I love to place a wreath on the front door for the holiday season. I bought a really nice simple one, several years back... but last year I had to throw it away. Our front door gets a strong dose of morning sunlight - remember - I'm in Australia... so Christmas time is SUMMER. Anyway, the embellishments on the wreath were made from coated styrene, and they cracked, popped and exploded last season.
Of course I didn't actually throw the wreath away. The decorations are gone, but I have kept the base. I was planning to re-decorate it for this Christmas... but then I had a change of heart, and decided to make a rag wreath instead!
Because of the strong morning light, I was concerned that my colours would fade too quickly. So I decided to make this up in very neutral tones.
Bad move...
I hate it!
Well... I don't actually hate it... it's just not very ME. It's subtle and neutral, and OUT OF PLACE on my front door! I need colour
So, I will be making another one... with a bit more life to it.
EDITED TO ADD PHOTOS OF OTHER SCRAP WREATHS I HAVE MADE
But for the moment, I will show you how this one came together. It's a very simple process.
I have a plentiful supply of rag balls here, so I grabbed a handful in the colours which I wanted (or thought that I wanted)
marked out a large circle on a piece of strong cardboard
and a smaller one inside
cut out the ring shape
started to tie on the rag pieces
added some more
and some more
just to give you an idea how the back looks at this point...
then tied on some more rag strips until it was full
I made a twisted cord from rags, tied it into a bow... and stitched it into place... click here for twisted cord instructions
I've also trimmed the tails on some of the rags to a shorter length.
Fast - Fun - Easy - which is good news for me, since I now want to re-make it in a more colourful manner!
I understand why you may not like it but I love it!
ReplyDeleteyou can use fabric paint... or add those wooden rings(with color rags tied or painted) or just add extra fabic or get some plant matter, tree branches sticks
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I agree with you. It is subtle and for me Christmas is big and brash. Great idea though - I wonder if I can make one with strips cut out of our odd or holey socks. I've been saving them up for a rag rug but it hasn't quite happened yet (and no, our socks could never be described as subtle so I don't need to worry about it looking washed out!)
ReplyDeleteIee, after all your bags, can't imagine your house neutral. BTW, have started the crochet hook holder....am doing 3 small ones for 3 different types ie bamboo, metal and metallic. V.excited! Now have to prioritise again for projects!
ReplyDeleteIt's very elegant, but doesn't really match your crazy yarn, lol.
ReplyDeleteFabulous idea though - which of course I will be adding to my (incredibly long) list of projects to do...as soon as I've finished this christmas present.
That looks a LOT better than a wreath I made a few years ago. Dark green garbage bags were cut into strips and tied around a coat hanger stretched out into a circle. I'd seen it done elsewhere but mine just looked like - well - garbage!
ReplyDeletePerhaps if I'd used a cardboard base like yours, cut each strip a lot shorter and packed them tighter together the effect would have been better.
At least a lesson was learned...
This is a fantastic idea, I would never had thought to do something like this....I have just started a line of colourful tiny crochet Christmas stockings that I am planning on hanging across the doorway....I love Christmas and all the decos that go with it....I am also in Australia so know why you chose natural colours but I can't wait to see your colourful version!
ReplyDeletemisha - thanks :)
ReplyDeletedevi - ooohhhh... some fabulous ideas there... thank you
whatsonox - good plan... a sock wreath would certainly be unique... I would LOVE to see that
bec - lol! I'm excited about the hook holders too
sam - so true... I almost felt like a FRAUD with that wreath on my door!
tess - I had always wanted to try one of those garbage bag wreaths... some of them looked very effective
emjaylas mum - yay! another aussie :) I like the sound of the mini stocking garland... thanks for stopping by!
They look great. I was think of doing something similar with those big curtain rings, using a chain to link them together after they are decorated with a xmas reef type of thing, if you can picture it?
ReplyDeletecat - sounds interesting... I will be keeping an eye on your blog to see how it turns out
ReplyDeleteI followed the link here, this is brilliant, I have added it to my favourites, thank you for sharing this with us!
ReplyDeletelibby - you're welcome... happy crafting
ReplyDeleteI made a "rag wreath" except that I used a floral wreath frame and made it a color wheel as well.
ReplyDeletehttp://flickr.com/photos/21833648@N06/3093422335/
jacqui - I popped over to your blog and took a look... the colour wheel concept is gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration! Hope it doesn't freak you out that you popped into my head this morning at 3:30 am...although I guess it was afternoon your time, so it's not so odd. Anyway, the rag wreath I made as a gift card holder for my son's teacher was a huge hit. You rock. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://aimeewrites.wordpress.com/2008/12/19/as-a-bee/
aimee - I just took a peek at your rag wreath... not surprised it was a hit... it is magnificent!
ReplyDeleteI really love it. Thanks for sharing, I so want to make one!
ReplyDelete