Melissa K. Norris
  • Start Here
  • Podcast
  • Articles
  • Shop
    • Books
    • Classes
    • General Store
  • In Person Workshops
  • Academy
Log In

Pioneer Homemade Christmas-How to Make an Evergreen Swag

Crafts, Homestead-Life

Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Regardless, I only link to products we use on our homestead or believe in.
Holiday Swag in 15 Minutes www.MelissaKNorris.com Pioneering Today

Our pioneer forefather's didn't decorate as lavishly as we do. Depending on the region they lived and items on hand, there would be popcorn chains, cranberry chains, cedar boughs, paper chains, or small hand crafted ornaments.

In ode to that, I went traipsing outdoors to cut my own evergreen boughs for a swag. I actually intended to make a wreath, but I know how to improvise when in doubt. So, I made a swag.

We have an abundance of trees on our acreage, but if you don't, it only takes about four small branches, so I'm sure if you asked a neighbor, they wouldn't mind a bit. I actually trimmed one branch that was beginning to stick too far out in the driveway.

Project supplies needed:

Evergreen branches *see note on the best choice
Twine
Ribbon (optional)
Picks or ornaments (optional)

*I recommend choosing cedar or pine. Hemlock looks lacy and intricate, but it drops its needles fast. Cedar drapes so prettily and smells like Christmas, so that was my choice, but if you wanted different textures you could combine pine and some holly sprigs.

Gather your branches, I cut part of the branches, varying in length. Then lay them out.

cedar boughs

Lay your largest branch down first then layer the others on top until it looks good to you. Next, using twine or wire, (I had twine on hand from tying up the raspberries), tie the tops of the branches together, making sure to leave a loop for hanging your swag.

Tie your branches together

Now, attach a bow to the top, hiding your twine or wire. You can hot glue pinecones or ornaments to your swag for added glitz. I used a few red berries picks and just twisted the end of the pick onto the branch. For larger picks or if you'd like ornaments, use your hot glue gun. Note: Glass ornaments may not stand up to freezing temps and frequent door openings. Put your wreath hangar on your door and hang up your masterpiece.

Now you have a beautiful piece to greet guests. The boughs will last for at least a month or two outside in the cooler temps.

Use any leftover evergreen branches to make Christmas potpourri so your house will smell amazing. Merry Christmas!

More Posts You May Like

  • Easy Winter Bouquet (DIY Holiday Bouquet)
  • DIY Canning Ring Wreath
  • DIY Homemade Christmas Canning Lid Ornament
  • 15 Homemade Natural Herbal Bath and Body Gifts
  • Christmas Stovetop Potpourri
  • How to Make an Old-Fashioned Evergreen Christmas Wreath
  • How to Host a Holiday Craft Party

Melissa Norris

Melissa K. Norris inspires people's faith and pioneer roots with her books, podcast, and blog. Melissa lives with her husband and two children in their own little house in the big woods in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains. When she's not wrangling chickens and cattle, you can find her stuffing Mason jars with homegrown food and playing with flour and sugar in the kitchen.

Read more about Melissa

Related Posts

A cow eating Brussel sprout stems.

Signs To Watch For With An Expecting Cow

A close up shot of an evergreen bouquet.

Easy Winter Bouquet (DIY Holiday Bouquet)

A woman cutting evergreen branches with snips.

Christmas Stovetop Potpourri

Comments:

  1. Andrea Stanley

    11 years ago

    Makes me think about my decorations and how next year I am going to get all my kids to help and we are going to decorate a bit less modern. I love stringing popcorn and cranberries.

    Reply
    • Melissa K. Norris

      11 years ago

      There is something so charming about the homemade decorations. I’m thinking of two trees. One for the homespun and kids and one really glitzy glamorous one for the girly girl in me. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Martha Ramirez

    11 years ago

    What a great tip! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Melissa K. Norris

      11 years ago

      You’re welcome. I think next year I might make some extra for early Christmas gifts for my in-laws and husband’s grandmother.

      Reply
  3. Heather Day Gilbert

    10 years ago

    FUN idea, now that I’ve moved back to a place with some evergreens around! Will pin this idea!

    Reply
    • Melissa Norris

      10 years ago

      Thanks, Heather. Post a pic if you get it up. My parents cut down their holly tree two years ago, but I’d love to get some holly sprigs to put in, too.

      Reply
  4. Jennifer

    4 years ago

    I know this is an old post but i have just been trawling the internet for ideas for the front of my Christmas home. What a great idea! can you tell me how long it lasted for please?

    Reply
    • Melissa Norris

      4 years ago

      Hi Jennifer, it lasted for about 4 months when I finally took it down

      Reply

Leave us a reply: Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Recipe Rating




Melissa K. Norris

Follow me:

  • Start Here
  • Courses
  • Academy
  • Contact
Log In

Articles

  • Gardening
  • Homesteading
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • DIY

Podcast

  • Time-Saving Tips when Cooking From Scratch
  • How to Test Soil pH & Amend Acidic or Alkaline Soil
  • Yearly Planning Without the Overwhelm
  • Unplugging for One Year with Rory Feek
  • The Norris Farmstead: Our 40-Acre Homestead Farm-Stay

Books

  • Everything Worth Preserving
  • The Family Garden Planner
  • Hand Made
  • The Made From Scratch Life

Education

  • Organic Gardening Workshop
  • Home Fruit Preservative Canning e-course
  • Home Canning With Confidence
  • Homemade Bread & Baking Class
  • Natural Homemade Bath and Beauty
  • Pioneering Today Academy


Copyright 2023 - Melissa K. Norris Pioneering Today LLC

  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use

Melissa K. Norris and Pioneering Today LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

82 shares
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email