Every year I look forward to browsing all the holiday catalogs for decor inspiration. I just get lost in the beauty of the pages every time! Several years ago I spotted the most beautiful winter pinecone garland in a Ballard Designs magazine but it was a display only and not available for purchase. It was almost as if it was beckoning me to at least give it a DIY try. AND this DIY = free. (Or close to free!) So, thanks, Ballard! Challenge Accepted! ;)
I actually put this together last year and I don't have any step-by-step photos during the process, but I promise this is a really simple project! I will do my best to explain exactly how I got this look so you can make one, too!
What You'll Need:
• Pinecones - I gathered mine out of the woods in our backyard so these were free! You can also purchase them at your local floral supply or hardware store. I used about 30 for mine, but you could use up to 60-80 for a six-foot section depending on how full you want your garland to be.
• Craft Wire
• Ribbon or Moss Covered Heavy Twine
The first thing I did was choose my ribbon base and stretch it out a few feet longer than my desired garland length. (You can also use a heavy moss covered twine in place of ribbon!) Then I cut several long pieces of craft wire (about 1-2 feet long) and placed them along my ribbon at equal increments. My pinecone bundles are about 3 or 4 inches apart. I used this technique so I could visually plan out the placement of the pinecones on my garland. You can customize this to your own taste and string your pinecones as close together or as far apart as desired!
My next step was to twist my wire several times to my base ribbon.
Then, to secure my pinecones I started wrapping one wire end around the base of each pinecone. (Working the wire up into the layer so it's hidden.) I bundled my pinecones in sets of three and worked my way across the garland from left-to-right. Once the first pinecone is wrapped by the wire a few times, I just started on the second and then the third one to complete the bundle. Since there are two pieces of wire at each increment, I used the same wrapping method with the second piece of wire, just working in the opposite direction to secure the entire bundle together.
This is what the bundles look like when complete! The wire is so thin it's barely visible when displayed. And the more pinecones you use, the more the wire will be hidden!
This is such an easy an inexpensive project and it can be customized in so many ways! You could use scented pinecones for a special twist or add cranberries or greenery for a more festive and colorful look. I enjoy the simplicity and beauty of the pinecones by themselves and I love that it's a beautiful piece of decor that can stand alone throughout many different seasons.
I hope this inspires you to give this project a try! I have so much fun gathering natural elements to use in our home. It's a great project to do with the kids, as well. And a great opportunity to get outside and go on a nature walk!
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.. & Happy DIY-ing! -Lauren
