Inspirational DIY Holiday Decor Ideas Using Cedar Branches

Gathering Cedar Branches for Decor Projects

Cedar trees are not only beautiful evergreens that provide privacy and screening in yard landscapes, but they also offer fragrant and versatile branches perfect for a variety crafts and cedar decor projects inside the home. With the right knowledge and preparation, gathering small branches, twigs and foliage from living cedar trees in your own landscape can provide free crafting material for all kinds of delightful DIY cedar decor ideas without harming the health of your trees.

Choosing High-Quality Cedar Branches

When selecting branches to cut for indoor cedar decor, focus on ones that are less than 1⁄2 inch thick so you do not create large wounds on your cedar tree. Look for branches that cross over each other or appear crowded, damaged by weather or showing signs of disease. Pruning out these excess branches helps improve the overall shape and health of the cedar tree while providing you with excellent crafting material.

For the highest quality cedar branches for crafts, time your gathering to early winter right before the ground freezes or very early spring before new growth emerges. During these times trees have activated their winter hardiness and dormancy which allows for less sap flow when branches are cut. Less sap makes working with the cut cedar branches much less sticky and messy.

Gathering Cedar without Harming Trees

When collecting cedar branches from your own trees, be very selective choose only a few small branches from any one section of the tree. Never cut the leader or main trunk, remove giant limbs or branches larger than 1⁄2 thick or strip one entire side. Overpruning stresses trees, allowing insects and diseases to attack the weakened tree. Creating small, scattered cuts throughout the dense foliage disguises the pruning visually while allowing the tree to quickly heal.

Use very sharp, clean bypass pruners when cutting cedar branches rather than ripping or breaking which can damage the bark and layers underneath. Place cuts just outside the branch collar, the raised swollen area where the branch connects to the trunk or a larger branch. Angle the cut down and away from the tree trunk so water does not collect on the flat surface. Avoid pruning on exceptionally cold or excessively hot days which also stresses cedar trees.

Post-Cut Care of Cedar Branches

Once gathered, place cut cedar branches in warm water immediately to help extend their flexibility and workability for crafts. Change the water daily to keep it clean. You can keep the cut cedar in this manner for up to two weeks in a cool location, refreshing the water every couple of days before using for your DIY cedar decor project.

Splitting very thin flexible cedar stems lengthwise in half, quarters or thinner pieces makes them even easier to manipulate into wreath, garland or other decorative shapes. Use a sharp knife, strong scissors or gardening snips to carefully slice down thin cedar branches. Soak these cedar strips once split to make them even more pliable.

Inspirational DIY Cedar Decor Ideas

Fragrant, natural-looking cedar branches lend themselves beautifully to all types of simple yet visually striking DIY cedar decor ideas perfect for holiday and seasonal decorating. Take advantage of freshly gathered flexible cedar stems, twigs and foliage to create artistic and inspiring home accents through these gorgeous easy craft ideas.

Cedar Foliage Wreaths

One of the most classic ways to use flexible split cedar branches is by fashioning them into lush round, oval or heart-shaped wreaths. Soak thin cedar stems until extremely pliable then bend and wrap them around a circular wreath form, securing ends with floral wire as you work around. Tuck in small filler sprigs of cedar to fill any visible holes or gaps for a very full, lifelike wreath form. Embellish with pine cones, feathers, dried pods, ribbon or other decorative elements in colors to match your décor.

Cedar Garlands and Swags

Long, thin leafy cedar branches also create gorgeous garlands and swags perfect for mantles, stair railings, above doorways and even outdoor spaces. Using the same stem-wrapping technique as with wreaths, fashion thinner cedar stems into long ropes then embellish with pine cones, berries, feathers, flowers or ribbon. For swags, shape some stems into graceful swooping curves to replicate natural growing habits of cedar boughs.

Cedar Potpourri

Small cut cedar branches, foliage and berries make fragrant all-natural potpourri for holiday bowls or as table decor. Simply snip very small cedar pieces like berry stems, tiny twigs, delicate foliage or shavings from peeled branches. Layer the cedar pieces in glass, wood or ceramic bowls with dried apples, cinnamon sticks, citrus peels or decorative ornaments. The woodsy cedar scent infuses rooms with fresh forest aroma.

Table Runners and Centerpieces

Thin pliable cedar branches become beautiful rustic-looking table runners when tacked onto burlap. Wrap cedar stems around the edges of the burlap then fill in the middle with Mixed cedar stems, pine cones, wood slices or red berries make stunning full seasonal centerpieces.

Photo Frames and Candle Holders

Small cut cedar branches arranged attractively around LED candles or photo frames disguise the holders while emitting calming cedar fragrance. Use hot glue to attach thin cedar stems, foliage and berries around plain glass hurricanes or rectangular picture frames. Try grouping together framed photos or candles for big visual impact.

The Benefits of Decorating with Cedar

In addition to offering endless artistic possibilities, incorporating cedar branches into your DIY cedar decor provides many beneficial effects that enhance indoor environments and wellbeing.

Air Purification

The natural oils within cedar branches emit a fresh, woodsy aroma that fills indoor air with calming fragrance. Cedar foliage also releases air-purifying phytoncides which reduce airborne mold and bacteria to create cleaner, healthier air inside.

Insect Repellency

Hanging garlands, wreaths or swags made from cut cedar deters pests like moths and mosquitos while lending rustic beauty to living areas. The strong cedar oils confuse these insects’ senses so they avoid rooms decorated with cedar accents.

Reduce Stress & Promote Relaxation

The soothing forest-like scent from DIY cedar decor made with freshly gathered branches triggers relaxation within the limbic system of the brain which governs emotions. Reduced stress along with clean fragrant air benefits both physical and mental health.

Gathering and working with natural materials from your own landscape to create attractive, beneficial DIY cedar decor connects you intrinsically to nature’s healing effects. Embellish handcrafted cedar branches with elements reflecting this season’s celebrations for decorative pieces emitting wholesome cedar essence within your living spaces all year long.

FAQs

What time of year is best for cutting cedar branches to use for crafts?

The optimal times are early winter just before the ground freezes and very early spring before new growth starts. Cedar trees go dormant during these periods so pruning causes less sap flow from cuts versus active growing seasons.

How long can I keep cut cedar branches before using them?

You can extend the flexibility and workability of freshly cut cedar branches by placing stems immediately into clean water. Change water daily and store them in a cool spot for up to 2 weeks before using for DIY projects.

What size cedar branches are best for crafting wreaths and garlands?

Focus on cutting thinner branches no more than 1⁄2 inch in diameter. Very thin flexible stems are perfect for wrapping into decorative shapes. Slice long thin branches lengthwise to make pliable strips for weaving crafts.

Is it safe to decorate my home with cedar holiday accents?

Yes, cedar boughs are completely safe for indoor decor. In fact, cedar releases beneficial phytoncides into air which reduce bacteria and purify indoor spaces. The woodsy fragrance also deters insects and promotes relaxation.