Friday, December 4, 2009

How to Make A Swag: Fast, Cheap, Easy, and Pretty to Boot

A swag is a beautiful, quick, and easy way to decorate your house or front door for the holidays. I describe a swag as a bouquet of evergreen boughs hung upside down. Here is how to make one:

First, obtain evergreen boughs/branches. It really doesn't take much to make a swag, because you layer them on top of one another. I had Brian set aside the lower boughs he had trimmed off our Christmas tree. Let the stems sit in water overnight.

Next, trim and arrange the boughs how you like them. I staggered them, cutting some longer than others, to add length to the swag. I bound these tightly with .22 guage floral wire, because that's what I had on hand. If you have some nice twine or heavier duty wire, use that if you like.Then, peruse your yard to see what else you could add to your swag. Ornamental grasses? Pretty twigs? Or you could hang ornaments on it, as well. In my case, I found rosemary branches and dried spanish lavender. Arrange them in a way you think looks nice and wire them to the boughs.Next, make a bow. Of course, you don't need to put a bow on if you don't want to, but if you do, I learned to make these by watching bow making tutorials on YouTube. Finally, add the bow to your swag, then hang it.
And there you have it; a nice, inexpensive, and beautifully fragrant holiday swag for your front door. But why stop there? Make some more for the rest of the house, too! Happy decorating!Oh, and if you make one, I'd love to see it! Send a photo to belinablueeyes@hotmail.com.

10 comments:

Kimba said...

That's some nice swag, right there! Too bad we tossed the bottom bows of our tree already! Maybe I can pull a few from the back...

The Kilpacks said...

Way cute! I want to make one too!

Martha Lee said...

We did this the the first year we were married and had a real tree. It does add something to your door. I also have to say yours are a little more involved then mine.

IT LOOKS GREAT!!

Bridge said...

How festive your house looks! Can't wait to see your swag in a few weeks! Did I mention we're coming to visit???

Violadiva said...

is it illegal to take branches off trees that aren't in your own yard? I'm trying to decide if I could get a ticket for trimming trees, or if I would just need a ratty little pick-up truck with a leaf blower in the back to look legit.

and my festivating pics are on the way!

Ashley and Zach Smart said...

Cute, Abby! I have lots of Christmas greens at the Flower Patch and you've inspired me to make one. I hope your pregnancy's going well. I'm so excited for you! Whittney Williams just had her little girl and she's so fun! You peeps make me baby hungry!

Abby said...

BRIDGETTE!

This is the best Christmas present ever. Don't bring gifts, just yourselves, and maybe you could put a little bow on the baby or something. ;)

Dates?

Abby said...

Hey Ash,

Good to hear from you! I am doing great...only about 7 weeks left! Can you believe it? I'm so happy for Whitney. What did she name her baby? You will make a wonderful little mommy whenever you are ready, my dear. I am sure of that! Happy swag making!

Abby said...

Violadiva,

Well, it probably is illegal to go bough stealing...however, I wondered if you went to a Christmas tree lot if they would give you some boughs, because they probably cut alot of their own trees and toss 'em. Best of luck in your bough hunting! Get it?!!!? Bough hunting? Like bow hunting?

Oh, I crack myself up.

Unknown said...

Can I have some of your creativity, please? Just a little of it. Thanks, that'd be great.