The Byrd Collective :: Garland DIY

For a recent fiesta-themed party we styled, we wanted to incorporate as many floral elements into the decor as possible to really turn up the Latin flavor. Of course, in times of need we turn to our dear friend Ash of the Byrd Collective, and the final product was sheer perfection. With just a few dozen carnations and some wire, she created two incredible flower garlands to drape  over my glass hurricanes. And in fact, we were so obsessed with the garlands, that we forced her to show us how to make them ourselves… and we wouldn’t dream of keeping that secret all to ourselves! Follow the jump for the seriously easy step-by-step instructional.

From Ash…

All it took was Camille uttering the word ‘fiesta,’ for carnations to immediately come to my mind. Though they tend to get quite the bad wrap, carnations look incredible when used in mass or as filler. Most people would be surprised to find that their vivid saturated color can have an effect that’s as breathtaking as any peony.  I’m so pleased with how these garlands turned out, and they looked positively radiant set against Camille’s gorgeous blooming bougainvillea. 

• carnations (Make sure they’re wide open. I bought 50 stems)
• scissors
• bailing wire (for thread)

1. Cut heads off stems.
2. Uncoil bailing wire to desired length of garland.
3. Poke bailing wire through green base of carnation head and pull through. Repeat with each carnation, making sure they are all facing the same direction.
4. Twist wire ends to secure.
5. Hold garland at the base and the top, and place where you’d like it to be displayed.