape the garland to fit the contour of your mantel. Balsam Hill also recommends fluffing the branches to add volume by pulling the branch tipa away from the spine.
8: Final Flourish:
- Lastly, add bows or ribbon bows at strategic points along the garland. These can be tied directly onto the wire base.
With your newly crafted faux pine garland, you can now adorn your fireplace mantel with a touch of holiday magic. This garland not only adds festive cheer but also showcases your creative flair.
2. Assemble a Garland with Live Branches & Twigs
On the other hand, you can build a garland out of live boughs. Collect them from your backyard or buy them online (there are surprisingly many to choose from). Plus, enjoy the fresh scent of pine throughout the holidays.
Below, I show you where to find supplies and materials for your homemade garlands. Make them as simple or as ornate as you want. You can add ornaments, ribbon and string lights for color.
Or try cinnamon sticks for a distinctive scent. Or personalize your garland with unique items like wine corks, giant snowflakes or small toys.
Note: By the way, if you like the look of flocked pine branches, you can add your own snow after you construct your garland. Visit this page for DIY snow instructions.
How to Make a Live Pine Garland
Create a rustic, yet designer-looking garland out of real branches, twigs, leaves and berries from your own backyard. I mean, if you have free supplies right outside your door, why not use them?
You get the enjoyment of gathering the fresh pine branches yourself, plus you get the fresh scent that comes along with live greenery! In addition, you can make unique, inexpensive holiday gifts for friends that they will really appreciate.
So what if you want to create a garland using fresh branches, but you don’t have trees in your backyard? You can actually buy real pine branches online. (Who knew, right?)
How to Hang a Garland Around a Front Door:
Some people simply use staples to hang their garlands outdoors. However, if you don’t want to damage your door or the exterior of your home, I have 2 easy ideas.
First of all, you can use command hooks. Get ones that can hold the weight of your greenery and are designed for outdoor use (water resistant).
Second, you can use a front door garland hanger. These sturdy pieces of hardware can cost upwards of $70, but I found one for about $49.
You don’t need nails or screws, and the hanger adjusts to different door widths. It makes hanging a door garland virtually effortless. (Not to mention, professional-looking!)