Nothing says Christmas like putting up sparkly decorations around the home and spending quality time with the family, right?
In fact, Christmas in recent years has been about gathering family and friends together for a good old DIY decoration session - letting your creativity flow and creating your own custom decorations. This year it's all about the Christmas wreath, arguably one of the most traditional holiday decorations, and putting your own DIY spin on the design.
Our team at Tremains love a DIY challenge, and we've found some of our favourite DIY Wreath designs for you to try with your family this Christmas.
The DIY Wrapping Paper Wreath:
What do you normally do with that leftover, scrap wrapping paper that just gets annoyingly left behind? Why not get creative with your leftover (or fresh) wrapping paper and turn it into a Christmas wreath the whole family will enjoy.
You'll need:
a Foam Wreath base
Wrapping Paper (thicker is better)
Hot Glue Gun
Invisible tape
Ribbon for hanging
First tie a ribbon around the top for where you'll hang the wreath when it's done, so you can stack paper overtop. To create the wrapping paper rolls for the wreath, create rolls 8" long by 2" wide, roll them into a tube and secure with tape, then use hot glue to stick it to the wreath. Continue this process all the way around for three layers, with the inside layers shorter than the outside layers. Once it's complete and dry, hang it up for everyone to see! For more fun, try using different colours of wrapping paper for some fun creations.
The Minimalist Wreath:
This wreath will be a simple standout in your home this holiday season, with a sophisticated edge. With the traditional style of the green Christmas branch, modernised with the simple entangling of string lights, this wreath is sure to impress your Christmas guests.
You'll need:
Christmas tree branches / Pine tree branches (anything with the "Christmas tree" affect)
Hot Glue
A quilting hoop (approx 12-16" in diameter)
Battery Operated String lights
For this wreath you'll need a strong hand and a fair bit of patience to get the branches along the quilting hoop. Bend the branches in shape and use hot glue to stick them down and hold down until glue dries to ensure it's secure. Pop the branches around the lower and left side of the hoop (or wherever you want the branches to sit) until you're happy. From there wrap the string lights around the hoop and amongst the branches for some extra sparkle (and be sure to hide the battery box somewhere you can reach to turn them on). Voila, you have a gorgeous Christmas wreath that is sure to turn heads!
The Marshmallow Wreath:
What is Christmas without a sweet treat amongst the Christmas decorations? This wreath brings you the best of both - a cute Christmas decoration, and the perfect excuse to get your sugar fix!
You'll need:
3 large bags of Marshmallows (or 6 regular bags)
A lot of toothpicks
A foam wreath base
Christmas Ribbon for hanging
White Wool (Optional)
Firstly, for a tidier base for your wreath, use the white wool to wrap around the foam base to form a layer underneath the marshmallows - if there are any gaps this will look cleaner than the foam. From there, simply stick marshmallows onto the toothpicks, and stick them into the foam base until there are no gaps. It's a bit of a slow process, but a great opportunity to get the kids involved. Once the base layer is full, create a second layer for a 3D effect on your wreath (or until you run out of marshmallows) and tie the ribbon around the top to hang your wreath. The only thing you'll have to worry about are your friends and family pinching the marshmallows off!
The Christmas Bow Wreath:
Possibly one of the most simple, yet greatly effective, Christmas Wreaths is the Christmas Bow Wreath. This one is super simple to put together, and another great opportunity to get your family involved in creating decorations. Bring a pop of colour to your home with this fun wreath!
You'll need:
Fancy Christmas Bows
Christmas Ribbon for hanging
A Quilting Hoop
Hot Glue
For this wreath, simply use the hot glue gun to stick the Christmas Bows onto the quilting hoop until it's completely covered - it's as simple as that! If you're feeling extra crafty, you can use the hot glue to stick some bows to the sides of the base ones, to create a thicker and layered looking wreath. These wreaths look fabulous with either one colour of bow - or a range of different colours. Once you're done, tie the Ribbon to the top and showcase it on your wall (or front door!)
The Christmas Ornament Wreath:
Doesn't it just frustrate you when you're decorating the tree and still end up with a pile of unused baubles? With the ornament wreath, you can add some extra colour and sparkle to your home, and put those leftover baubles to good use! You'll have your neighbours in awe with this wreath hanging on your front door!
You'll need:
A Wire Wreath Form
Shatterproof (plastic) baubles in various sizes and colours
Hot Glue Gun & Glue sticks
String Lights (optional)
To create this wreath will take some time and patience. Firstly you'll want to remove the hanging pieces from the top of the bauble before sticking to the wire. Use the hot glue gun to stick the baubles onto the wire, with the top part of the bauble being hidden close to the wire base, and the smooth edges of the baubles exposed (this layer is best done with larger baubles). Cluster them together as you stick them down, being sure to cover as much of the wire base as possible (you can hot glue the sides of the baubles together as you go to make the wreath more sturdy). Once you have your base down, stick some smaller baubles into the gaps on the second layer - this will create a great 3D element and fill any holes left from the bottom layer. Once it's done, hang it on a wall or your front door on a nail, or with a Christmas Ribbon, and you're done!
If you're feeling extra creative, wind some battery operated string lights around the wreath for an extra night time sparkle!
We hope you're feeling inspired and creative heading into this Christmas season with your family. Be sure to tag your local Tremains office on social media if you give any of these wreaths a go - we would love to see them!
The team at Tremains would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to working with you in 2022!