Introduction: Wreath-shaped Ornament Out of Duct Tape

About: I like making things out of items that would have otherwise been discarded. Check out my other projects!

Here's how to make a small holly wreath out of some green duct tape.  This could be a great project for the whole family to get in on.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

You'll need the following items.
  • Green colored duct tape
  • A small flat ring  (Perhaps cut a hole in the top to a plastic container.  We ordered custom cut pieces that were made with a laser cutter off of Etsy for about $1 each from this shop.)
  • A few red beads
  • A sharpie
  • Scrap card stock (or the center from your plastic container lid!)
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Ribbon

Step 2: Make Duct Tape Strips

Tear a length of duct tape off and then rip or cut it along the length to make thinner strips.  This will prevent the tape from creasing horribly as you wrap the ring.

Step 3: Wrap the Ring

Use the strips to wrap around the ring you're using. This will hide the color of the ring so you can easily use any color of plastic, metal or wood for the base for the project.

Step 4: Make Your Foliage Blanks

Cut off two equal lengths of duct tape and put them together as shown.  (Sticky sides together.)

Step 5: Make a Holly Leaf Template and Trace on the Duct Tape

Make a holly leaf template on the card stock or plastic scrap.  Cut the template out and then trace it onto the duct tape cramming in as many as possible to minimize waste.

Step 6: Cut Out the Leaves

Use the scissors to cut out the leaves. You might want to embellish them a little but we found that the marker didn't stay on the duct tape well.

Step 7: Tie on the Ribbon

Cut a length of ribbon to use to hang the ornament.  Tie the ribbon onto the ring and then tie another knot to form a loop with the ends.  The knot on the ring helps orient the ornament on the branch - you may not want to do that.

Step 8: Glue on the Leaves and Beads

Get the glue gun warming up.

Lay out some of the leaves on the ring and get a feel for the layout you'd like.  remember you can put some on the "back" side for more dimension if you want.

Now start gluing the leaves and beads on. 

Step 9: Add a Ribbon Bow and Hang It Up!

You might want to add a bow made out of ribbon.  Then hang it on the tree!

Many ornaments are fairly fragile but this one will take a bit of abuse.  And if it "breaks" just get the glue gun out and heated up!

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