Sticks from the yard make a wreath that is outdoorsy and inexpensive. Bundles are wired together into an octagon, which is softened with wispy bush branches. Clip-on bird ornaments reinforce the natural theme.

• 48-64 straight sticks, at least 10 inches long and about 1/4-1/2 inch in diameter
• Fine, feathery branches such as spirea
• Florist's wire
• Twine
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Branch clippers
• Clip-on bird ornaments
• 1 yard of 2-inch-wide ribbon for hanger, if desired

1. Gather the sticks into eight bundles of 6-8 sticks each. Cut the sticks approximately 10 inches in length. About 3 inches from each end, wire each end of each bundle together to secure.

 

Step 2

2. Lay four bundles in a square. Place the remaining bundles at 45-degree angles across the ends of the first bundles to create a second square. Wire the bunches together at each intersection to create the wreath. To cover wire, cut 18-24 inches of jute for each intersection. Tie the twine tightly around the branches, then wrap the twine around the sticks to cover the wire. Glue the ends to secure.

3. Add small, feathery branches to soften the shape. Add clip-on bird ornaments, and hang from a ribbon.