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Any materials you want to make into a garland, such as: autumn leaves, flowers, herbs, seed heads, berries (fresh or faux), popcorn, small fruits, vegetables (fresh or faux), paper shapes. ornaments, beads
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Tools: florist paddle wire, thread and/or monofilament (or fishing line), floral tape, scissors, small nail or thumbtack
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Punch holes in the materials you’re going to use for the garland with a nail or thumbtack.
Punch the holes at the top of the items for layered garland, or punch holes at the opposite ends of the items to string them end to end.
For items that are soft (such as popcorn) or items that already have holes in them (such as macaroni and beads), no hole punching is necessary. To thread hard objects, such as seashells or nuts, use a power drill with a small bit to drill holes for threading.
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String your items together.
If you want to string your items together end to end, thread a needle with monofilament or thread and then string the items, weaving in and out of the punched holes.
For beads, popcorn, berries, or any items that you don’t want to string end to end, simply string the items together and knot the ends close to last item. Cut the thread or monofilament approximately 12 inches from the tied knot.
To make garland out of evergreen, herbs, or flowers, first make small groupings of flowers and wrap paddle wire tightly around the individual groupings. Next, string the groupings together by staggering them, wrapping them with wire as you go. Finish by wrapping the last stems with wire and then taping them together with floral tape.