Happy Holidays, y’all! I’m going to let you in on a #ToanTribe Christmas tradition: making holiday swag on the cheap. It’s no secret this is one of my favorite times of the year — gathering loved ones, DIY projects galore and blaring my favorite yuletide tune (Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”).
I’m gonna be real. I’m not a big fan of fake trees. I prefer a lively evergreen in my abode and the perfect smell of pine permeating my apartment.
But I don’t get a real Christmas tree every year. It depends on my mood and what I’m going through in my life or whether or not I’ll be home for the holidays.
But one thing I do love is the smell of pine coming through my abode every holiday!
Making holiday swag is a perfect remedy to pick up your mood, tree or not.
And… it’s super easy and inexpensive.
Depending on how grandiose you want your swag to be, here are the materials you’ll need:
1. Three to six branches. Use any evergreen plant you wish: spruce, noble fir, whatever you want!
2. Floral wire or rubber bands
3. Pruning shears
4. A ribbon or bow
5. Decorations of your choice (recycle and reuse what you have).
Before we start, here’s a ninja savings tip: Don’t buy the branches. Go to your local tree lot or home improvement store such as Lowe’s or Home Depot and ask if they have any extra. Don’t be a Grinch. Say “please” and “thank you.” They’ll be happy to give you their leftover branches for free!
Step 1: Build the Base
Put the larger branches on the bottom and layer on top.
Gather all the branches in one hand and rubber band them together.
Then, use your floral wire to secure the ends.
Clip ends together neatly.
Optional: Make a loop with the floral wire so it’s easy to hang on your door or fireplace.
Step 2: Add Accents and Decorations
Gather your fave decorations and wire them into the branches. Secure them tightly so they don’t fall off. You can show your swagger by decorating the swag with your favorite decorations you’ve collected!
Step 3: Take a Bow With a Bow!
You did it, now secure the bow tightly to the top of the swag.
Voila! You’ve made your first swag, boo!
You can hang the swag anywhere: your door, your fireplace or just lay it on the table. Sharing is caring, so I like to make some for friends and surprise them.
Here’s one I made for Ed and Ann.
Enjoy the festive sights and smells! If you are inspired to make a swag, please share in the comments below or tag us @goinspirego #StyleYourSpirit
Happy Holidays!
xx
Toan