Burlap Garland With Wire

Measure areas where you want to use the garland, if you're making it for specific decorations. For example, measure from the middle of the door frame on one side, over the top of the door frame to the middle of the opposite door frame. Add 1 foot to the measurement to drape the garland at the top of the door, if desired. Use the same procedure to measure across the top of windows or along buffet tables, adjusting the measurements for how much you want to drape the garland and how much burlap you want to leave hanging down.

Cut strips of burlap to the desired lengths for the garlands. Weave wire through the center of a strip of burlap, as though you're sewing. Poke the wire through the burlap every 3 to 8 inches to create a gathered effect with the bunting. The closer together you make the wire "stitches," the more gathered the burlap garland will be. Repeat for the number of garlands you want to make.

Insert wire within 1/2 inch of each long edge of a strip of burlap to make a garland with a French ribbon effect. French ribbon has wired edges that make it easy to form into bows and decorative effects for floristry and gifts. Wiring both edges of the burlap allows you to twist the garland like a streamer or tie a bow in it -- and have it keep its shape, even outdoors in the wind.

Fold the wire ends into 2-inch loops and twist them three times at their bases. Cut off the excess wire. Squeeze the cut end with pliers to reduce the risk of damage to surfaces or injuries to flesh. The loops serve as a convenient means to hang the burlap garlands.