One thing that astounds me is the cost of wreaths.  Some are absolutely stunning and are worth every penny of their price tag, but some other wreaths, although beautiful, can be made in the comforts of your home for free.

Yes, I said it.  Free.

Take this F monogrammed wreath for example.  There is one similar to it in the Ballard Design catalog for $35.  So cool looking, and as you know, I am a little obsessed with monograms.  However, the $35 price tag along with tax and shipping is not something I would entertain.  So, I figured out how to make a monogrammed wreath myself, and it didn’t cost me a dime.  Not even a penny.

First, all you need to do is cut some evergreen branches from a tree in your yard or a friend’s yard.  Then rob your closet of those wire hangers from the dry cleaners.  Grab some floral wire and some ribbon that you have on hand, and you’re in business.

Cut 2-3 little branches from your evergreens, and wrap floral wire around the bottom to make into bundles.  Set aside.

Shape the wire hanger(s) into the desired letter you want to make.

Start at the top corner of your letter, and attach the first bundle with floral wire, wrapping wire around the letter form.

Overlap the first bundle with the second bundle.  And so on.

With my F, I attached bundles to the ends first, then filled in.

You can make it as full or as sparse as you like.  Trim the evergreen as needed so there aren’t any “stray” branches.

Attach ribbon to the top and your monogrammed wreath is ready to hang.

Including gathering the evergreen branches, this project took me one hour to make.  I have a monogrammed wreath hanging on my door, and I saved myself $35 plus S&H.  Holla!!  Even if you don’t have floral wire on hand, nor any ribbon, you can buy both for less than $5.

Now that’s what I call a successful monogram wreath hack!