Make your own Christmas wreath

A homemade Christmas wreath is a beautiful thing to behold and they are simpler to make than you might imagine. Here is our step-by-step guide…

1Secure some of the reel wire around the wreath frame - this will anchor it as you start to build up the moss. Push sections of moss about the size of your hand into the frame, securing each chunk with 3-4 wraps of reel wire. This is the base of the wreath and it is worth making it as sturdy as possible. Continue until you have filled the frame, securing each piece of moss as you go. Do not cut the wire.

2Put the wreath to one side and begin to cut stems from both eucalyptus plants - you want the pieces 10-15cm long. Mix the stems together and bind 5-6 into a little bunch. Secure this tightly with reel wire (from the other reel). Make 6-7 bunches (more if yours are smaller). Then attach each bunch to your wreath, fixing it in place by wrapping the reel wire around it to secure. With the next bunch, cover the previous stems to hide the join. Try to keep the bunches facing slightly outward - you want to maintain the whole in the middle. Cut and secure the reel wire when finished.

3When you have secured the bunches check the shape (you can always add smaller bunches if you have gaps). Decide on a centre and then loop a yard of ribbon through the centre and knot it at the end. Carefully turn your wreath over and secure the knot at the back of the wreath with pins (hair pins will do). Turn your wreath over again and cut another yard length and tie a bow at the front and centre.

4Depending on your choice of foliage, you need to secure the smaller pieces. If you are using single stems, secure the wire around it, leaving two prongs to help you wrap it from front to back. If you are using little bunches of foliage, first secure them together and then add another piece of wire to help fix them to the wreath. 5Keep standing back and looking at your wreath from a distance - this will help with the composition. Keep adding foliage until you are satisfied and make sure to keep the integral circular shape.

YOU WILL NEED

Wire Wreath Frame Scissors/wire cutters 2 x Reel Wire Moss Ribbon

EXAMPLE FOLIAGE

(either sourced from your garden or from a florist or craft store): Winter Berries Blue Eucalyptus Pine Cones, Leaves & Branches Holly Regular or Variegated Ivy Orange, Lemon or Lime Slices Cinnamon Sticks