DIY COLOURFUL SNOWFLAKE WREATH
Christmas DIY: How To Make A Vibrant Garland – A Collaboration with Interflora
Remember last week we were talking about switching up those classic Christmas colours for something a little more bright? Well our ‘Merry & Bright’ inspiration board was such a success that we just know you’re going to love this beautiful Christmas garland DIY! So If you simply cannot face unpacking those same old gold, red and green Christmas decorations again this year, why not plan a departure from the traditional and lift your mood with a bold and beautiful colour scheme instead? Vibrant, fun and fabulously festive, a jewel-coloured scheme will take you from Christmas into the New Year party season. Whether positioned pride of place on your mantelpiece or used to decorate a bannister, it’s sure to be a cheery sight all throughout the Christmas period!
You Will Need:
♥ A Foam garland ♥ A selection of Christmas foliage including spruce and holly ♥ Red cordyline ♥ Green hypericum berries ♥ Cerise mini gerbera ♥ Orange carnations ♥ Green pine cone picks ♥ A selection of mini baubles ♥ Dried oranges ♥ Florist’s wire ♥ Scissors ♥ Skewers ♥ A stapler
Step 1: Before you begin, measure the space you would like to display the finished design and cut the foam garland to size.
Step 2: Immerse the foam garland in water until completely soaked, then place on a protected work surface, ready to get started. Using a pair of sharp scissors cut off sprigs of spruce approximately 7 inches in length and insert into the foam at a slight angle. We recommend removing at least an inch of pine needles at the stem so that you can push the spruce easily into the foam.
TOP TIP: To reduce the cost of making your own Christmas decorations, why not use seasonal foliage from your own garden?
Repeat with the holly until the surface of the garland is well covered and there are no gaps where the foam is visible.
Step 3: Next, carefully move the garland to the place where you want to display it. It will be much easier to complete the design from here.
TOP TIP: If the garland is going to sit on a mantelpiece, it’s best to put down a layer of clear cellophane to protect the surface from any water spillages.
With the garland in situ, use skewers to insert the whole dried oranges into place.
Step 4: Next, cut the pine cone picks short and insert them into the garland.
TOP TIP: Pine cone picks are readily available at most Interflora florists shops at this time of year however if you want to make your own, why not gather fallen cones from the garden, spray paint them your favourite colour and secure them into place using florists wire?
Step 5: To add the Christmas decorations, thread miniature baubles on to strong wire and twist to group them together, then insert into the garland.
Step 6: Next cut the gerbera, carnations and orchids at an angle and insert into the foam evenly along the design.
TOP TIP: Both of these flower varieties are available in a spectrum of colours so why not be daring and go for shades of lime green, hot pink and zesty orange.
Step 7: Try grouping clusters of two or three flowers together for visual impact and use the hypericum berries to plug any gaps.
Step 8: Continue to do this until you’re happy with the placement of all of the flowers, oranges and Christmas decorations.
Step 9: To finish the design loop the cordyline leaves in your hands, secure with a staple and push into the foam.
Step 10: Admire your beautiful handy work!
TOP TIP: Keep your garland looking fresh by regularly misting it with water. If kept in the right conditions the flowers and foliage should be long lasting, however you can always replace any as they get past their best.
Rather leave it to the experts?
With Interflora’s Designed to Order service one of our expert florists can take your brief and create something truly unique, either for your home or as a gift, based on favourite flowers, colours or style and budget!
Happy holidays you lovely lot!
Much Bespoke Love
Jess x
