Easy - Make Your Own Christmas Wreath

This year, everyone is trying to conserve in every way, so why do the same with decorating? No need to go and spend a bundle on decorations for your house. We can make it look like the holidays for free.. Or almost free!


First, Make your own wreath! Have a pine or two in your backyard? In simple steps you can create your own wreathe and hang it in just an afternoon. All you need is sprigs of evergreen branches, at least 10"-12" long, some wire and a round base to wrap them to. Usually you can buy a frame for $2 or less (almost free), Or create your own wire circle shape or use an old wreath frame you may have lying around.

Start by tying the wire on the frame in one area. (If using a frame that you bought, make sure the curve of the frame faces down.) This is where you will start.

Grab a bundle of the evergreen, about 2-4 pieces, lay them down, all facing one direction, and wrap the wire around it all 2 x. While keeping the wire taut, next, grab another bundle of pine and do the same.

Continue until you have the wreath covered with evergreen. In the last place, fill with evergreen as before until looks full, wrap the wire around 2x and turn the wreathe over, holding the wire taut. Tie it to the frame and cut.

Now, hold up your beautiful wreath and observe which angle would be best for hanging. Trim any edges that may look unruly. Turn over, and create a wire hanger by tying the wire on, make a U and thread it to another part of the frame, then double the wire back over the U and twist it around the original wire. Tie to frame and cut. This reinforces the frame hanger.

Now, turn it over and let's decorate!! Have some ribbon laying around from some old project? If it will be outside, choose a stiffer ribbon to deal with rain, wind, etc. To put any decorations on the wreath, just wrap it with wire at one spot and then tie on to wreath from front, twist the wire to back. You can decorate the wreath with almost anything! Let your kids choose fun stuff like little toys, use found pine cones in your backyard, make some fake berries you have from an old decoration, any Christmas tree decorations you aren't using this year? Put them on!

Remember, you can make the wreath any size you want, use any decorations and ribbon you like and when you are done, you've made a wonderful decoration for your house that cost you next to nothing! Happy Holidays!!

Ecoleekos Winter Schedule..

Hi Everyone, I've been MIA on my blog, but I'll try to be better! I wanted to share my Winter/Holiday schedule in case you are around the CNY area and want to visit, see other wonderful crafts and artwork and snag a little Ecoleeko!

First off is... The Herkimer County Art and Craft Fair on Saturday November 14th 10-5pm and Sunday November 15th 10-4pm at the Herkimer County Community College on 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY 13350. For more information please visit- the Herkimer County Community College Events Page

Next is...The Earlville Opera House 12th annual Holiday Arts Crafts Show starting Friday November 27th 10-4pm, Saturday November 28th 10-4pm and Sunday November 29th 12-4pm as well as.. Saturday December 5th 10-4 pm & Sunday 6th 12-4pm Saturday December 12th 10-4pm & Sunday 13th 12-4pm Saturday December 19th 10-4pm & Sunday 20th 12-4pm at the Earlville Opera House Gallery on 18 E Main St, Earlville, NY 13332. For more information please visit- The Earlville Opera House

Third..Might be the Indie Garage Sale on December 12th 10-8pm located at 1607 Genesee St. Utica, NY 13501 ..More information to follow, please visit- The Indie Garage Sale

And last but not least, I will be at the 1st annual Winter Hamilton Farmers market located at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church on 12.5 Madison Street, Hamilton NY 13346. Up to 20 vendors each Saturday from 9-1pm featuring handmade crafts, food and farmed goods. Dates are-
Nov 28th, Dec. 19th, Jan 16th, Feb. 20th, Mar. 20th, Apr. 17th
For more information please email sltruett@gmail.com

A Little Extra..
I will also have some of my recycled robots, made of recycled metal parts, cans and misc. materials at The MAD Art Gallery 3rd annual Holiday Show & Sale starting Friday November 6th 12-6pm and runs through January 16th. Open Fridays 12-6pm and Saturdays 10-4pm. Silent Auction & Opening Reception on December 5th 5-7pm. The MAD Art Gallery is located on Lebanon Street in Lebanon Alley, Hamilton, NY 13346. For more information please visit- The MAD Art Gallery