I am really into wreaths right now (fair warning to friends and family you may get some creations as gifts in the near future). I have been toying around with an idea to make a wreath I saw in a magazine last Halloween since, oh last Halloween! The other day I was feeling particularly crafty so I decided to alter the idea to create a 4th of July wreath.
The good news is this wreath is uber easy to make, the bad news I totally under estimated (aka didn’t calculate) how much ribbon it would take! So heed my warning — I have done the calculations and YES you need that much ribbon 🙂
Supplies:
- One 12 inch foam craft wreath ($4.99 at Joann’s less 40% off coupon = $2.99)
- 25 YARDS of 1.5 inch wide grosgrain ribbon – I used 20 yards red dot + 5 yards solid blue (approx $25)
- Sharp scissors
Let’s talk about ribbon for a moment. That’s a LOT of ribbon. Yes, you can buy it a JoAnn’s or Michael’s, but it will add up quickly at retail stores. I recommend purchasing it in bulk on Etsy. There are tons of ribbon sellers, just search “1.5 grosgrain ribbon” with your color choice and you will see what I mean. If you do buy it retail, don’t forget your coupons — you’ll need them!
Step 1 – Cutting your ribbon
The first thing you want to do is cut your ribbon pieces. Hint, I get bored cutting, so I typically cut about 20 strips or so then start the wreath and come back to cutting later.
You can either cut the ribbon with flat edges or angled edges. I decided to go with angled for a bit more whimsy for the 4th of July. Plus, I didn’t feel like sealing my ends so the angle helps keep the fraying down. If you want to be precise, you will want to seal your ribbon ends with Fray Check.
Your ribbon pieces should be 16 inches in length. If you go with angled, 16 inches is the long side of the angle the shorter side should be about 14 inches. (I say about because the amount of angle is up to you, plus I like to leave things a bit fluid.) I recommend cutting one sample and cutting all others to match the sample.
Step 2 – Tying the ribbon
There are a lot of ways you can tie your ribbon, but the key is to tie them all the same way. If you choose to go with angled ends, make sure you start with your ends going the same way, so they end up facing the same direction. I choose a simple knot — left over right (pull tight) and left over right (twist) again.
At first it feels a bit awkward tying the fat ribbon in little knots, but once you get into a rhythm, its smooth sailing.
As you tie your knots, make sure the ribbon overlaps in the back and squish your knots up close together. You don’t want to see any of the foam wreath below.
Step 3 – Hang and enjoy!
No really, that’s it. Two simple steps. It does take some tedious time, but it is easy to do while watching TV or something.
Happy 4th of July!
Looking for more 4th of July crafts? Check out these:
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says
Oh I love that! Super cute.
Beeb Ashcroft says
That’s a really cute idea!
Nichol says
This is adorable. I am not crafty but this I can definitely do!
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired says
That is very neat! It looks easy too. My kids would love to help me make this.
JulieK says
oh my goodness! SOOOO pretty! I love it!
jules p says
adorable. love it….making it tomorrow!
Shell Fruscione says
That is gorgeous! Great job!
Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute says
Too cute Jen and so festive! I love how simple it is and your pics and directions make it fool-proof. Thanks for taking the time to show us.
Hugs…Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute
Mary says
I love it. You have inspired me. Gotta get to Michaels today 🙂
jen says
I’d love to see it when you make it Mary 🙂
Brett says
i. love. this.
Dee says
OMG – I love this and am gonna do it!!!!
Henrietta says
This is such a cute idea and would be easy for my tween to do on her own! I always see ribbon at yard sales so I’ll have to remember to pick some up for this wreath!
Tricia Nightowlmama says
how creative I love it and SOOOooooo Easy too
Danyelle says
Looks great, and simple too! I even like the look from the back, especially with the spotted ribbon and the plain ends showing through from the other side. Thanks for sharing 🙂
jen says
Thanks 🙂
betty says
How festive – and it’s something I wouldn’t be overwhelmed about setting out to do.
robyn paris says
http://pinterest.com/pin/234468724322927696/
Monica says
I can not wait to make this. It is so beautiful. I am off work and school for 2 weeks and i know what i am doing 🙂
jen says
Awe thanks! Have fun making it 🙂
Annabelle says
Looks fantastic and so appropriate for July 4th coming up soon, as I write this. QUESTION – how many rolls of ribbon did you use?
Thanks.
Annabelle says
Forgive me please….I see where you did say how much ribbon. Sorry about that…guess I started reading with how to do it.
Kristin says
This is awesome, I think I can manage this!
I want to make this Stars and Stripes version as well as a Minnie Mouse with pink polka dots and black ears.
jen says
You totally can. It’s sooo easy, but it does take time 🙂
Kristin says
Just ordered the ribbon from Ebay. Estimated delivery between Tuesday, Jun. 10 and Monday, Jun. 23 cannot come soon enough 🙂
jen says
Yeay! Have fun making it!!! 🙂