
Amy Merrick shows how to make a Christmas wreath with evergreens, pine cones, and other woodland finds
My inspiration for this wreath was a wintry walk in the woods. Only in winter do the small details in the forest take center stage—a lost turkey feather, some beautiful lichen, or an abandoned bird’s nest—not to mention a host of unusual pinecones, vines, and evergreens. I always keep a pair of clippers in my pocket when out walking and usually come home with my arms full of treats from what would otherwise seem like a gray winter day.
The shape of the wreath is inspired from a Greek laurel wreath, but with a tangle of grapevines to form the base, the overall effect is more wildly natural than classically composed.
Materials
- Foraged fir
- Blue spruce
- Weeping blue spruce
- Bird’s nest in a branch
- Turkey feathers
- Dried spirea branches
- Dried lichen
- Grapevine
Tools & Supplies
- Clippers
- Roll of Oasis bind wire
- Double-faced satin ribbon
- A few wooden barbecue skewers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Click the arrows (or swipe if on a mobile device) to see more
“The wreath should look like the woods in miniature. Imagine a small evergreen tree with a few grapevines intertwined; a small bird has made a nest in the branches, and a flock of wild turkeys have come through and left some feathers. If you distill the woods into a single display, this wreath would be it.” – Amy Merrick
Floral design by Amy Merrick, amymerrick.com | Photography by Brooke Slezak
Amy is the author of On Flowers: Lessons from an Accidental Florist (Artisan, 2019), featured on Flower magazine’s 2020 Reading List.
Up Next
Portland, Oregon, designer Sarah Blasi of Selva, creates an airy, artistic holiday wreath using unexpected materials and a fresh palette. See step-by-step instructions.

Wreath by Sara Blasi of Selva. Photo by Maria Lamb
More Holiday Flower How-Tos
- A Festive Fall Wreath
- Party Ready Christmas Tree
- Evergreen Garland How-To
- Fruitful Holiday Arrangement: Emily Kennedy
- Christmas Flower Arrangements