These metallic garlands from our studio's holiday display are encrusted with natural materials like artichokes, berries, and leaves to create something really beautiful to frame a door, a window, or even a mirror. And, best of all, after the holidays, you can carefully wrap up the garland and display it again next year.
Tools and Materials
Quarter-inch gator board or heavy-duty foam core
Scissors
Utility knife
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Bow
Natural materials: dried artichoke, poppy pods, eucalyptus seeds, and tallow berry
Artificial oak leaves
Glycerin-treated fern fronds
Gold, silver, and gold glitter spray paint
Finishing nails or wire
Metallic Garland How-To
1. Make the garland base out of quarter-inch gator board or heavy-duty foam core by cutting three shapes with your utility knife: two large identical necktie shapes to hang down on each side, and a large "C" for the top of garland.
2. Use a hot-glue gun to encrust all three pieces with clusters of dried artichoke, poppy pods, eucalyptus seeds, and tallow berry. Fill in gaps by gluing in artificial oak leaves and glycerin-treated fern fronds.
3. Spray-paint the garland, first with gold spray paint, then silver spray paint, and finally gold glitter spray paint to create a layered metallic look, being sure to let dry between paint layers.
4. Attach finished garland to desired surface by using finishing nails, or tie onto a banister with wire.
Resources
All items needed to make these metallic garlands are available at most craft or art supply stores.