Bush Trimming Wreath
You can make nice wreaths by simply trimming your bushes. We have some nice overgrown Yew bushes in the front yard and every year I trim some to make the wreath for the front door. You need:
1) a wire form like an old coat hanger
2) wire, string or yarn to attach the branches
3) Ribbon, pine cones, etc. to decorate it
Take bunches of the trimmings and tie them together in groups. Place a group on the wire and secure in at least two places. Then take the next bunch and overlap to cover the tie spot and secure it in two places. Continue in this manner until the wire form is covered. Tie extra ties if some bunches seem a bit wiggly. Wrap with ribbon and tie on or glue the decorations.
Now you can hang on the door.
Dried Plant Material Wreath
Take dried plant materials like golden rod, milkweed pods, dried flower tops, and dried herbs and secure in bunches just like in the wreath above. Secure to a wire frame in the same way. Wrap with ribbon and decorate to taste. Now You have lovely dried material wreath!
Apple/Orange Peel Wreath
Take apple and orange peels from your holiday baking and save briefly in the frig. Take an old coat hanger and free one end. String the orange and apple peels torn into irregular chunks, tightly down the wire until it is packed tight. Dust with cinnamon, and let dry. You can also string cranberry on it too. Just remember to pack it super tight as these will shrink as it dries. Once dry, wrap with ribbon and decorate.
These are nice to hang indoors to add scent!
Egg Carton Wreath
Cut a large cardboard circle in roughly a wreath form. Take a plastic type egg carton and separate all the sections. Glue the sections tightly onto the cardboard circle. Paint in a holiday color (green, red, gold) and then decorate. This is a great project for kids!
Here are more articles on gift ideas for you:
Have a Cheap Xmas
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art15333.asp
Easy Cheap Kid's Xmas Projects
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art7318.asp
Cheap Online Holiday Shopping
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6924.asp
Easy Holiday Tee Shirts and More!
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5595.asp
Make it Yourself!
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art4153.asp
Happy Holidays!
For more ideas Check out these Frugal Living Books!
Complete Tightwad Gazzette
The Complete Tightwad Gazzette
Declare Your Finanacial Independence
Declare Your Financial Independence
Complete Cheapskate
Mary Hunt's Complete Cheapskate
Miserly Moms
Miserly Moms
You Can Afford to Stay Home With your Kids
You can Afford to stay Home WIth your Kids
