And you thought gift wrap was only for presents. . .
This cheerful, festive wreath is made out of good ol' wrapping paper
and is rather easy to make, my friends.
It just takes a little time and practice making the bows
and before you know it you'll be swimming in the delightful curly things.
Just look at my helper, Ebony. . .she is about to jump into the pile.
And by helper I mean she was trying to EAT the bows!
As you know, Christmas items are already available at most stores!
If you don't have any wrapping paper on hand
than just hop, skip, walk, run, bike, or drive
to a store nearby where you can purchase some pretty paper.
Or better yet, forget the hopping, skipping, walking, running, biking, and driving
They have the cutest paper that you can personalize with pictures - yes, it's darling!
I know the grandmas in this family would love it!
Okay, now that you've picked out your gift wrap,
let's move onto the "how-to" for making this DIY wreath.
Items Needed:
wrapping paper
18-inch round wreath
scissors
string, yarn, ribbon - whatever works for you
hot glue gun and glue
The wooden wreath that I used was purchased at Hobby Lobby and is flat.
If you don't have one nearby, any craft store should do.
Also, thicker wrapping paper curls better and makes the bow fuller
whereas thin paper curls too tightly.
Cut a strip of wrapping paper that is 14-inches in size,
fold it in half, then cut several squares from the folded strip of paper.
For an 18-inch wreath you will need 31 - 35 folded squares.
Gently fold the bottom up to about 2-inches away from the fold
- do not crease -
and cut strips that are about 1/2-inch in size.
Do not cut to the top!
You want to leave a small amount uncut at the fold.
* * Tip * *
{Smaller strips curl better - larger strips don't hold the curl.}
Now unfold the folded square.
See how my center is uncut?
Fold the small strips accordion style,
back and forth, back and forth.
Use a piece of ribbon or yarn to tie a knot in the center.
On the wrong side of the paper
{mine is double-sided so the stripes are the wrong side for me},
angle the blade of your scissors and gently, very gently,
pull towards yourself to create a curl.
Angling the blade is very important, if you don't then you will get a round curl
rather than a corkscrew type curl.
If you haven't tried this before, it's okay to do a few practice rounds.
** Make sure you do not cut yourself! **
You will tear a few pieces, but don't let that discourage you.
Practice makes perfect and if a couple of strips tear off
then the other remaining curls will hide the tears.
Soon you will have a perfect-looking curly bow.
Once your bows are made you can create a beautiful and unique holiday wreath.
Apply a little bit of hot glue to the knot on the bow
and press down onto the wooden wreath.
To finish my wreath
I attached a vintage handmade card which I printed off from Antique Images.
I applied the card to some Christmas card stock and added a strip of vintage lace.
Then, I hung it from the center of the wreath
by taping it to the back.
Now that your wreath is made you can hang it up in your home
for some lovely Christmas cheer.
And I'm sure you probably realize this,
but your wrapping paper wreath is an indoor wreath.
One last thing. . .
you can also use the pretty bows for dressing up Christmas packages.
You know those little scraps of paper that are left behind and end up in the trash?
Well, don't throw them away!
Instead use them to make a bow for the gift you just wrapped!
They also look great on gift bags.
Happy wrapping and creating, sweet friends!
I shared this wreath tutorial two years ago on my blog.
You can check out the "original" here.
Blessings and hugs to each one of you!
* * * * *
Linking up with:
64 comments
How fun! Your wreath turned out great. Good pattern selection!
Good Morning! I told you I was going to rush right over to see your wreath, and WOW! Stephanie, it all looks so beautiful and festive! Makes me want to decorate. I need a little push to get going this year, so this just might do it. :-)
Your tutorials ALWAYS make things look so simple.
Just beautiful, Stephanie!
Have a most beautiful and blessed day!
Love you, Mom
What a great tutorial, Stephanie! I love this idea for a wreath, but also for the pretty bows for a package. Thanks for this wonderful idea. You're just so crafty, my friend, and your setting is so pretty. Hugs and blessings sent to you.
It is a very handsome wreath Stephanie!
I jut love it ♥ Thanks for the tutorial ♥
Beautiful Stephanie! So creative! Your kitty is precious too. She reminds me of Harry, black cat the family had growing up.
I love it ( and also that black cat).
What an awesome idea!! The wreath is gorgeous. It amazes me how creative people are.
I just found your blog and am your newest follower.
What a fun project! I was thinking as I was reading that I would have to put it inside and I read your warning that it was an indoor wreath. It would not last long at all outside! :)
This is something I am going to try, Stephanie. Thank you!
Sadly I don't have a cat to help me!
The wreath is beautiful! You did a lovely job!
Wow, so impressive it looks wonderful. I love all of your ideas for the bows, simple but very effective.
ohhhh i love the wreath and the other ideas!!! i'll bet this would also look pretty with different papers of the same color palette!!!!
Super tutorial Stephani Yours looks gorgeous!
Hope I have time to make one!
Thanks so much!
Wow! I'd love to make a harvest wreath for Thanksgiving. I think bows made this way are way prettier than the bags of squashed bows they sell for Christmas.
I'm not sure I quite understand the cutting/folding past of the directions, though. Hum... Guess I'll just give it a go and see what happens!
On a serious note, please pray for my husband, Ray. BIG misunderstanding by a student of what he said. (Ray is a school bus driver.) He told the girls NOT to wear short skirts the next day as they were to have an evacuation drill from the bus. A student went home and told her parents the Mr. Ray told the girls to wear short skirts. Sigh. The Board of Ed won't let him work until it is cleared up. Please pray it is cleared up quickly? Thank you, dear.
Oh my!! What a genius idea and so adorable!! I wouldn't have thought to use wrapping paper like that -- thanks for sharing this adorable idea!
Wow,just beautiful. Lovely idea. Thank you very much for sharing.Hugs.
You are soooooooo clever, now just look at that perfection - what a NEAT idea, love love love it!
Of course if I attempt this it won't look a thing like yours, haha, tutorials and me? Yikes. But I must try, because it is AWESOME!!!
Well, if that isn't the cutest thing I ever saw done with wrapping paper!!!! I love this idea. What a fun project and I am just loving the way it turned out. Thanks for the tutorial on it. xo Diana
Your wreath is very pretty!
That is a darling wreath! I am always amazed at the crafts you come up with. How wonderful it must be to be so creative! I probably am not patient for this one but I do like the idea of making goodies for packages :) Hope you're staying warm...{{hugs}}
So wonderful Stephanie! I'm so glad when I can create things from nothing and your wreath looks gorgeous made with a lovely wrapping paper. Bravo!!!Beautiful detailed photos, thank you and ...Ebony!
Hugs
Olympia
What a fun and festive craft project! Thank you for sharing, Stephanie!
Wow, Stephanie, my jaw just dropped when I said that. Your wreath looks really fun and very festive. What a great project. And I love the idea of it not costing an arm and leg. ;) Have a great day!
Stephanie~ This wreath is absolutely beautiful :) So cute! I love wreaths (they're one of my favorites) and I just may have to make one of these sometime. Thanks for sharing the step-by-step pictures in your post- and your cat is so cute :)
Hope you have a beautiful day!
Hugs and blessings to you,
Libby
Love it! So pretty and festive. Depending on the gift wrap used, the look could change a lot, too. I had no idea that one could find cardboard wreath forms either. I've been living under a rock!
That's a very pretty wreath.
Merle...........
What a darling wreath, Stephanie! I just love this! What a great way to use up all that leftover wrapping paper I always seem to have on hand. Very nice tutorial and I just love your sweet vignette! Thanks so much for this - my whole family is getting new wreaths for the holidays! Hugs xo Karen
As soon as I saw this I had to pin it on my I Love Wreaths board! It's fabulous!
That is just adorable, and so creative! I like the double sided paper, it adds an extra touch to the wreath.
I LOVE this idea! So pretty!
Looks just like curls of peppermint candy! How creative and cute : )
Wow, just wow! That is one beautiful project and I love the way it turned out. Have a blessed day... :)
Ambitious! Looks like fun. I bet your son enjoyed helping you make this. ~ Abby
Your wreath is so beautiful, Stephanie! The curly bows look wonderful on the gifts, too.
Debbie :)
Now if that isn't the sweetest wreath! What a great idea. I love the idea of making bows for packages too since the ones you buy are super expensive or all bent and smashed in the bags. These are so much prettier. I love to curl ribbon like this too and it would look nice to mix some in with the paper curls...:) Have a blessed evening my friend.
Hugs, Vicky
I think it's so festive and happy! Love the colors!
It's sweet that your Mom comments and has a blog!
warmly,
deb
That is so cute.
Love the wreath Stephanie! I am not planning on taking many Christmas decorations with me to the NC apartment so DIY projects are on my radar. This wreath will be a must! Your red and white striped gift wrap looks like peppermint candies! I wonder if I could use a cardboard ring instead of a wooden one? I know I have one somewhere.
This looks like it would be such fun to make! And I could add some little gingerbread men! haha! You did a fantastic tutorial, too! Thanks!
Beautiful wreath and a gorgeous kitty too. I loved my visit here. Hope you have a lovely week.
xo Danielle
Your wreath is darling and so cheerful. Sounds fun to make. I was in Hobby Lobby yesterday and I was amazed how much wrapping paper and ornaments they have!!! Two TALL isles of ornaments! In fact, the entire store was packed with lovely things.
I am so fond of their store but respect their values even more.
I am amazed at all you do, Stephanie. Love your wreath. Thanks for the inspiration. I need to start thinking about Christmas.
I love your step by step instructions, Stephanie, and this is something that I can make. So pretty! Your pictures are fabulous as well, talented lady! Christmas will be here before we know it!
A beautiful wreath. Thanks for the tutorial.
Cute wreath! I have a black cat too. :-)
~Katie@ liliesofgrace.blogspot.com
Original and beautiful !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a great day !
Anna
Olá amiga, linda inspiração... amei a ideia!!!
Um lindo e abençoado dia!
Beijos Marie.
Lovely wreath, Stephanie. My daughters would love making this! Thanks for sharing. :)
Pretty good idea! *-*
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This is so beautiful Stephanie. =) I am putting this one on my to do list for the holidays.
Blessings,
Valerie
This is such a cute idea! I love how pretty it looks once it's all finished. And the colors! Yes, please!
You know what would even be better? Having a craft day with you, this wreath and a cup of hot tea! :-)
I hope you are doing well. I haven't been very active on the blog world lately. It's been rather busy here!
I hope you have a glorious day!
Keep those craft ideas coming...
Hugs and Blessings,
Amy
How beautiful and creative! And it is a plus that Ebony approves. :)
That my dear friend, is a beautiful thing...a keeper for sure!! Waving to Ebony. Blessings
..what a lovely wreath Stephanie.... I love it...
Hugs and Blessings... barb xx
Oh my is that ever gorgeous, I just love the paper you chose that is so cool, such pretty pictures of your whole display
I absolutely love this and will have to see if I can get my mom to help me attempt this! I love crafts, but my patience level is always an issue on success!
So cute, I love it!! And those little curly bows are so pricey in the stores, what a great idea for presents. I am going to bookmark this Stephanie, thank you.
Wow this is fabulous Stephanie - will definitely have a go at this with Lexie - she will love it too.
Hope you are keeping well - I have had a manic month since coming back off holiday and haven't blogged for over a month - will try and put that right soon.
Take care and God Blesss
Kate
xx
This is such a clever idea! I love how the wrapping paper curls up so pretty, and it looks great on the packages as well. I'll be trying this! I'd love it if you'd link this wreath up today at Creations by Kara.
Your wreath is awesome. I would have never thought you could curl wrapping paper the way to curl ribbon. Pinning.
Thanks for the how-to on this beautiful wreath. It really is awesome!
This wreath is so super cute and creative! Thanks for sharing! PINNED!
How cute it that!? I never knew you could do that with wrapping paper! Thanks for the great ideas!
This wreath is sooooooo cute and not very expensive to make. I wanted to make a wreath out of peppermint candies and I think this one looks better and will not cost as much. I'm pinning this one. Thanks for the inspiration!
xoxo Jo
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