Creating this windowsill Christmas swag is very quick and easy to make.
There are no rules, use your imagination and do what you love!
The idea of creating a windowsill swag for Christmas came about because I missed my decorated window boxes so much. They had to be removed last year from many years of being out in the weather.
These were very simple to create and I love the idea of using what nature has to offer us. They are more special when you make them yourself, plus it is so much more friendly on the budget!
First, you will need to gather your supplies
- Long straight skinny branches the length of your windows about an inch thick. 1 for every window.
- Greenery, any kind: Juniper, Pine, Boxwood, Cedar, Holly, just to name a few. If you don’t have any evergreens, Home Depot will give you their Christmas tree cuttings for free. All you have to do is ask.
- Anything in your garden or from nature. Most I found there, but the last few came from Trader Joe’s flower market. I wanted neutral colors this year and used hydrangeas, pinecones, grapevine seed pods, pussy willow, artemesia, eucalyptus, magnolia and olive branches. You could add dried oranges or apples, winterberries, privet berries, rosehips, turkey feathers, and fallen bird nests. Don’t forget embellishments like wooden stars, snowflakes or ornaments. Whatever your heart desires!
- Spool of florist wire. I like to use green 22 gauge wire.
- Wired Ribbon… I used about 50 feet for my three windowsills.
- Suction Cups (approximately 2 for every yard of swag)
Creating your windowsill swag
Grabbing your branches, place them on the ground with a few feet in between.
Layer your greenery on top.
Then making little bundles with your dried flowers/berries, seed pods etc…
Arrange them on top of greenery, until you are happy with the look. Take note, that I haven’t wired anything yet. Knowing where you want to place these items, will make the process go quicker.
Now we wire
Move your bundles off to the side of the branch. Grabbing your wire, attach at one end of the stick. You will not cut the wire until you get to the end of the branch.
Start by wrapping a few of your greens, adding in a bundle of your mixed dried flowers on top of the greens, working this all the way to the middle, then reverse your dried bundles so that they lay the other way and you have a center for the bow. Continue on to the end. I also filled in extra greens as I went along. Wrap the wire a few more times around when you are at the end and then cut it. Move to the next window branch and do the same thing until you have them all finished.
Now grab your ribbon and make some bows!
Below is how I make mine if you need a little help.
Attach your bow and any long ribbon tails if you like to the branch. I wired the tails in first individually and then placed the bow on top in the center.
Place your pinecones, bird’s nest, stars, etc… anything that will be wired individually. Once satisfied with how you want them, wrap wire around and attach them individually
Cut a few long pieces of wire for attaching to the window. Starting about a foot from the end wrap the wire around the branch. Leave the long wired tails attached because these will be needed for hanging the swag. Continue doing this approximately 1- 1/2′ apart until done.
You may need help with this final step. Place the finished Christmas swag on your windowsill, adding a suction cup to the window where you have your long wire tails. Twist the end of the wire into a loop, but do this so you know it will reach the hook on the suction cup, and then hook on.
Once you have them all finished, step back and look at your work. Adjusting greens or ribbon if needed.
I hope this inspired you to create something for your home. Let me know if you tried it or if you have any questions.
Merry Christmas! I love this time of the year!
PIN IT FOR LATER
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