DIY Holiday Swag

Today I'm excited to share a DIY Christmas project that I did to dress up the window in my kitchen. You may remember some Christmas Inspiration that I posted here, {this one is originally from Good Housekeeping}well I decided to make this swag myself. Right before we headed back home after Thanksgiving, my mom and I raided their yard for evergreen branches of magnolia leaves, cryptomeria, another that looks very similar to holly, and a few more from my own yard. Here is what I came up with.

Here is how I did it. I promise it was easy and if I can do it, then you can too!

I started by taking the longest branches, cryptomeria {the one that looks like short pine needles}, and bundling them together. I added a few short magnolia branch clippings on top of this. When I first started, I used a piece of twine hoping that would tie it all together. I quickly realized I would need florist wire, so I went out and bought some of that and it made it so much easier. I kept the jute underneath for more reinforcement. 

Then, I attached some shorter, smaller clippings at the top. After I had the greenery in place, I strung four ornaments onto the same wire and attached it to the wire on the greenery. I left some give in the wire so I could move the ornments around slightly to where I wanted them. As you can see, I started out with a turquoise ribbon but decided later that a simple red was what I wanted.

At this point, I liked how it looked! I used the jute already on the swag to make a small loop that would allow me to hang it. I used a Command Hook on the glass of the window, which will be nice when it comes down later in December. Another tip: Assemble and hang your swag without worrying about the branches looking even on each side. You can always clip branches here and there if one side looks longer/wider than another.

I think it looks pretty good for being totally free, with the exception of the florist wire! It is a great way to bring fresh greenery into your home, in a modern way and unexpected place. So far, it has been up  for one week and the greenery still looks nice and fresh! I also found a great holiday party to link this up to here, with tons of holiday copycat ideas. Very inspiring for the holidays!

Ps- Did you notice my zebra rug? I absolutely LOVE it. 

And....did you notice the new look for my blog? I am loving it. Lindsey from Sweet Simplicity worked some magic in just a little less than a week. How fabulous! I majored in fashion, so design is very important to me...and I am one happy girl right now. Happy Birthday Present: to me-from me! 

Hope y'all are having a fabulous weekend!! xo

Check out this project here: