How to Make Christmas Garland

As teachers, we live our lives from break to break.  The last day of Thanksgiving break, I dabbled in outdoor holiday decorations for the 1st time.  In about 2 hours, I transformed our front porch into a scene of tasteful Christmas bliss.

The best part about my project was that it only cost about $10.00!  Here is what I started with:

I bought rolls of 15' Whit Pine garland from Home Depot at $7.00 each.  I grabbed nails and 28 gauge wire (from this project) out of my craft box.  I then took all of our tree trimmings (and a truck bed load's worth since HD gives it away for free!) and got to creating Christmas.

 

I first tacked up some nails and swagged some garland.  I trimmed off the excess to save for my railings.

Then I used my supplies to add on some of my FREE trimmings to beef up the garland.

Here's a snapshot of what it will start to become....

After finishing, I just strung up some lights...

I went on to use the rest of that roll plus about 8' of the second roll to affix to my railings with twine.  I strung some lights around the railings and the corner bush.

I put out my peace rug!

And even UGA got a little Christmas makeover. 

I even slaved for hours to trade out my plants in my window boxes....

Just kidding...I cheated!  But no one can tell.

I used the other 7' or so of the garland to gussy up my mantel which I will post all about tomorrow!

 

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!