Sunday, December 4, 2011

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:





9 comments:

Kate @ Daffodils said...

That zebra rug is too much, I love it! And very chic new look, well done! I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Kim @ keller-creative said...

Your zebra rug is the cutest!

Kathy said...

Found your blog through Debbie's link up party.
I love your evergreen swag but the zebra rug is one of the cutest things I have ever seen;-)

Debbiedoos said...

Katie it is gorgeous. Love that rug how whimsical and festive. Glad you joined the party, if you could just add my cute little button that would be fantastic!

Hilliary Meisner said...

I am loving the Zebra rug! To cute! Hope you had a wonderful weekend, and hope Monday is going well!

henning love said...

you are so creative! i love it and where the heck did you get your zebra rug? it is fabulous!

natasha {schue love} said...

The holiday swag looks great!!! Definitely a simple and chic way to dress up the window!

pam {simple details} said...

That zebra rug is so fun! Wish we had magnolia trees in CO, your swag is so pretty!

Unknown said...

Love the fresh greens and the ornaments add some bling! Simple, authentic and festive.