Christmas swag/garland help needed please.

kinkyjinks

I've already posted this on the Christmas board but it was suggested that I post it here as well because you all have a wealth of experience. I guess it is OS and it is definitely money saving.

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.

betterlife

hi, im sorry to here your having so much trouble. ive personnally never made one but i will try to give some advice anyway
if it was me making one i would measure the exact length i wanted it to be. i`d then arrange my follage evenly along it but without attaching, it can then be fiddled with until it looks even (im very simetrical with things like this) it would probably look best if you have a centre point then the follage goes off to the left one side and the other side off to the right (if you no what i mean??) if you have gaps wrap with ribbon and you could place a bauble or a bow there aswell, if you have no ribbon if you have fabric or old clothes you could cut some strips ribbon thickness. i hope this help and dont forget it doesnt have to be perfect, homemade a rustic is a far better homely look in my opinion x

zippychick

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