Tag: Month November Week 5

Whimsical Mason Jar Snow Globes for the Holidays – Garden Therapy

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Snow globes are a magical wonder, showcasing tiny scenes where snow is always whimsically falling. Making your own Mason jar snow globe is surprisingly simple with easy-to-find materials. Personalize the scene inside, and you’ll have a beautiful decoration to display every holiday season.

Is there any more quintessential winter object than a snow globe? There is something about these tiny snow-covered winterscapes that fills us with a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

Making your own is easy and fun, and all you need are a few simple materials that you may already have around the house.

This Mason jar snow blog is fun for kids and adults to make, and having your very own personalized snow globe feels magical, no matter what your age.

This post will cover..

How to Make a Mason Jar Snow Globe

For this project, you can easily use a Mason jar or a different glass jar and lid you have available, as long as it’s air-tight. Feeling extra creative? Make your miniature objects yourself out of polymer clay.

Materials

Make It!

First, choose the objects you want to use and try setting them up in different ways until you get the scene you want. Try holiday or winter-themed items or objects in red and green for a Christmassy snow globe.

Or do something wild and unexpected, like a tropical scene. It’s completely up to you! I chose garden-related objects with a holiday theme.

Make sure the miniatures are the right height for your Mason Jar as well as the width.

Position your objects on top of the plastic canning lid, the way you want them to be laid out inside the snow globe.

Keep your scene small enough that everything fits easily in the center of the lid. The glass of the Mason jar will magnify the scene, making the snow globe look fuller once it is all put together.

The glass will slightly magnify what’s inside.

Use the waterproof adhesive to glue down the objects in the positions you want them in.

Allow the adhesive to dry for a few hours to make sure it is completely set.

Ensure your adhesive is waterproof.

Glue the plastic lid down onto the underside of the snap lid, making sure not to get any adhesive on the orange ring around the outside edge of the lid. The orange ring is the seal, which will not work to keep liquid inside if it gets glue on it.

Some waterproof adhesive expands when they dry, so keep that in mind and give yourself some extra room around the snap lid’s seal.

Keep your orange seal clear.

Fill the jar with water, glycerin, and some glitter. The consistency of the mixture will be different depending on how much glycerin you add.

The glycerin makes it thicker so that the glitter falls more slowly, so start with mostly water and add glycerin gradually until you like how the liquid moves the glitter when you shake it up.

I used fairly small glitter, but not superfine. It clumped together a bit, which made it look more like snow.

I used a super fine glitter that formed little snow-like clumps when in the glycerin.

Now it’s time to put the snow globe together! Add a bit more water to the jar so that it is very full. You’ll want to do this next step over the sink, as there will likely be some spillover.

Carefully screw the lid onto the jar so that the miniature scene stands up inside it. If your jar has writing or patterning on one side, try to position the scene so that it faces the part of the jar that is completely clear and smooth to give you the best possible view.

Wipe off any liquid that spilled over the sides, and seal the lid with waterproof sealer so that the ring stays in place permanently. Turn the jar upside down, and you have a whimsical snow globe ready to set somewhere in your home or give as a gift.

Mason Jar Snow Globe FAQ

Are there eco-friendly alternatives to glitter for a snow globe?

Thankfully, there are many eco-friendly glitters available now. They’re slightly pricier, but it’s worth it to not be contributing any more microplastics.

I originally made these snow globes many years back, so I have not had the chance to try ones with eco-friendly glitter yet. Since they’re designed to break down, they might slowly fade over time in the snow globe, but I’m not positive. If anyone tries this out, please come back and let me know how it does!

What kind of jar is needed for a snow globe?

You need an airtight container. Even though you will use a waterproof sealer to secure the snowglobe, you want to ensure the lid and the container are a good fit.

Also consider a jar with writing on it. If yours has writing on it, this will play a part in where you position your scene inside the snow globe.

Avoid using tall glass containers and opt for rounder and shorter glass jars.

What liquid do you put inside a snow globe tumbler?

My snow globes use a combination of water and glycerin (and glitter). The ratio depends on what type of glitter you use. 50/50 is a good place to start, but play with it depending on how you want your “snow” to fall.

More Crafty Christmas Projects

A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.

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Stephanie Rose

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December 9, 2025
Sowing Seeds of Self-Love: A Garden Meditation for the Holiday Blues – Garden Therapy

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Despite the festive lights and trees, the holidays aren’t all presents and laughter. Maybe it’s stress, financial pressure, or even grief, but at times we can all experience some form of the holiday blues. If you’re feeling down this holiday season, these are just a few ways that nature can help you find moments of peace and joy.

I’ve never been big on the idea of meditation. Though I acknowledge the proven benefits and how it helps many people, I have a hard time slowing down. Laying down indoors with my eyes closed sounds like the opposite of relaxing.

However, when I’m outside and around plants, I feel an immediate sense of peace—similar to what many people describe feeling when they practice meditation.

During the busy, sometimes stressful holiday season, I find myself seeking out this sense of peace even more often.

So, whether you’re like me or you’re a pro at traditional meditation, I thought I’d share some of my favourite ways to cultivate a sense of peace using nature. If this season is feeling more dark than sparkly, these activities can help lift your spirits.

My Version of Meditation

From overwhelming to-do lists and busy schedules to family and financial pressures, there’s no shortage of stress in our everyday lives. At times, it can feel completely overwhelming. So, for years, I’ve been using garden therapy to cope with life’s various stressors and help boost my mental and physical health.

During the holidays especially, I have learned to find ways of managing my stress and boosting my mood. For me, using natural materials for crafting has been an especially helpful activity that allows me to work toward a fun goal.

As my holiday crafting for this year has begun, I’ve started to think of it as a meditation of sorts. It’s a simple way to connect with nature and find inner peace even in a dysregulated environment.

If, like me, you struggle to slow down and take deep breaths during the hustle and bustle of December, know that you don’t have to sit still or use a recording to enjoy the benefits of meditation. Simply finding small, mindful moments can have a huge impact on stress levels and overall well-being.

So if you’re having a one-off stressful day or you’re going through a bout of the holiday blues, try to find just a few moments to connect with nature, whether you go outside or bring nature indoors.

Getting outside and amongst plants is the best kind of meditation, no matter the time of year.

Garden Meditation for the Holiday Blues

As I mentioned, crafting with nature has been a game changer when it comes to improving my mood during the hectic holiday months. But it’s not the only nature-based activity that brings me a sense of calm inner peace.

If you’re looking for ways to slow down this season and enjoy some peaceful time to yourself, here are a few of my favourite ways to connect with nature that are sure to help with any holiday blues you might be experiencing.

Even in the city, you can find peaceful pathways and green spaces.

Get Fresh Air

Simply spending time outside is one of the most effective tools for improving your mood, whether it’s during the winter or not. It’s been proven time and time again that enjoying nature improves mental health. Trust me, even taking a short walk around your neighbourhood can do wonders.

When I go for walks, I like to focus on using all my senses. This time of year, I look at the holiday decorations and note how the chilly air feels in my lungs. Taking deep breaths will give you energy and make your blood circulate.

You can also focus on the plants that you pass by and notice what they’re doing. Which ones still have leaves and which have shed them for the winter?

Forage for Plant Materials

Another activity to do outside is collecting plant materials, like evergreens, pinecones, or leaves. You can do this in your yard or in a public space that allows foraging.

Not only is the act of finding and collecting these pieces of nature meditative in itself, but you can also use them for different crafts and projects, which are great mood boosters.

You can responsibly forage in your community and natural areas.

Meditate With Your Plant

Like I mentioned, traditional meditation has never been something that worked for me. However, one way that I like to practice mindfulness is by using my houseplants. It might sound silly, but I find it to be a nice way to reset and connect with a living being.

Try spending just five minutes with one of your favourite plants. You can look at and notice the different colours and textures of its leaves, or if it needs watering or trimming, you can tend to it. Even this short amount of time can be enough to change your mood.

Creating or spending time interacting with a little zen garden is another great way to practice meditation and bring nature inside during these cold, dark months.

Without stepping foot outside, you can still get some green energy.

Sit and do a Craft

If you’re like me and struggle with the idea of sitting still to meditate, I highly suggest crafting as a more hands-on relaxing activity.

Being creative is a great way to get out of your head, and using plant-based ingredients like herbs and essential oils can create an even more relaxing experience.

Homemade items like bath bombs and lotion bars also make great presents, so you can give the gift of relaxation to your loved ones too.

If you want to get in touch with your creative side with some homemade products, I have a natural holiday gift workshop full of DIYs that you can try out.

The practice of using your hands to create is all the meditation you need sometimes.

Smell Fragrant Herbs

Another one of my favourite ways to connect with nature and ground myself is by using fragrant herbs.

If you have fragrant herbs like rosemary or sage in your garden, pulling some and smelling them can be a lovely way to enjoy a moment of mindfulness in nature. Maybe you even have some leftover lavender or mint that you rub between your hands.

For those without an herb garden, pine or evergreen works just well to help bring a sense of focus and balance.

Read a Gardening Book

Sometimes simply relaxing is the best antidote to any winter blues or holiday stress you might be experiencing. One of my personal favourite relaxing activities is sitting down with a gardening book.

Not only can a book help you unwind, but reading about gardening is also a great way to stay connected to your gardening self, even in the winter.

Every year, there are new innovations in gardening to learn, as well as endless knowledge from old practices.

Organize Your Seeds

Similarly, I find that taking time during the winter to organize my seeds is another nice way to stay in touch with my garden.

Since organizing is a more hands-on, methodical activity, it feels like a form of meditation in itself. Plus, it provides a chance to start planning my spring garden, which is always a good mood booster and gives me something to look forward to.

Look at Holiday Decorations

Sometimes the best way to cope with the holiday blues is to lean into the festivities. My favourite low-pressure (and free) way to do this is by looking at holiday decorations.

Admiring other people’s decorations is a nice way to spend time outside and brighten up your day. You could also visit a public garden to see their decorations and lights.

Plant Some Winter Bloomers

While most people think of the warmer months as gardening season, there are also plenty of beautiful things that can be planted in the winter.

My favourite winter bloomers are fragrant plants and shrubs like viburnum, sarcococca, and winter flowering daphne. There’s something magical about the bursts of aroma these give off when I’m walking around my garden during this time of year.

If you’re interested in getting your hands in the dirt this season, I have a whole post dedicated to winter gardening.

I wish you a joyful and relaxed holiday season. Remember to stick to your own boundaries and put yourself first. Self-care is a year-round thing!

More Ways to Enjoy Peace This Holiday Season

A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.

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Stephanie Rose

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December 7, 2025
How to Make Wax Melts with Herbs and Natural Ingredients – Garden Therapy
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Wax melts are a popular way to fill your home with fragrance, but they are often made with artificial scents that can be irritating. Herbal melts are a natural alternative made with soy wax, essential oils, and herbs. As the scented cubes of wax are melted on the top of a wax melt warmer, they release aroma and allow for the ritual of using herbs while safely keeping the dried plant material away from a candle flame. Wax melts are easy to make at home and make a great handmade gift idea.

Ready to make wax melts? This post will cover…

What is a Wax Melt?

A wax melt is a scented square of wax that can be melted in an electric-or candle-heated ceramic vase to release the scent of the wax. Wax melts and warmers are a way to get all of the fragrance and warmth of a candle without the flame.

The beauty of warmers is that you can use botanicals and dry herbs to decorate your projects without the worry of them catching fire. The electric options also keep your home safe from flames if you have young children or pets.

Wax melts can also have a longer burn time than candles.

How to Choose a Wax Melt Warmer

A wax melt warmer looks like a decorative ceramic vase that has a dish set on top. The base can either have an opening for a tea light or votive candle or house the electrical components to heat the upper tray.

Wax cubes are placed in the top dish and gently warmed so they melt. As they melt, they release the fragrance.

A wax melt warmer is not to be confused with a candle warmer, which is an electrically heated tray that you set a container candle on to warm it and release the fragrance.

Here are some great wax melt warmers you can find online:

An electric candle warmer.

Using Essential Oils to Scent Wax Melts

Many commercial wax melts and candles are scented with artificial fragrance, which is why I choose to make my own. Candles and wax melts are often made with fragrance oils because they offer the most consistent and reliable scent, in addition to being less expensive.

They have been formulated to be heated to high temperatures and added to molten wax without evaporation. Fragrance oils also come in a wide variety of lab-created scents like strawberry and green apple that are pleasing and not available as essential oils.

But when it comes down to it, I prefer natural scents of essential oils as the artificial fragrances tend to give me headaches.

Essential oils are natural, but that doesn’t mean that they also won’t cause a reaction. Essential oils are the concentrated volatile oils extracted from thousands of plants squeezed into a tiny bottle, meaning they are very powerful.

It is important to be safe when using essential oils by choosing gentle oils, oils that you and your family don’t react to, and oils that have been approved by your health care professionals.

A good way to test for scent-sensitivities is to smell the oils. If you don’t like the smell, then you should avoid it, even if it has some benefits that you think might be good for you. Trust your senses. The nose knows.

How to Make Wax Melts

You can easily make these at home by melting flaked soy wax, stirring in essential oils and herbs, and then pouring the wax into heat-proof molds to set. The following covers two methods for making wax melts (in the microwave and in a double boiler) and shares some recipe ideas from my book, Make & Give Home Candle Making.

Also, see this resource list for all the supplies you will need to start candle and wax melt making at home: Home Candle Making Supplies and Resource Guide.

Soy wax is my go-to for making wax melts.

Microwave Method

Microwave melting can be tricky as it is harder to control the temperature. If you choose a wax that is labelled as appropriate for the microwave, it will have instructions included that will help you avoid cooking and burning the wax. Here are the steps I use to melt wax in the microwave and how to avoid burning it.

Equipment

Make it!
1. Weigh microwaveable soy wax for wax melts in a heatproof container with a pour spout.
2. Weigh the scented essential oil in a paper cup. Prepare the herbs in advance of using the microwave so you are ready to add them as soon as the wax has melted.
3. Melt in 20-second intervals to melt as opposed to cooking the wax. The first few times you set the timer for 20 seconds, you may be tempted to set the timer for longer, as you will see little change. But, after a few tries, you will see that the wax quickly turns from a solid to a liquid in the microwave. Overheating the wax can cause it to burn, and it smells terrible, so set intervals and check the wax frequently.
4. When the wax has fully melted, stir in the essential oil and half of the dried herbs.
5. Pour the wax into a flower-shaped mould. Choose a mould used for soap making or candy making to be sure it can handle the heat of melted wax.
6. Sprinkle the remaining herbs onto the top of each melt and allow the herbal wax melts to dry completely before popping them out.
Sprinkle with dried herbs and flower petals for decoration.

Double Boiler Method

Making soy melts in a double boiler is much easier to control and will ensure that the wax melts evenly.

Equipment

You can also “make” your own double boiler.

Make it!
1. Set up a small double boiler using a heatproof glass jar to hold the wax and a metal bread pan filled partway with water. Stir the wax frequently until it is fully melted.
2. Weigh soy wax and essential oil.
3. Bring the wax to the specified temperature for adding dye or scent oil (i.e., 160°F—see the instructions that came with your wax). Add in scent and colour (if using) and stir until completely mixed.
4. Pour the wax into a silicone ice cube tray.
5. Allow the wax melts to dry completely before popping them out of the mould for use.
Silicone ice cube moulds work great for making wax melts.

Herbal Sleepy Time Wax Melts Recipe

These herbal chamomile, calendula, and lavender wax melts are the perfect way to send you to dreamland, as the calming scent of herbs will fill the room and relax you as the wax melts. Packaged with a wax melt warmer, they are a lovely self-care gift for a friend who could use a restful night.

Chamomile, calendula, and lavender wax melts.

There are some herbs that wake you up and others that quiet you down. Herbs like lavender, chamomile, calendula, hops, mint, and passionflower are calming for the nerves and quieting for the mind. Using these herbs before bed can help to promote an easier time falling asleep as well as better quality of sleep.

Making this recipe allows the wax, oils, and herbs to melt together at a safe temperature without the risk that the herbs will catch fire.

Materials

Makes twenty-five 0.3 oz (9 g) wax melts

Make it!
1. Make the soy wax melts according to the instructions in either the microwave or double-boiler method.
2. Fill a wax-lined window bag with the herbal wax melts and label it with letter stamps. Use some floral stamps to further embellish it. Move the melts around so that they show their pretty faces in the window.
Citrus Celebration Wax Melts Recipe

Citrus celebration wax melts are the perfect housewarming gift. The festive scent is both cheerful and uplifting and will give any home a refreshing, energizing feel. The bright and cheery aroma of citrus is fresh and lively, but also very calming.

Lemon, lime, and orange wax melts.

Use citrus-scented melts to make your home smell fresh, clean, and welcoming. Give a pretty wax warmer along with some homemade citrus wax melts topped with lemon, lime, and orange zest.

An ice cube mould is a perfect size for these wax melts. You will want to make enough to give away and keep some for yourself, too. Pro tip: just don’t use a grapefruit scent before a dinner party, because it is said to curb the appetite!

Materials

Makes twelve 0.5 oz (15 g) wax melts

Make it!
1. Make the soy wax melts according to the instructions in either the microwave or double-boiler method.
2. Fill a Mason jar with citrus wax melts and pair it with a small tea light wax warmer. Wrap both the Mason jar of wax melts and the wax warmer with a tea light in a clear cellophane bag tied with a satin ribbon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wax Melts

How do I make wax melts last longer?

If the fragrance isn’t as strong as you would like it, use a reliable brand of essential oil to add more when making your melts.

Fragrance load is how much scent oil the wax will hold. A common fragrance load for soy wax is one ounce of scent per one pound of wax, or a 6.25% ratio.

You can increase or decrease the ratio depending on how strong the scent is. Use 6-8% for a subtly fragrant oil and 8-10% for a strongly scented one

Be sure to check the maximum on the wax you are using if you plan to go higher than the one-ounce per pound rule. Adding more scent than the recipe calls for may end up being too much oil for the wax to bind with, leaving you with excess oil at the top and bottom of the wax melt.

Can you reuse wax melts?

It depends on how long you burn them. Typically, a cube should last between 6-12 hours, depending on the size of the cube, the temperature it burns at, and the quality of the wax.

The melted wax will not evaporate, but the fragrance will. You can reuse your wax melts until you no longer notice a fragrance.

Are wax melts safe to leave on?

As long as you’re home, you can leave your wax melts on for as long as you like. They can scent a room pretty quickly, so it’s up to you if you want to keep them burning or turn them off to make them last longer.

Whether it’s an electric wax warmer or a classic warmer, never leave the burner unattended while it’s being used.

More Candles and Handmade Gift Ideas
How to Make Herbal Wax Melts in the Microwave

You can easily make homemade wax melts with just a few simple items! These wax melts are made with all natural ingredients including essential oils and herbs.

Microwave

Heatproof container with a pour spout

Silicone molds – I like these flower shapes or cubes

Weigh out the soy wax in a microwave-safe bowl. Then weigh the essential oils in a paper cup.

Melt the wax in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time. Stir between each time.

When the wax has fully melted, stir in the essential oils and the herbs.

Pour the wax melt mixture into silicone molds and sprinkle some herbs on top. Then allow them to dry completely before using.
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose

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December 5, 2025
A Peppermint Lip Balm Recipe for Sweet Sweet Lips – Garden Therapy
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This peppermint lip balm recipe is lip-smacking good, and hey, it smells amazing too! Great to use all year long, this is a super simple recipe that doesn’t take long to whip up. Here’s how to make your own minty, fresh lip balm.

This peppermint lip balm is one of my favourite items to whip up during Christmas time. I call it my candy cane lip balm, and it’s a big hit among friends. They can get tucked inside stockings, alongside gift cards, or as a small token of thanks to acquaintances in your life.

But peppermint doesn’t have to be just a holiday scent. From toothpaste to mojitos, I love enjoying the crisp and fresh taste of peppermint.

Whenever I put this lip balm on, I get a hint of the peppermint taste and enjoy the cooling sensation that comes from the peppermint essential oil.

When it comes to making your own products, lip balm is one of the easiest DIY recipes out there. It’s ideal for beginners and is a very practical item everyone enjoys.

Here’s what we’ll be covering today…

Without a label, these mint lip balms look as clean and simple as their ingredients.

Homemade Peppermint Lip Balm

Now, this would make a great stocking stuffer, wouldn’t it? The recipe below makes 12 tubes, so you’ll have plenty of mint lip balm to keep and gift to others.

Ingredients and Equipment

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact measurements.

Jump to Recipe

If you can’t find lip balm tubes, you can also use small metal containers and apply the mint lip balm with your fingers.

Make It!

Melt the oil and waxes in the double boiler. Remove from heat, add essential oils, and stir well.

Line up lip balm tubes on a level surface and carefully pour the melted oil and wax into each tube, filling only halfway (if you pour it all at once, you may get a hole in the top of your lip balm once it cools).

It really helps if you have a double boiler where the top pot has a pour spout. If not, transfer the hot liquid into a measuring cup with a spout for easier pouring.

Once the half-full lip balm has been set, top up the rest of the tube.

If you still get an uneven top when the balm has cooled completely, you can use a heat gun or lighter to level it out. Just be sure not to melt the tube!

I labelled mine as candy cane lip balm since I made these during the holidays.

Custom Lip Balm Labels

To really make this peppermint lip balm fun, I added custom labels. It looks like something you might buy at the store!

You can make custom labels if you have a Cricut machine. Printing onto sticker paper is also an option for those who want to use their regular printer.

For simplicity’s sake, I like to use Evermine to make the labels for my items. I can design right on the platform and don’t have to worry about getting the dimensions right.

Once the label is on, they’re truly ready for gifting!

For a year-round look, make the peppermint lip balm labels green and give it your own unique name!

FAQ About Using Peppermint Lip Balm

Is peppermint lip balm drying?

When used incorrectly, peppermint essential oil can be irritating. It should always be diluted before being applied to the skin. In the case of this mint lip balm, it shouldn’t be drying. Instead, the wax and oils create plenty of moisture while the peppermint gives a cooling effect.

Not everyone is well-suited to peppermint oil. The cooling and tingling sensation will promote blood circulation and give a plumping effect to the lips. However, those with sensitive skin may want to avoid using peppermint oil, especially those with dermatitis and eczema. Stop using the lip balm if it causes any irritation.

Why does peppermint make your lips tingle?

One major component of peppermint essential oil is menthol, which gives peppermint its smell, flavour, and tingling sensation. The skin on your face, including your lips, will process the menthol as a tingling and slightly burning sensation thanks to the nerves in the face. The process is similar to how our taste buds process spicy food.

This sensation is completely safe and can even promote focus and attention. Peppermint oil is FDA-approved for use as both a flavour and fragrance.
Peppermint Lip Balm

This peppermint lip balm is ideal around Christmas time or for anyone who loves a minty tingle. This recipe makes 12 tubes.

In the double boiler, melt your waxes and oil together.

Once melted, remove from heat and add your essential oils. Stir well.

Line up the lip balm tubes on a level surface. Pour the melted wax into each tube, only filling halfway. This prevents a hole from forming up top.

Once the lip balm has cooled, reheat the remaining oils and top up the rest of the tube.

If the top cools unevenly, use a heat gun or lighter to level the top. Careful not to melt the tube!

A double boiler with a pour spout makes it easy to pour into the small lip balm tubes. If you don’t have one, transfer the hot liquid into a measuring cup or other container with a spout to make pouring easier.
More Skincare Recipes to Try
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Stephanie Rose

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December 15, 2023
How to Make a Christmas Wreath from Scratch (With Video!)
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Making a fresh wreath has quickly become one of my absolute favourite holiday traditions. Using greenery in your garden and neighbourhood, you can create a beautiful and local wreath to decorate your front door with. Here’s how to make a Christmas wreath for your home.

Every year we like to hang a different Christmas wreath on our front door during the holidays. We’ve amassed a collection of wreaths to match the holiday season trends of red berries, Christmas ornaments, peacock feathers, and square-shaped boxwood, but my favourites are most certainly natural, fresh wreaths.

A fresh wreath makes for an individual work of art that smells as good as it looks. Florists and garden centers are wonderful places to find one to suit any style, but if you are feeling adventurous, a homemade wreath made with garden clippings or purchased greens can be most gratifying.

Given the current popularity of lateral space gardening, supplies are available for all sorts of wreath plantings. Evergreen, succulent, moss, and flower wreaths are beautiful micro gardens that will suit almost any style or climate. Care will vary depending on what type of planting you decide on, but many will last for months, if not years, with a couple of weekly squirts of a spray bottle.

Let’s dive into how to make a Christmas wreath, shall we?

I like to use lots of different foliage for tons of texture.

Watch the Wreath Making Video!

Follow along with me as I make one of my fresh wreaths from scratch.

How to Make a Christmas Wreath

My go-to style is wild and local. I forage for all kinds of greenery beyond the traditional holly and pine (though I like those too!) and incorporate lots of colour in my wreath. The best part about learning how to make a Christmas wreath is that you can truly design it in your own style.

Materials

Make It!

Step 1: Gather a variety of foliage, berries, twigs, pinecones, ribbons, and anything else you want to add to your wreath. Some of the evergreen cuttings that work very well are holly, cedar, cotoneaster, pine, pieris, boxwood, laurel, camellia, fir, cypress, and magnolia.

I like to contrast needles with broad leaves and vary the colour, but a wreath made entirely of one type of foliage can be incredibly dramatic. Also, think about tucking in herbs like rosemary, sage, and lavender into the foliage to add another delightful aroma.

The size of your grapevine wreath will determine the size of your finished wreath.

Step 2: Using a grapevine wreath as your base (you can buy one or make your own), start by choosing a firm branch with a stem that is thick enough that it will not bend easily. Add other cuttings of different foliage on top and gather the bunch in your hand. Snip off any long stems.

Save time by making all your small clippings ahead of time.

Step 3: Using the twine, wrap around the bunch and the grapevine wreath together a few times until secured. For the first bunch, tie a knot in the twine to hold it in place, but do not cut the end of the twine.

Wrap around the bunch a few times first, then wrap the bunch to the grapevine wreath.

Step 4: Gather a second bunch of foliage. Lay this bunch, overlapping the twine of the first, securing the first bunch to the wreath. Wrap twine around the base of the new bunch a few times and set it down.

Overlap in different directions for a more natural look.

Continue adding foliage to the wreath by overlapping the previous bunch and securing it with twine until there are no more gaps to fill.

Use different foliage in different bunches to mix things up.

Step 5: Secure the final bunch by gently lifting the foliage from the first bunch and tucking the stems underneath it. Secure with twine and tie off the final bunch with a few knots.

Use your first bunch to hide the twine of your last bunch.

Step 6: Now, take a last look at the wreath. You can tuck in a few more greens to even out the design or add a few embellishments such as pinecones (using florist wire to attach them), berries, ribbons, or even ornaments. Feel free to prune unruly parts as well.

You can always add more and prune afterward.

Step 7: Hang and enjoy!

Your wreath is ready to welcome guests!

FAQ About Making a Christmas Wreath

How long will a fresh wreath last?

I make my wreath in November, and it lasts until March. I live in Vancouver, so it’s pretty rainy and moist outside to keep the wreath hydrated.

Is there anything you can do to make a fresh wreath last longer?

I don’t do anything extra for my wreath, but if you live in a warm and dry climate, you can try misting your wreath daily with water. Before making your wreath, let your clippings sit in water for a few hours to get hydrated before you trim them.

There are also spray preservatives you can use to help keep your wreath hydrated.

Can I keep a fresh wreath indoors?

It will dry out more quickly indoors with the heat, but you can certainly keep it indoors.

Can you make a fresh wreath using yew?

Yew is toxic and can lose its needles really fast. It’s one of the few I recommend skipping in this post.

Can I use wire instead of twine to make a fresh wreath?

I like twine (it’s compostable!), but wire should also work fine. Use whatever you have on hand.

The final word on making a perfect wreath: just have fun with it. Experimenting with different foliage will allow the wreath to become traditional or modern, contained or wild, themed or every day.

A special thanks to the wonderful neighbourhood gals who provided all the foliage, wine, and treats that go along with the annual wreath-making afternoon.

More Ideas for Christmas Decor
How to Make a Christmas Wreath

Make a fresh wreath using greenery from your own garden and neighbourhood.

Gather all of your clippings and separate them into groups. Holly, cedar, pine, fir, cypress, laurel, magnolia, boxwood, camellia, and pieris are all good options.

Choose a firm branch with a thick stem for the base, and add a couple more different foliage on top. Snip any long stems.

Wrap around the base of the bundle a couple of times with the twine before securing it to the grapevine wreath and wrapping the twine around the wreath. Tie a knot to hold it in place. Do not cut the twine.

Repeat the last step, overlapping bundles all the way around the wreath.

Secure the final bunch by gently lifting the first bunch and tucking the stems underneath it. Secure it with the twine and tie it before cutting it.

Hang the wreath and prune any unruly parts. Add decorations if you want or leave it as is.
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Stephanie Rose

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December 4, 2023
Fresh and Festive: How to Use Greenery for Gift Wrapping – Garden Therapy
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Put down the bows and the gift wrap because there’s a new, prettier and more eco-friendly way to wrap your presents. Fresh greenery is the perfect gift accessory, and I’d like to see more of it! Here are some of the best greenery for gift wrapping and how you can use it to top off your presents.

As much as I love the holidays, I hate the wastefulness that can come from it. From faux Christmas trees and presents galore, Christmas has taken on a reputation for overconsumption and the idea that we always need more.

This is a major reason why I make almost all of my own gifts. Homemade gifts don’t have to look like they were made in your kitchen and be an impractical item that will just sit on display. No, they can look artisan-made and become a household essential!

When I make my homemade gifts, I also keep up with the theme by adding eco-friendly gift wrapping. Of course, being the crazy plant lady that I am, I often turn to my own garden for natural gift wrap. It’s one of the easiest, cheapest, and prettiest ways to dress up a present.

Let me tell you all my secrets about using greenery for gift wrapping.

One small clipping is all you need for big impact.

What Can I Use Instead of a Bow on a Present?

Clippings of greenery make for the ideal (and plastic-free) bow replacement. You can take clippings from the plants in your yard and tuck them into your gifts to instantly make them look good.

Yes, it really is that simple. It can save you a ton of time, especially for those last-minute wrappers or those who don’t have any gift wrapping supplies.

It can be as easy as clipping on a leaf to the present to tucking it in, or more complicated as creating mini wreaths, garlands, and posies to place on top.

Greenery is also a great way to wrap oddly shaped items. You can forgo the paper and tape and just add some greenery secured with jute twine to “wrap” your present.

High contrast against neutral backdrops creates the wow factor.

How to Use Greenery for Gift Wrapping

Wrap your gift in paper or a bag. Plain kraft paper and paper bags are great natural options and create a blank canvas for your greenery.

Select a neutral background.

Choose your stems or make posies. If you’re making small posie bouquets, choose a sturdy and large stem as the back and work your way up to the most delicate and small stems on top.

Play around with your clippings. Don’t be scared to trim and layer as needed.

Use string, jute twine, or ribbon to wrap around your gift at least once.

Tuck in the greenery in the center. The leaves should hold themselves around the ribbon just fine without the need for glue or tape.

No tape necessary!

Best Greenery for Gift Wrapping

While you may think of pine and spruce and all things evergreen for Christmas greenery, it can include a lot of other plants. Think beyond evergreens to also include broadleaf evergreens, herbs, flowers (dried and fresh), and other branches for your gift decorations.

When it comes to plant gift wrapping ideas, these are some of my go-to foliage for decorating:
- Eucalyptus (silver dollar, seeded, and spiral eucalyptus are all good)
- Ruscus
- Olive branches
- Cedar (an absolute favourite of mine for its longevity)
- Rosemary
- Wax flowers
- Viburnum
- Sea holly
- White pine
- Magnolia leaves
- Bay leaves
- Holly (burford holly is less prickly than English holly)
- Mistletoe
- Euonymus
I have a complete list of all the greenery I use for decorating over on this post. This greenery can be used for wreaths, garlands, candle wreaths, and more décor beyond greenery for gift wrapping.

A single cedar leaf and a single bay leaf.

Using Berries as Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping

Berries are also some of the best natural gift wrap. Their vibrance alone is all you need to decorate a present, and you don’t need to combine it with anything else to get a pop of colour.

The contrast of white with these red wintergreen berries is stunning.

Here are some of my favourite berries to use as eco-friendly gift wrapping:
- Orange bittersweet
- Black privet
- Purple privet
- Orange and red ilex
- Beautyberry
- Rose hips
- Sweetbox berries
- Wintergreen
Beautyberry is a winter standout.

Greenery to Avoid for Gift Wrapping

For your gift decorations, you want to avoid using anything that wilts instantly, so it’s best to stick to any of the greenery I list in this article. Avoid any fern, yew, and juniper for this reason.

I also avoid short-needled evergreens like spruce or hemlock as greenery for gift wrapping since they lose needles quickly. Avoiding sharp needles, like blue spruce, is also a good idea since people will touch it when they unwrap the gift.

Boxwood is a popular decorative greenery, but I avoid it since it can have a stinky smell similar to cat urine, which is the opposite effect I’m going for with my gift wrapping. The variegated varieties tend to be less potent in smell.

Speaking of cats, also be considerate of your pets. If yours are anything like mine, they like to investigate the tree and the presents beneath it. It’s best to keep any greenery away from pets, especially those considered poisonous to them.

You can always try taking a few test clippings from your yard and seeing how they fare outside of water.

How to Make Your Greenery Last Longer

When you’re using greenery for gift wrapping, it’s best to do it last minute or a day or two beforehand to look fresh.

However, if you’re too busy and want it all done now, you can try to keep your greenery as fresh as possible.

Keep your plants in water until you’re ready to add them to your gift wrap.

After pruning or buying your greenery, you will want to condition the greenery before you use it. This means you’ll cut off ½-1 inch off the bottom with sharp clean pruners and place it in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows the whole stem to rehydrate and be in the best condition possible before you start taking smaller clippings to use as natural gift wrap.

You can also spray your clippings with anti-descant, like Crowning Glory. This spray will seal the pores in the needles and the bark, helping them to retain the moisture inside the boughs for longer.

Some greenery, like cedar, will last for weeks before it begins to dry out.

More Holiday Gift Inspiration
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Stephanie Rose

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November 6, 2023