How to Make a Pinecone Swag Wreath for Christmas

Emily VanSchmus
·2 min read

Pinecone Swag

A Christmas swag is a classic way to decorate your home for the holidays, and this DIY version is inexpensive and easy to assemble—making it ideal for last-minute decorating. Since it doesn't require a form like a traditional holiday wreath, it can be sized to fit your space. Gather a few faux greenery branches, wire the stems together, and add a few embellishments—it's as simple as that! Experienced crafters and novices alike should be able to complete this project in no time.

Ann VanderWiel Wilde

How to Make a Christmas Swag Wreath

Supplies Needed

  • Florists wire

  • Faux greenery

  • Decoupage

  • Spray bottle

  • Silver glitter

  • Ribbon in two contrasting colors

  • Scissors

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple how-to instructions to assemble your Christmas swag wreath. You should be able to complete the project in under an hour, not including drying time.

Step 1: Assemble the Swag Wreath

One of the best parts about making a swag is that you don’t need to use any kind of wreath form, like you would with a traditional holiday wreath. To make the swag wreath all you’ll do is wire together loose greenery branches. Choose faux pine boughs ($12, Amazon) or faux evergreen branches ($13, Amazon), then gather your branches together and wire the stems together with green florists wire ($9, Amazon). Keep adding and wiring branches (stems at the top, greenery pointed down) until you’ve reached the size you like. Form a hanging loop with florists wire and attach it to the back.

Step 2: Add Glitter

Once you’ve assembled the swag itself, it’s time to accessorize. Mix a 1:1 ratio of ). Let the swag dry completely, then pick it up and gently shake to remove excess glitter.

Step 3: Add Ribbon Bows

To give your swag wreath a holiday touch, add a few ribbons and bows. Cut two lengths of ribbon in contrasting colors and tie one ribbon into a classic bow: Fold the ribbon back and forth over itself, then cross the right loop over the left, creating a third small loop where the bases meet. Make sure the tails are equal lengths and flat, then fold what is now the left loop down behind the right loop and pull through the bottom loop. Pull the top loops taught to form a knot. Repeat to make a second bow, then wire both bows together and wire the finished bows onto the top of the swag. Trim the tails if necessary.

Step 4: Attach Pinecones

To finish the Christmas swag wreath, wire three large pinecones to the front. If you can find pinecones in your yard, you can absolutely use real ones. But if you don’t have access to real ones, faux pinecones ($19 for a 12-pack, Amazon) are just as realistic. When you’ve attached as many as you like, use the wire loop to hang the wreath.