A Simple Christmas Wreath for Under Ten Dollars

I bought rectangular dark green, light green plastic tablecloths at the dollar store. I had the circular metal wreath, but, you can find them at the dollar store, Walmart and online. Mine was from the dollar store, since I stock up on them when they are in stock (although I always leave a few, since I know how frustrating it is when there aren't any). Occasionally other stores have them on clearance or on sale, another time i stock up. I used a colorful piece of another tablecloth to add color, and a sleeve of unbreakable ornaments from the dollar store. You could use any ornaments or decorative items on your wreath. I once pinned vintage Christmas pins on a fabric one, for my youngest daughter.

I cut strips from the tablecloths (I like to cut them while they are folded because you can cut several at a time). I usually cut the strips about 6-7 inches long, from the long strip, keeping them consistent as I cut. You can cut them longer if you want a fuller look, or shorter if you are going to loop over one bar at a time. I like to do two bars at a time, but, it's just my preference. I take the "mad scientist approach" and just eyeball my lengths, but, I used to measure the first few strips when I started doing them, so a ruler is an optional tool.

Here are some of the strips. If you cut long strips you can then cut them the length you want, and it saves on cutting, since you can cut several layers at one time. Your scissors are the only real tool you are using. I have more step-by-step pictures in some of my other tutorials, if you would like to see others, like this one: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/craft/wreaths/a-p...

I alternated the colors and then wove in some color.

I had part of a tablecloth left over from another project (they also are easy to cut in half to protect the table you are working on for other projects), and added in some color. You could use tulle, fabric or another tablecloth for this part. I've done variations with all of those, and they all work well.

I had to move her wreath to my front door to get a decent shot (her storm door wasn't cooperating!).

I added a leftover piece of silver ribbon. I glued on the ornaments with some glitter glue I had, but, you could use a low temp glue gun, also. On other wreaths I've added curly ribbon, scarfs for ribbons - you are only limited by the scraps you have and your imagination. Have fun!

Here's (just for fun) is my current wreath, which I previously posted. It was made on a heart shaped form, in case you were wondering. Just remember, once you have the basic process down, you can use team colors, favorite colors, strips of cloth, tulle, etc. - there are no limits! You can turn them over and cut the strips to remove them, if you want to redo the frame differently, or just untie them. I just use the loop technique, but, you could tie a knot if you want. Sometimes odd shapes slide around, and I'll tie off one end in a knot. I pick up pretty, random items to use for decoration when I see one, saving them in a container until the right wreath presents itself. Hope this inspires you to try your hand at a fun craft!