This year, I took a cue from Scandinavian decorating to make a DIY Christmas garland to outfit my Christmas tree. (And it wasn’t just because I purchased the tree at IKEA.)
Instead of a full tree dripping with ornaments, the IKEA Christmas tree encourages Scandinavian minimalism with its sparse branches. I’m not sure what it is about this look that works so well. But it does.
Maybe fewer branches mean making more thoughtful ornament choices, since you only have so many branches to hang them on. Or, maybe it’s the deliciously rustic quality of it. As if it was a real tree—imperfections and all—chopped down just outside my door. Or, maybe the simplicity is what makes the tree. It’s not decked out in twinkling lights or shrouded in sparkly twine.
Whatever it is, I needed an equally rustic and uncomplicated garland to drape on the tree. When looking at my craft supplies, I saw a bowl full of wood chips and a bag of pompoms and I knew I had to make a DIY Christmas garland using the two.
Here’s how to create your own wood chip pompom garland.
Gather your supplies together to make your DIY Christmas garland. I ordered 3-5 cm wood chips off Amazon and I found mini red and green pompoms at the Target Dollar Spot.
What you’ll need to make a DIY Christmas garland:
– Wood chips (3-5 cm diameter)
– Mini pompoms (I bought mine at the Target Dollar Spot)
– Twine
– Drill
– Needle and thread
Step 1: Drill a hole
Drill a hole in the center of each of your wood chips. I used about 20 wood chips for my garland, but the number simply depends on how long you want your garland to be.
Step 2: Thread the twine through and knot it
Take a wood chip and thread your twine through the hole. Then, knot both sides of the twine, so the wood chip doesn’t move.
You can either trim your twine to your desired length now (I think my garland was about 5 feet long) or keep adding wood chips and pompoms until your garland is the length you want and then trim it.
Step 3: Sew on the pompom
Sew the pompom to the twine in order to attach it. I’m no sewing expert, but I managed to attach the pompom to the twine. My tip is to insert the needle through the middle of the pompom in order to secure it.
Continue attaching wood chips and pompoms until you’ve strung them all along the twine.
Tips to keep in mind when making your DIY Christmas garland:
– Space your wood chips and pompoms at your desired length along the twine. I put a few inches between mine, but you could place them right next to each other if you like.
– When you attach your last wood chip, tie a knot at the end of your twine to secure it.
– You don’t have to use twine. Use yarn, string or even fishing line.
This DIY Christmas garland is so easy to make. (Sewing on the pompoms is the most time-intensive part.) And, I love how this garland adds holiday cheer without going too over-the-top. It’s a bit whimsical, a touch rustic and so simple.
Get more crafty ideas like these when you sign up for my e-newsletter!
