Are you thinking about some different for your front door this year? Check out this cute pink and green Retro Santa Wreath that Carrie and Taalor put together a few days ago.
The wreath kit really sold out fast, but most of the individual products are still available.
If you are new to wreath-making, or even an old hand at it, this wreath is easy to make and we've pulled all the materials together for you)))
Watch the replay of the Facebook live and you can make a Ho Ho Ho Retro Santa Wreath too!
2rollsMeshMesh can be 10" 10.25" or 10.5" in width; 10 yards in length
4rollsRibbonUsually includes 2 rolls of 2.5" width and 2 rolls of 1.5" width, but variations are possible.
1SignSigns can be metal, wood, or MDF; and available in round, square, rectangular, or other shapes.
2-4Chenille StemsUsed for attaching the sign and making a wreath hanger.
BASIC INSTRUCTIONS
Cut the Mesh
Use a rotary cutter to cut the mesh into 20" lengths.You will need to use all of both rolls.If the last piece is a bit short, don't worry—it won't be noticeable.
Preparing Wreath
Spread and straighten the twist ties on the wreath form.If any ties comes off, simply reattach it by twisting it around the metal wreath form.Create a hanger now or after finishing the wreath using a couple of chenille stems, floral wire, or zip ties.
Creating Ruffles or Curls
For a ruffle by rolllingl up the cut edges slightly, then scrunch through the middle to create a "bow tie" shape.Attach two ruffles to each twist tie. If you plan to add ribbon strips later, twist the ties only a couple of times.If you had rather make curls, roll up the piece of mesh starting from the cut end until it is about the size of a paper towel roll core.Pinch the curl in the center and secure two curls into each twist tie.Begin on either the outside or inner ring of the wreath, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
Ribbon Strips
Cut ribbon strips 12-13" in length.Add a cluster of ribbon strips to each twist tie. If you prefer less, or no ribbon at all, that works too—a mesh wreath can look beautiful even without ribbon strips.Undo the twist, place the ribbon cluster, then re-twist securely. Spread the ribbons out for visibility and run your fingers under them to give a slight curl.
Attach the Sign
Choose where you want to place your sign on the wreath.Depending on the depth of your wreath, use extra-long chenille stems or twist two regular ones together.Wood or MDF Signs: Use a heavy-duty stapler to attach chenille stems. To prevent the staples from going all the way through, place a small piece of folded cardboard under the chenille stem before stapling.Optional: Purchase adhesive cable mounts that stick to the back of signs. Secure them with permanent glue. Thread the chenille stems through the cable mounts.Use the chenille stems to attach the sign to the wreath form. Make it snug enough to prevent slipping but not so tight that it squashes the mesh and ribbons.
Wreath Bow
Create a wreath bow measuring 12-14 inches. You can do this free-hand or use a bow maker.Decide on the length of the tails before you start. Consider if you want one bow or multiple bows for your wreath.Often, one bow is used, and its placement depends on the sign's position.You may choose to use multiple bows and omit ribbon strips entirely.Finish the ribbon tails with a dove-tail or angled cut. If the ribbon has an attractive back side, you can roll up the ends slightly to show it off.Fluff your bow and run your fingers under the tails to give them a gentle curl.
Finishing Touches
Fluff your ribbons to ensure they look full and tidy.Snip any loose frays to keep the wreath neat.Inspect the back of the wreath for any sharp edges that might need to be smoothed out.Create a hanger using a couple of chenille stems, floral wire, or zip ties.
Pink & Green Not Your Colors?
The Ho Ho Ho Retro Santa sign is also available in traditional red and green. So ifi you had rather have those colors, just pick out a style of red/green/white mesh and some coordinating or contrasting ribbons. Wreath making is fun.....so have fun with it!
