I'll Be Broke For X-Mas Cardboard Wreath

Trying to make the home more festive w/ zero bucks... You got this crap laying around.

I need to wash the windows.

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Step 1: You Need:

Cardboard (I used a combo of single ply and corrugated.)
Wire Coat Hanger
Newspaper
Scotch Tape
Hot Glue/ Gun
Green (or whatever color) Spray Paint
Assorted Acrylic Paints
10" of Craft Wire
Optional...
Something to Make Ornaments Out Of

EXTRA CREDIT:
Polyurethane Varnish Premixed With Stain
or:
Cut it Yourself (by adding a little stain to your clear polyurethane, dealers choice on color, to a coupla cups of varnish.)
Brush for Applying Varnish

mrhodes4 says: Dec 13, 2011. 5:48 AM

This would be too cute for use with a storm door with a few alterations to make it lay flat (er?).

I'd make a wreath base with a cardboard cake circle (I'd spring for a new one because we have a gazillion fire ants and they are only about $4 for a package of 5 using a % off coupon at a chain hobby store). Cut the center out with a craft knife. Ok, to make this "free" use a big piece of cardboard! It won't matter if it's crooked because the "leaves" will cover it up. Spray paint the wreath base green, silver, etc.

Then decorate the base with holly leaves cut from green patterned cardstock or wrapping paper glued to plain cardstock and berries cut from felt (or glitter scrapbook paper) as shown making some “pop-out” with foam tape squares (or if u have a TON of holly leaves from another project glue them on for added 3D). Add some red pom- poms for the berries!

For the ornaments I’d cover circles of cardboard, canning jar lids, orange juice lids, etc. with decorative cupcake liners.

jackierusted (author) in reply to mrhodes4Dec 14, 2011. 11:38 AM

very cool. ithe one i am making for my mom instead of painted cardboard i'm using a bunch of paint sample cards from lowe's paint section!

pfred2 says: Dec 10, 2011. 3:40 AM

Your wreath looks very nice.

I just hope it isn't the holiday season that puts you in financial straits. It shouldn't. The holidays were never meant to be about buying expensive gifts and ending up in debt. Remember, it is the thought that counts. I refuse to go in for all the hyper commercialism the holiday season has become. I find it detestable.

I bet no one ever gave Jesus expensive gifts on his birthday. And it was his birthday! OK I suppose he got some OK stuff when he was born but how about all the years after that? I can hear it now, gee Mom a new loincloth, just what I wanted! Hey Dad what are you trying to tell me with this walking stick gift? Some new sandals to go along with it might be nice ...

Bah Humbug.