Holiday Clothespin Wreath

 
We finally got the Christmas decorations out. I thought it would be fun to make it a family affair and as much as I love chaos, next year I'm going to send hubby and kids to a movie and stay home to decorate. The kids wanted to play with everything and David was in "guy mode" just pulling stuff out of bins faster than I could think. Let's not forget that I'm 8 months pregnant and hormonal (crazy). haha!

Anyway, I remembered that I made this wreath last year and never got the chance to post photos! I figured it would be a fun thing to share to kick off the holidays around here.

I adapted the clothespin/paper idea from Martha Stewart and just glued them to a wire wreath form. It makes a cute place to display our holiday cards from friends and family. (You could even make a non-holiday version and use it to hold photos, kids' artwork, mail, etc.)

Here are some pictures and simple directions if you want to make your own.



You will need:

wire wreath form
clothespins
scrapbook paper
ribbon/fabric/tulle
hot glue
mod podge
exacto knife



This is what the wreath form looked like before I started. I spray painted mine red, but I think I could have skipped that step since it just gets covered up anyway.



I started by covering the clothespins with scrapbook paper, using mod podge as my glue. I just brushed some on the clothespin and then stuck it on the paper.



Let it dry completely and then cut closely around the edge with an exacto blade. You can sand the edges after this step, too, and it helps give a smoother finish. (I don't have a picture of that step.)


Then coat the top with mod podge to seal the paper. Use a liberal coating, it dries clear.


Let them dry and admire their cuteness...


Then I used hot glue to secure them around the wire wreath. Make sure they open on the OUTSIDE (the pinchy part is toward the center of the wreath, ya knowwhatImean?)


Almost done....
I then just tied ribbons and fabric scraps between the clothespins. (I'm thinking now that I could have added even more. I might still do that this year)
Use whatever you have ... ribbon, fabric, tulle, etc!


And here's the finished product, ready for holiday cards to arrive!


(do you see your card?)

I hope I didn't leave out any steps. Let me know if you make one -- I'd love to see it!

p.s. My wreath is currently empty ... please send me a holiday card! you can email me or comment if you need my address.

p.p.s. I've joined some linky parties @ Shabby Chic Cottage and The Inspired Room
Check them out for lots of GREAT holiday tutorials and ideas!