Do you find yourself with a lot of leftover boughs once you've trimmed your Christmas tree? Instead of just throwing them away, why not be creative and use them to make your own fresh Christmas wreath? Here are a few simple tips to make a wreath frame.

Wrap thick metal wire (such as that which coat hangers are made from) around something circular to make the wreath's shape. The best size is usually about a foot in diameter. You can use a bucket or a pail, for instance. (For a more natural look, braided willow or other firm, flexible branches may be used. If you go this route, however, allow a few weeks for the branches to dry sufficiently so that the frame will be sturdy enough to hold decorations.)

Take your leftover tree boughs and other branches such as fir, cedar, spruce, or pine, and place them on the wire frame to make your basic design. Cluster smaller and medium pinecones around larger ones and then glue several of them to the frame.

Once the boughs are in place, decorate with dried flowers, holly, berries or other holiday style items; they can be held in place with glue, or even wire or ribbon.

For that 'shiiny' wreath look, spray with lacquer or semi-gloss material.

Hang your new wreath and enjoy!