If like me you love a forest walk and a festive forage, you should have a nice collection gathered by now. I love building up a little stash, and keeping it cool in my shed, and then spending an afternoon making wreaths and basically faffing with foliage.
This is a simple, sustainable and very cost effective way of creating seasonal decor for your home, both inside and out. All you need to create a simple wreath is ivy and then the magic happens once you start adding your own additions such as ribbons, berries, ornaments etc
Why Ivy?
As far as I’m concerned ivy vines are absolute gold. They are so beautiful and so ready available, either in your garden or local woodland. It grows so fast too. I’m sure if you see some in your neighbours garden, they will be more than happy for you to take it. But please ask first! And, as always with foraging, make sure you only take what you need.
What you’ll need to create the wreath:
- Ivy vines
- Scissors or secateurs
- Twine or floral wire
- Optional: natural adornments like pine cones, holly berries, lichen covered twigs, ornaments
How to make your Ivy Vine Wreath
Step 1: Picking and Prepping the Ivy
I prefer to pick my ivy over the course of a few days and store it in a bucket in my shed, or even outside. I don’t tend to put it in water as I usually use it up quickly. Preferably choose the long tendrils of ivy as they save you a lot of time and effort. If you are making a wreath for indoors I lay the ivy in my bath in the morning … so as to encourage all the bugs to evict the ivy, before I start working with it.
Step 2: Creating the Wreath
This is the fun bit and could not be easier, especially if you have one long piece of ivy. If not, start with the longest piece you have and create a circular wreath shape. All you do then is weave the lengths of ivy in and around each other to form a sturdier wreath base. If your ivy tendrils are quite thick you may need to use some small lengths of wire to hold in place. Keep going until the wreath is as lush as you want it. Simple sparse wreaths can also look really pretty too. As with anything you are making, you do you. That’s the joy of handmade, you make it in your style and in whatever way brings you joy.
Step 3: Add Natural Accents/Ornaments (Optional)
Another fun bit. This is where you can get creative! You can add a few small natural accents like holly branches and berries, evergreen foliage, pinecones, berries, or even cinnamon sticks, apple/orange slices for a cozy, seasonal vibe. These can all be attached using fine wire. In addition you can add christmas ornaments, bells or even signs. Of course it’s not a wreath without a ribbon and this year, the bow is the ultimate christmas accessory. There’s so much choice. Play around with different things until you find something you are happy with.
Step 5: Hang and Enjoy
Once your wreath is complete, find the perfect spot to display it! You can hang it on your front door, above the mantel, or even use it as a centrepiece for your table. For wreaths indoors, try to avoid making them too early as they will dry out. You can of course spritz them water each day. Ideally hand them away from a direct heat source too.
A Few Tips for Sustainability:
- If you’re using fresh ivy, try to take just a small amount from your garden or ask the land owners permission. Leave the rest to grow naturally.
- After Christmas, recycle the wreath by composting the ivy or reusing the form for future wreaths.
- Avoid buying “new” and try to use old ornaments, ribbons etc to decorate your wreath
That’s it! A simple, sustainable, and natural wreath made from ivy vines—perfect for adding a touch of greenery to your home. I love that this project is eco-friendly and reminds us to slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Now, go ahead and make this wreath your own, and don’t forget to share your creations with me—I can’t wait to see how you bring the outdoors in this season!
Happy making!
If you think you know someone who would like this please do share it with them. Thank you so much.
