Gardener Turns Twisted Rope & Pine Cones Into A Stunning Woodland Garland

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A woodland garland is one of those charming decor pieces that can evoke the warm-and-fuzzies for some. But what's also special about it is that it can go a long way: It looks perfectly fitting at the start of the fall season, right through the holidays, and into late winter. But don't run out to buy one just yet. If you've got conifers growing on your property, you may be able to DIY a woodland garland at practically no cost. We're not talking about snipping some pine sprigs to put one together, rather, using pine cones that would otherwise litter the ground. (Check out this guide to reusing pine cones in several other ways.)

After picking up a bumper crop of pine cones from her garden and yard, the creator behind YouTube channel Garden Answer fashioned a garland with them that looks so voluminous, it doesn't need any greenery. The key to making it look full — and making it easier to store for use year after year — is by tying instead of hot-gluing the cones onto a rope, the DIYer explains. This way, the cones are more maneuverable on the rope as opposed to cones that are affixed to specific spots. If you want to follow her lead, you'll need the pine cones, twisted jute rope, and paddle wire.

Cut a length of rope to fit wherever you intend to hang the garland (plus a little extra to allow for some draping). Make non-slip loop knots on the rope ends to hang the garland. Note: The garland will get heavy once filled, so double-check that the loop knots are secure! The goal is to pack the pine cones close together, not just from end to end, but around the rope in a staggered fashion to make it look fuller and to cover the wires. Take a strip of paddle wire and wrap it once around the full girth of a pine cone by threading it between scales on the stem end (back side). Twist the wire a few times to secure the attachment. With the rest of the wire, tie the cone to the rope by poking the wire through a "soft" spot on the twisted rope and tying a knot. Rinse and repeat. Once you're done, you should find that you can adjust the cones on the rope without any dropping off. Use it to garnish a fireplace mantel, style your front door, or give your porch a farmhouse makeover.

Think about adding some embellishments to take things up a notch. The YouTuber made bows by tying ribbon over the rope end knots and placed an assortment of gourds across the outdoor mantel where she hung the garland. While it may look more wintery than fall, consider flocking the pinecones using a flocking spray, like Prextex Fake Snow Spray for $10 a can, or a combination of Epsom salt (a 48-ounce bag for $3) and Mod Podge (an 8-fluid ounce tub for $4), all three available on Amazon. You can also add string or fairy lights directly to the garland, flocking or no flocking, for a whimsical addition. This DIY is perfect decor for the cooler months, all without breaking the bank and using many natural elements.