Create a simple wreath from your yard

The evergreen wreath is a beautiful addition to most homes this time of year. Wreaths can be created in a multitude of ways using a plethora of materials and techniques, but when created out of evergreens, they're believed to represent the strength of life and healing.

Evergreens themselves are known for their strength, as they are able to remain green and overcome even the harshest of winters. The process of collecting the greens and creating the wreath myself is a refreshing holiday task that I look forward to embracing each year as one of our family's holiday traditions. This rejuvenating exercise is simple, economical and can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone.

Here is an effortless approach to creating your own contemporary version of a very common holiday adornment. It's a technique that embraces the resourcefulness of repurposing and celebrates our appreciation for nature's abundant gifts to us all.

You'll need an empty, bare frame. It can be plastic, metal or wood. Repurpose old picture frames or create your own using scrap lumber. For more creative variations, you can also use other materials for your frame, such as an old bicycle wheel, a wall mirror or a window frame.

Gather up some fresh greenery from around the yard or nursery. Select different varieties to combine the various evergreen textures and shades of green. I mix up everything from the blue spruces and white pines to the cedars and junipers. Branches with berries are also a welcome addition.

Use garden pruners to trim them down into manageable, full bundles that will cover the width of your frame.

Twist each bundle with floral wire to secure. I like to have several bundles already prepared before I begin securing to the frame.

Starting at the top corner of your frame, begin securing your bundles into place using high-temperature hot glue.

Make sure you allow the full end of your bundle to fall over the edge of your frame for better coverage.

Continue adding bundles, offsetting each one slightly. The full end of each bundle should cover up the stems of the previous bundle.

Don't worry about bare spots. You can always go back and fill in with additional greenery, if need be.

Do one side, then the opposite side.

Alternate the directions of your bundles on each side for a pleasing, creative touch, or you can keep the direction of your bundles going in one continuous direction. Do a "dry run"before gluing to see what you like best.

Finish off with natural embellishments or use traditional holiday charms, like ornaments or beads.

These wreaths can be displayed indoors or out, and when the holidays are over, you can simply remove the evergreen bundles, scrape off the dried glue and use it again next year.

Cheers to the natural additions you make for the holidays!

Visit Michele Beschen at www.couragetocreate.com or www.borganic.net.