How to Make a Boxwood Wreath

This will be our fifth winter living in our bungalow (oh, how the time flies 🙂 ).  During each of the previous winter seasons, I’ve placed a synthetic green wreath on the front door both for the convenience and longevity of it.  (Not to mention that our focus these past few years has been on acquiring essentials for the home such as furniture and appliances!)  That being said, using a quality faux wreath has been a quick and easy way for me to prepare the rest of the house for Christmas. And with so many pretty synthetic wreaths these days, it is getting to the point that it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish the real from the faux!

But now that we’ve begun to settle into the home – five seasons later 🙂 – I’ve been itching to create some fresh wreaths for our front door. Despite the convenience and longevity of synthetic wreaths, there is nothing quite like having a fresh arrangement to greet friends and family at the door.

This winter, I decided to make a boxwood wreath. I’ve always adored boxwood! And what’s not to love? Boxwood leaves are so lovely and delicate and yet, when grouped together, they produce a very lush, green appearance that is the perfect ‘welcome’ for a front door. But seeing that I am still a woman who appreciates convenience ;), I wanted to make a quick and easy boxwood wreath that would be as lush and beautiful as it is modern and minimal.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a boxwood wreath that is quick and easy and requiring only 3 essentials materials:

• boxwood (2-3 bunches, depending on the size of the wreath)
• grapevine wreath
• hand pruning shears

Step 1:  Using your pruning shears, clip off random pieces measuring about 8-10 inches in length.

In order to create the natural and slightly ‘deconstructed’ appearance of this particular wreath, your pieces need not match too precisely in size or appearance. Some pieces can be comprised of small bunches of boxwood and others may be single strands. There’s no need to be too fussy about this process.

Step 2:  Starting from the outside edge, begin to insert each clipping between the vines of the grapevine wreath. Submerge the clipping into the wreath about 2-3 inches. This will ensure that your clippings remain secure without the use of hot glue or floral wire.

As you insert each clipping, be sure to angle each piece so that it lies relatively flush against the grapevine, and going in the same direction all the way around.

Make your way along the outside edge until you have created your first circle of boxwood.

Once you’ve worked your way around the first time, do the same starting just inside the first circle. Make your way around, creating a second circle, then a third and a fourth, depending on the width of the grapevine.  Do this until you’ve covered the grapevine in boxwood clippings. Be sure to finish your wreath off by adding clippings along the sides and the interior edges of the wreath so that none of the grapevine shows through.

When you’ve completely covered your grapevine in boxwood (with the exception of the back), cut away any pieces that may appear out of place.

Now simply add a chic and elegant ribbon and hang on your front door!

This boxwood wreath was quick and easy to do. It took about 20 minutes to make. If you plan on trying this yourself, spritz your wreath with water a few times a week to extend its lifespan. Boxwood is pretty hardy and, when looked after, should last at least two months, if not more.

I loved taking the time to finally add a touch of fresh greenery on our front door. It was a simple project, but with big impact!

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Every weekend, the gals at Coffee With Us 3 host a ‘link party’ featuring a diverse assortment of DIYs, crafts and recipes from some of the best bloggers from around the web.  They also choose to spotlight a few ‘features’ that were stand-outs. This weekend my tutorial for making this boxwood wreath was among them! I am so honoured 🙂

Also, don’t forget to check out another great link part at “Turn It Up Tuesdays” where every Tuesday, talented bloggers provide an assortment of home and family-friendly crafts, DIYs and recipes. Just click on the button below. Enjoy!