Christmas swag/garland help needed please.

kinkyjinks

I've been out and collected loads of evergreen foliage, some ivy, holly and some other stuff I don't know the name of. I've also got rope (80mm diameter), florist wire and a glue gun (but only 4 glue sticks that fit). I'm wanting to turn it all into a swag to hang from my fireplace but I don't really know what I'm doing. Some sites tell you to make bunches of foliage and attach these to the rope, others say build it up. I've tried both ways and I'm just not seeing it.

When I do bunches it looks wrong and when I try building it up I can still see the rope showing. Has anyone got any experience of making a swag? Is it a case of being patient? Should the base be made with the bushiest foliage or the thinnest foliage? I'm nearly ready to throw the whole lot on my chiminea I promise to post a pic if anyone can tell me in simple terms what I'm meant to do. I love most crafts but flower arranging and christmas swags are not something I have any experience with.

kate_pixie

I wish I could help, but I am useless at flower arranging. Maybe you could also post this on the Old Style board. With their combined thousands of years of experience I'm sure someone there could point you in the right direction.

kinkyjinks

kate_pixie wrote: »

I wish I could help, but I am useless at flower arranging. Maybe you could also post this on the Old Style board. With their combined thousands of years of experience I'm sure someone there could point you in the right direction.

I'll try that thanks. I tried here first because I usually post things in the wrong place. I've just taking apart for the umpteenth time.

sethsgran

http://www.thestylishhouse.net/2009/11/christmas-mantle-swag-tutorial.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mwEi3sEZxU

kinkyjinks

sethsgran wrote: »

http://www.thestylishhouse.net/2009/11/christmas-mantle-swag-tutorial.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mwEi3sEZxU

Thanks for looking Unfortunately the video is the one that confused me. The other site uses a ready made base garland and I'm looking to make one from scratch. I've made some progress with it today but have discovered that I need more foliage for the base. I think I was missing patience before, I sort of expected it to come together in about 10 minutes

nannaC

Hi one of the easiest ways is to make up little bundles of of greenery. Then start in the middle of your garland place a bundle on the rope so that the top faces the middle [you are working outwards so the stems will always be facing the rope ends] and wrap wire around the stems/rope. Place the next bundle so it overlaps the stems and repeat until all is wired on. Tie big ribbon bows to each end to cover final stems. Don't worry if your greenery looks a little thin at this stage because you can now infil the gaps with silk/dreid flowers flase fruit pine cones, little baubles [those cheap iridescent plastic hanging icicles look fab] you can also thread wired ribbon/little fairy lights along the length. Good luck

kinkyjinks

Since I need more greenery I'm going to play about a bit with what I've got tonight. I made a base of greenery on one half of the rope today before I realised I definitely needed more foliage. I'll make up a few bunches of greenery and put them on the uncovered rope. I've looked at the video again after you explained it to me and it kind of makes more sense. I'm looking forward to actually reaching the stage of decorating it because I've been busy making orange slices, collected loads of pine cones, made clemantine pomanders, tied lots of little bows and collected tiny parcels that used to live on my tree. Good idea about the icicles, I found some lanquishing in the loft the other day. Oh and B+Q had some lovely battery operated lights that were half price. Thanks for the ideas :j:j