Turn an outdated faux Christmas swag into a beautiful, on-trend decoration in minutes. With a few updated pinecone and greenery picks and a bold velvet ribbon, you can give a tired swag a fresh, elegant look that suits today’s holiday styles.
Why you might want to try this upcycled Christmas decorations project
If you want a fresh holiday look without buying all-new decor, upcycling is a smart, budget-friendly option. I recently helped decorate a large community space for Christmas and discovered a supply of classic faux greenery swags with velvet bows tucked in storage. They were charming but looked a little dated. A few small updates—swapping the faded bow for a rich velvet ribbon and adding refreshed pinecone and greenery picks—turned them into warm, stylish pieces that felt both nostalgic and current.
Upcycling lets you preserve memories while creating something new. Instead of discarding older pieces, a few targeted changes can bring them back to life. This approach saves money, reduces waste, and gives you the freedom to customize holiday decor to match your home’s palette and the season’s trends.
You don’t need to be a crafting expert to make a dramatic improvement. This project is quick and forgiving, making it ideal for beginner to intermediate DIYers. With minimal tools and a short time investment, you can revive swags, wreaths, and other faux arrangements to produce a cohesive, polished holiday display.
Supplies needed for this Christmas Swag Upcycled Christmas Decor
- New evergreen picks with pine cones (choose natural tones or lightly flocked)
- Optional flocked pine cone pick for contrast
- Wire cutters or strong scissors
- Floral wire (green to blend in)
- Small clear zip ties for extra hold
- Velvet ribbon, about 2½ inches wide and 1½ yards long (choose a rich color like deep green, burgundy, or navy)
I purchased my materials at a local craft store while visiting the U.S. last month. Similar items are commonly available at major craft retailers and many independent shops during the holiday season.
Watch the Video of this Upcycled Christmas Decorations Project
I filmed this process and shared it as a short reel on my Instagram channel. If you prefer to see the steps in motion before you start, watching the short video can be helpful—especially for bow-tying and attaching picks. Search for my Instagram reels if you’d like a quick visual guide.
Step by step process to make these Christmas Swags
- Remove the old ribbon, dated baubles, and any tacky trim. Keep pieces you might want to reuse or repurpose later.
- Gently fluff the faux greenery to restore volume. Separate and shape branches so the base swag looks full and even.
- Insert the new faux picks with pine cones into the swag, positioning them where they add balance and texture. Tuck any long pick wires toward the back where they won’t be visible.
- Secure the picks with floral wire or small clear zip ties. Wrap wire neatly and trim excess with wire cutters, then hide the connection within the foliage.
- Form the velvet ribbon into a full bow. Push a long piece of floral wire through the center knot from the back so you can anchor the bow discreetly to the swag.
- Hang the swag in its display spot and fasten the bow in place. Use the floral wire or a discreet zip tie to attach the ribbon securely to the frame or backing of the swag.
- Step back and tweak: bend branch tips, shift pinecones, and adjust the bow for the most flattering silhouette. Add a few smaller picks or a dusting of faux snow if desired.
That’s all it takes. With a handful of supplies and a little attention to composition, an old swag becomes a stylish statement piece that complements modern holiday decor. This project is fast, reusable, and ideal for refreshing multiple swags for a coordinated look.
More DIY Christmas Decorations
- Macrame wreath DIY perfect for Christmas — a textural alternative to greenery
- Mini flocked Christmas tree made from simple dollar-store supplies
- Printable Christmas wall art to create affordable, personalized holiday displays
- Christmas bookshelf decor ideas with hidden twinkle lights for a cozy glow
- Printable farmhouse-style Christmas signs for easy seasonal signage
Pin this to remember it later:
