DIY // Natural Christmas Garland
I love all things gold and sparkly {just take a look at my pinecone garland from last year!}… but I also love natural things, as well! I guess it depends on what I’m in the mood for… and the purpose of the piece. In this case, it was my sweet mama who planned this outdoorsy garland to make with her grandchildren over Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, we ran out of time, but she did leave the supplies with me to complete the simple DIY with my kids. {Thanks, Mom!} I’m crazy about how it turned out… and the kids and I had so much fun putting it together for the birds in our backyard to enjoy!
The supplies needed are super simple… and cost effective, too. {Hopefully you’ll be able to find some pinecones outside to use for this project!} Although I did put quantities below… you really just need a few handfuls of pinecones, bird seed, popcorn and fresh cranberries, along with some peanut butter that you have on hand. You’ll want to measure out a good 4-foot piece of sturdy thread to begin. This should allow for a 3-foot garland to hang outside.
SUPPLIES NEEDED //
- 10 medium-sized pinecones
- 1 cup blended bird seed
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups air-popped popcorn
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- needle & strong nylon thread
This is a great DIY project to do with the kids! My six year old daughter had no problem handling the needle and thread, as you can see below. The popcorn was the trickiest part to thread, as it would often break. {A thin needle works best!} I had to help with the pinecones, but she honestly strung the rest of the pattern together herself.
Once the garland is finished… you can decide whether or not you want to coat the pinecones in peanut butter and bird seed. The natural garland is so pretty… you may just want to drape it on your Christmas tree or tie it up on the mantle. If you do want to put it outside for the wildlife to enjoy… then complete the garland with the peanut butter and sprinkling of bird seed. The birds will LOVE you!
The kids will also love spreading the sticky, messy, peanut butter on the pinecones! I am fond of the fact that there is nothing perfect about this project. It’s just earthy and organic — in the materials used, the eclectic pattern, and in the adorning of the pinecones!
{Even my ten year old enjoyed the process!}
I must warn you that once those pinecones are covered in peanut butter… the project turns messy! Be prepared to have peanut butter everywhere and definitely recruit someone to help you hang the garland outside! I was ill prepared and it had to have been quite a sight! {Haha!} I ended up with peanut butter on my camera, on my clothes, and all over everything else in the surrounding area! However, it was totally worth it! The garland turned out so natural and pretty! I hope that you enjoy it, as much as we have ours! Merry Christmas, friends!
