DIY Upcycled Christmas Decor from Old Faux Swags

Turn an outdated faux Christmas swag into a fresh, elegant statement in minutes. With a few new pinecone and evergreen picks and a wide velvet ribbon, you can update tired holiday decor into something on-trend and perfectly polished.

An outdated Christmas swag with old dusty ribbon and tacky gold beads and bells

Why try this upcycled Christmas decorations project

If you want a fresh holiday look without buying all-new decorations, upcycling is a practical and stylish choice. I recently volunteered to help decorate a large community space and discovered boxes of classic faux greenery swags with old velvet bows. They had charm but looked dated. A few simple swaps—updated greenery picks, a few pinecones, and a bold velvet ribbon—gave each swag a completely new feel.

Upcycling saves money and reduces waste, but it’s also an opportunity to create something unique. Replacing a faded bow, removing outdated baubles, or tucking in realistic-looking pinecone picks instantly modernizes a piece. The result blends nostalgic charm with a current aesthetic—perfect for homes, community spaces, or small event decor.

Whether you’re refreshing pieces you already own or breathing new life into thrifted finds, this quick craft is accessible even for beginners. The materials are minimal, the steps are straightforward, and the outcome looks high-end. Consider this project if you want an easy way to refresh your holiday decor while keeping the craft approachable and affordable.

Supplies needed for this upcycled Christmas swag

Supplies needed for an upcycled Christmas swag

Pre-made faux swag or any faux evergreen garland section you want to refresh
New evergreen picks with pinecones (choose realistic-looking picks for best results)
One flocked pinecone pick for contrast and texture
Wire cutters or strong scissors
Floral wire in a neutral color
Small clear zip ties for quick secure attachment
Wide velvet ribbon (recommended 2½ inches wide and about 1½ yards long for a generous bow)

I bought these supplies at Hobby Lobby during a recent visit to the United States, but similar items are typically available at craft stores and seasonal decor shops. If you can’t find the exact picks, choose ones with natural tones and varied textures to create depth.

Watch the video of this upcycled Christmas decorations project

I filmed the process as a short reel and shared it on my Instagram channel. If you prefer a visual walkthrough, look for the clip on my profile—seeing the steps can make the assembly even easier.

Step-by-step process to make these Christmas swags

Remove the old ribbon and any dated ornaments. Set them aside if you want to reuse parts or recycle responsibly.
Gently fluff and separate the faux greenery so the swag looks fuller and less flattened from storage.
Insert the new evergreen and pinecone picks into the swag, positioning them where they’ll be most visible. Tuck the long wire stems behind the swag to hide them.
Secure each pick with either floral wire or small clear zip ties. Wrap wire around the base of the pick and the swag stem tightly, then twist and tuck the ends to hide them. Zip ties can be trimmed close and concealed in the foliage.
Make a full, elegant bow with the velvet ribbon. Run a long piece of floral wire through the back of the knot so you can anchor the bow precisely where you want it on the swag.
Hang the swag and test different bow positions—centered, offset, or slightly askew—until the composition looks balanced. Use the wire from the bow to fasten it through the back of the swag so the front remains neat.

And that’s it—simple steps for a striking transformation. The refreshed swag will look current and intentional, with minimal time and cost invested.

Tips, variations, and finishing touches

– Color and texture: Choose velvet ribbon in deep jewel tones (forest green, burgundy, or navy) for an elegant vibe. For a more rustic look, switch to burlap or linen ribbon.
– Add subtle sparkle: If you like a bit of shine, tuck in a few metallic picks or small faux berries, but avoid overly shiny or dated ornaments.
– Scale and placement: For large swags, use multiple picks and a wider ribbon. For smaller swags, a single pinecone pick and a smaller bow will keep the proportions right.
– Long-term care: Store refreshed swags in breathable containers and keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading of the ribbon and picks.