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You are visiting: Home » Decorating/DIY » Create Your Decor » DIY Faux Boxwood Letter Wreaths

DIY Faux Boxwood Letter Wreaths

by Lindsay Ballard on November 23, 2009 51 Comments

When the holiday catalogs began hitting my mailbox back in October (!), I eagerly poured through them looking for inspiration for my own holiday decor. One of my favorite selections was the Spruce Alphabet Wreath from Ballard Designs.

It wasn’t the wreath itself that I loved. In my opinion, it looks too tall and skinny, and I just couldn’t see paying $45 for it. I don’t think there’s enough heft in it to command enough attention for that price. ‘Cause I’m cheap. However, I was drawn to the idea of a letter wreath hung with a thick ribbon (the wreath in the catalog is hung with a yummy chocolate velvet ribbon).

I decided to make my own mini version of the letter wreaths to adorn my breakfast room chairs. In true Lindsay spirit, I found all of the supplies I needed at the Dollar Tree. Have I told you one just opened about a mile from my house? It’s dangerous, people.

Mini Faux Boxwood Letter Wreaths

What You’ll Need:

  • Foam board – 1 sheet
  • Wired garlands – I used six total, but the number you need will depend on your letter and the number of wreaths you make. This is the type I purchased:
  • Wired ribbon – I used 3 rolls total, but again, it will depend on what you do with this project.
  • X-Acto or utility knife
  • Wire cutters
  • Scissors
  • Glue gun and glue sticks (depending on your letter)

I began by printing out a letter ‘B’ from my computer. I chose a basic sans serif font and made it roughly the size I wanted my finished mini wreaths to be. I traced that letter onto the foam board and cut out the letters with my utility knife. I cut out six letters for my six chairs.

Then, I cut a roughly 12 inch section from one of my garlands with the wire cutters. Starting from the back of the letter, I wrapped that section around part of my letter.

My letter looked like it had crazy professor eyebrows (you know the ones), so I just gave it a haircut, cutting as closely to the letter as possible. If you are smart (unlike me), you’ll hold it over a waste basket to collect the trimmings. I, on the other hand, now have a green shag rug on my craft room floor.

Keep cutting 12 inch sections, wrapping, and hair cutting. I recommend the 12 inch sections, because it’s much easier to work with than trying to wrap the entire 15 feet of garland.

If you break your letter, don’t worry. Just tape it or glue gun it back together. The wired garland will hide the break.

When you finish wrapping your letter, you’ll have a stunning wreath!

Just kidding. You’ll need to trim some more. And trim, and trim, and trim. Cut it as close as possible so that you can see the shape of the letter really well. If you are like me and are using a letter with “holes” in it, be sure you stick your scissors in there and really trim out that hole as best you can.

If you find that you have some of the foam peeking through, no worries. Cut a small section of garland (3 or 4 inches) and re-wrap that part of the letter. Don’t forget to trim the new section!

The last step is a simple one. Just thread a length of ribbon through a “hole” on your letter. If your letter has no “holes” and is not one you can hang well, like ‘S’ or ‘C,’ you can attach your ribbon with a glue gun on the back of the letter.

I hung one of my mini wreaths on the back of each of my breakfast room chairs by tying a bow on the top of the chair. I absolutely love the way it looks.

You could hang them just about anywhere – stair railings, lamps, or even on a nail in the wall. It would be pretty easy to make them in a larger version, too.

What do you think? Do you like the Ballard Designs wreath or the Lindsay Ballard Designs wreath better? You’ve been wondering what my ‘B’ monogram stands for, haven’t you?

********************

For even more easy holiday DIYs, hop on over to Centsational Girl. I have a fun tutorial over there today featuring sequins. Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle! Thanks for having me, Kate!

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.

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Comments

  1. Brittany says

    November 23, 2009 at 5:49 am

    I foresee a garlandy R replacing the mossy R on our front door in the very near future. Like tomorrow if I can get my act together. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. gina says

    November 23, 2009 at 6:08 am

    They look cute! I agree the ballard one looks a little skinny and scrappy.

    Reply
  3. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    November 23, 2009 at 8:10 am

    What a great idea. I love the letter and hanging from the back of the chairs is so pretty. Great tutorial. Thanks for the inspiration. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  4. Funky Junk Interiors says

    November 23, 2009 at 9:19 am

    Beautiful! I like the idea of simple mini wreaths hung from the back of chairs too. So pretty with that transparent ribbon! You ARE the master!

    Donna

    Reply
  5. Katie Liz says

    November 23, 2009 at 9:23 am

    Oooo – I love the idea of a wreath in the shape of a letter!!!

    Reply
  6. Nadir @ Hodgepodge says

    November 23, 2009 at 9:23 am

    This is soooo cute!!! I'll have to figure out how to hang one from my soon-to-be new monogram last name, an L.

    Reply
  7. Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    November 23, 2009 at 9:26 am

    So cute, Lindsay! Great ideas and I love, love the sequined trees you did over at Kate's. Great idea!

    Reply
  8. the BLAH BLAH BLAHger says

    November 23, 2009 at 10:52 am

    I've got one of these planned, too… Michaels has wooden letters for super cheap, so that's my plan! : )

    Reply
  9. Amy says

    November 23, 2009 at 10:54 am

    I love love love this idea! I made some simple wrapping trees this weekend, but have those awesome dollar store cones and wreaths at home still. I see another project on it's way…

    ๐Ÿ™‚

    http://design-aholic.blogspot.com/2009/11/tinsel-garland-trees.html

    Reply
  10. Mom in High Heels says

    November 23, 2009 at 11:13 am

    How cute! I love the little wreath! I made an initial wreath last year. You can see it here:
    http://myheelsarehigherthanyours.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-wreath-mcguyver-style.html

    Reply
  11. Jane says

    November 23, 2009 at 6:48 am

    Very Cute! I collect the letter "E" (they are everywhere in my house) so this would be a great holiday addition to my collection.
    Thanks,
    Jane

    Reply
  12. Lisa-Marie says

    November 23, 2009 at 6:59 am

    I might have to make an 'H' wreath. Also, it's so cool that your surname is Ballard, like Lucille from 'Meet Me in St Louis'!

    Reply
  13. Southern Savvy says

    November 23, 2009 at 12:14 pm

    Such a great DIY project! I love that you tied yours to the back of your dining chairs. So festive!

    Reply
  14. Sarah @ Dream In Domestic says

    November 23, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    This is such a cute idea! I'm lucky because the first letter of my name, S, would be very easy to do and it is also my boyfriend's (aka pretty much fiance just not official yet) first and last initials, so needless to say I'm going to be seeing a lot of S's in my future. Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  15. Jen says

    November 23, 2009 at 8:08 am

    I'm a "B" too & I want your mini wreaths! I think I see a Thanksgiving weekend project in the making – dollar tree here I come! I think I'd like to make a couple to hang on our door knobs in the front & back of the house?

    Reply
  16. Lindsey says

    November 23, 2009 at 8:42 am

    I just found your blog and am in love! I too, like Jane, collect I's and I think, like Brittany, that an over-sized I on my front door would be perfect for the holiday/winter season.

    I am just now making your book page wreaths (I am doing two) and should be finished tonight. This will be my next Living with Lindsay project!

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  17. Carey @ The Garcia Family says

    November 23, 2009 at 8:45 am

    Very cute! I'm assicted to Ballard Designs, so I love the idea of creating their designs on the cheap!

    Can I tell you that my husband now thinks I'm crazy?! I read somewhere that you live in P'ville- I live in P'ville too! I started shrieking when I read that. I tried to explain to him that one of my favorite bloggers lives in the same town, and he didn't get it. He definitely thinks I've gone over the edge…

    Reply
  18. Clean and Classic Interiors says

    November 23, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    I drool over that wreath every time I see it but I never thought about making it smaller – so clever!!

    Reply
  19. Casey says

    November 23, 2009 at 9:18 am

    very cute! I'm going to make one of these this year!

    Reply
  20. Jenna says

    November 23, 2009 at 9:47 am

    OMW! I loved this in Ballards, and love it more here!

    Thanks for your ideas, Im thinking I should make a few!

    Reply
  21. Kristin says

    November 23, 2009 at 9:48 am

    I'm hosting Christmas this year and just LOVE this idea! Of course I'll have to recruit my Mom to help me make it a reality. Ah ha

    Reply
  22. heather_delynn says

    November 23, 2009 at 10:44 am

    Thanks so much for sharing! This is the perfect alternative to overpaying for cuteness. I will scour garage sales next summer for garland…I want to make these for everyone I know!!

    Reply
  23. Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says

    November 23, 2009 at 11:15 am

    So cute, Lindsay! I recognize those 15' greenery swags, too! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  24. Amy Kinser says

    November 23, 2009 at 11:38 am

    I LOVE THIS IDEA. I LOVE INITIALS. (ALL CAPS MEANS I REALLY REALLY LOVE WHAT YOU DID)

    YOU DID A GREAT JOB!!

    Reply
  25. Abbey @ Practically Perfect says

    November 23, 2009 at 12:52 pm

    Great. First you made me make a million book wreaths and now I'm going to be making these!!!

    You're the best. Thanks!

    Reply
  26. Beth@The Stories of A to Z says

    November 23, 2009 at 1:03 pm

    Totally cute. I love it.

    Reply
  27. Heather@PixieDust says

    November 23, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    so cute!! I saw your tutorial on CG and i love it!! Can't wait to give it a try.

    Reply
  28. Lisa says

    November 23, 2009 at 2:09 pm

    Simply amazing, your creativity is endless and I am so thankful you share these wonderful ideas with us. I would have never thought to tackle this project in this way, pure genious!

    Reply
  29. notsewsharp says

    November 23, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    I was inspired by the same wreath and just made my own this weekend. I used wire hangers and the same garland at the Dollar Tree. I think yours are cuter than mine!

    Reply
  30. Kara@ Creations by Kara says

    November 23, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    So cute! I think I even have some extra garland in my Christmas stash. Think it's too early to ask my hubbie to pull it all out? ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  31. Mary says

    November 23, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    Too bad I can't loop ribbon around an "L" for my last name. I guess I could attach it to the back somehow. Cute idea though!

    Reply
  32. Risley says

    November 23, 2009 at 10:04 pm

    I love it! thanks for the idea and info!

    Reply
  33. Just say Julie says

    November 23, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    Girl, slow down! I'm still working on an ornament wreath and book wreath. Now I have a boxwood letter wreath too? My husband has informed me I have nowhere else to hang a wreath, but I'm sure there's a flat space somewhere!

    Reply
  34. Angie says

    November 23, 2009 at 11:53 pm

    Just sharing the love. I think this one will be a hit with the family craftapalooza! Can't wait!

    Reply
  35. Anonymous says

    November 24, 2009 at 8:20 am

    Love Love Love this project… but please don't call it boxwood. Its Pine… not even related.

    Reply
  36. Living With Lindsay says

    November 24, 2009 at 8:32 am

    Anon – I decided to call it "faux boxwood" because of the way it looks to me after it's trimmed – like a boxwood hedge. Thanks for your suggestion, though!

    Reply
  37. Katie @ Haute Apple Pie says

    November 24, 2009 at 9:01 am

    So cute! I love all your wreath ideas and am a sucker for monograms. Great work ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  38. Cathy says

    November 24, 2009 at 12:29 pm

    It looks awesome. I wonder how one would look strung with white lights on the front door. Maybe I'll try it :). Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  39. Jen says

    November 24, 2009 at 1:32 pm

    i left you something over at my blog…a little gift if you will :)…I still want your B wreath….double commenting on a post makes me feel creepy!

    <3
    Jen

    Reply
  40. Jen @ jentility.com says

    November 24, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    I love it! I love your humor more. That first piece looked like the eyebrow of my 7 year old daughter as a newborn. It was the only hair on her — just a ffssfft! on her right eyebrow. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  41. Cindy says

    November 24, 2009 at 11:17 pm

    Love it! Now to find the time to make my own.

    Reply
  42. Condo Blues says

    November 24, 2009 at 10:17 pm

    I'll have to come up with something else. I have a green front door. It makes wreath buying or making a challenge. Grrr!

    A funny for you: My husband saw your post as a walked past my computer and cracked,"B careful when you decorate." LOL

    Reply
  43. Amy @ Design-Aholic says

    December 1, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    K, here's my version! Faux Boxwood STAR wreaths, set of 3 ๐Ÿ™‚

    http://design-aholic.blogspot.com/2009/12/boxwood-star-wreaths.html

    Thanks again for the idea Lindsay!

    Reply
  44. Amy @ Design-Aholic says

    December 11, 2009 at 2:17 am

    Lindsay- I loved both of the projects you featured here! I made the boxwood "wreaths" into stars, and just last night, modified the sequin trees into Pearl ornaments:

    Check out the pearl passion ornaments post:

    http://design-aholic.blogspot.com/2009/12/pearl-passion-ornaments.html

    ๐Ÿ™‚
    -A

    Reply
  45. Kirsten says

    December 16, 2009 at 10:36 am

    LOVE it! I'll be trying this idea tonight!

    Reply
  46. jodi @ back40life says

    December 22, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    great job – LOVE it!! I thought those were so cute when I saw the Ballard catalog…great job!

    Reply
  47. homy says

    April 12, 2020 at 12:06 pm

    Thanks for this useful information

    Reply
  48. Babyamo says

    April 12, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    Thanks for this useful information

    Reply
  49. vitamin says

    April 26, 2020 at 2:09 pm

    Thanks for sharing such great article

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. A festive kitchen table | Decoration & Furniture Sources says:
    January 3, 2012 at 1:46 am

    […] For another adorable chair decor idea, check out Lindsayโ€™s itty bitty monograms. […]

    Reply
  2. A festive kitchen table | Furniture Store Reviews says:
    March 11, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    […] For another adorable chair decor idea, check out Lindsayโ€™s itty bitty monograms. […]

    Reply

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About Makely

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.


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