When most individuals think about how to make a wreath during the holiday season, they picture creative front door wreaths that depict all the various things Christmas is known for: santa, elves, reindeer, bells, presents, holly, and Christmas tree decorations. However, a homemade fabric wreath invites colors and decorations that can be fine-tuned to the receiver, resulting in a great Christmas gift.
Wreath Making Holiday Gifts – Personalized Creative Christmas Gifts
Wreath making moves beyond tradition when fabric decorative wreaths take on the personality and interests of the receiver. This creative holiday gift doesn’t depend on holiday season images. It starts with a straw wreath form, adds fabric in the receiver’s favorite colors or house-color scheme, and then decorations according to hobbies and interests for a personalized touch.
There are a variety of ways to make a fabric wreath. However, for a great Christmas gift idea, something a bit more unique and creative than a plain fabric wreath is called for. This holiday season gift rises out of the ordinary provided time is taken to put a little extra thought into each wreath made.
This Holiday Season Wreath Best Made With Straw Wreath Forms
Straw wreath forms offer an easy base to work with. They are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the fabric and decorations, yet light enough to hang on the wall with simply a nail. Make sure to space the decorations somewhat evenly around the wreath; if this holiday season wreath ends up heavier on one side than the other, it won’t hang straight.
While styrofoam rings are also sturdy and light enough to hang easily, (plus available in heart shapes as well as rings), they require more time. Styrofoam wreaths need pre-punched holes with a crochet hook or knitting needle before inserting the fabric, or each fabric square hot-glued into place. Alternately, the squares could be secured with a heavy-duty straight pin.
Craft stores sell both straw and styrofoam wreath rings, but if they aren’t available locally, they can be purchased online from Create For Less or Save On Crafts. Cost is around $2 to $3, plus shipping.
For Best Christmas Holiday Gifts Pick the Fabric Carefully
Pattern of the fabric doesn’t matter, nor does the quality of the material. Focus on how the colors fit together. For the best Christmas holiday gifts, make sure to pick colors that complement each other well.
Also give some thought to the person receiving the wreath: what is his or her favorite color, what color scheme dominates the home, and what are his hobbies and interests? Pre-thought will help produce a non-traditional, yet personalized wreath; one the receiver can showcase in his home throughout the year.
How to Make a Wreath
A 3” vinyl quilt-cutting square is best for marking the fabric before cutting, but any stiff material like cardboard also works. The amount of material needed hinges on the size of the straw wreath form. The larger the form, the more material it will take. Actual fabric amount also depends on how closely the squares are bunched together.
The back of the wreath won’t show since it’s placed against the wall when hung. However, the first row of fabric squares should completely cover the inner straw form that might show once the wreath is hung. If the first square placement is misjudged, just put the next one below the first; don’t take the misplaced square out. Placement isn’t that critical. A zigzagged, jumbled look is preferred.
Wreath Supplies
- 10” to 12” straw wreath form
- about 3 yards of material, cut into 3” squares
- short Phillips screwdriver
- hot glue gun and glue sticks
- assorted decorations, as desired
- spray glitter or material sealer (optional)
Instructions to Make a Fabric Wreath
- Stick the tip of the screwdriver into the center of a fabric square, with the right side of the material facing up.
- Bunch the material around the screwdriver, and get a good grip on it.
- Begin at the inner circle about two-thirds of the way down, and poke the tip of the screwdriver into the straw wreath form, driving the material into the wreath.
- Pull the screwdriver back out, making sure that the material square stays firmly in place.
- Continue poking the material squares into the form, placing each square about 1/4″ to 1/2″ apart, but not in strict rows. You want them close enough that the straw form doesn’t show through, but staggered.
- When finished, the fabric wreath is ready to decorate. Place desired decorations onto the wreath to check out the look, then rearrange until satisfied.
- Carefully hot glue all decorations into place.
- Spray with glitter or a material sealer, if desired.
Wreath Making Results in Creative Christmas Holiday Gifts
Wreath making is simple, but creative Christmas gifts take time. Expense varies, depending upon the type of material used, as well as the decorations chosen to enhance it. This holiday season gift can be made from assorted fabric scraps to use up odds and ends. The result will be a country scrap-quilt look. Or, for a more personalized gift, focus on the receiver’s favorite colors or house décor. Either way, make sure the chosen colors coordinate well.
