Stars and Stripes Wreath Tutorial

Since I have two doors, I wanted to do something different and not make two of the exact same wreath. So I decided on doing one wreath in the stars part of the flag and one on the stripes.

Supplies you will need:

2 straw wreaths (I used 18 in wreaths because my doors are big)

2.5 yards of  navy burlap ( I couldn't find this in any store, I bought it online here)

1.25 yards of red burlap

1.25 yards of off white burlap(the color I got was called "oyster")

Sharpie

Circle Pattern (I used a coffee mug to trace the circles)

Scissors

Ball Point Pins

Paper Mache Stars (I used 6)

White Paint (spray paint or acrylic)

Distress Ink (optional)

Floral Wire

Vacuum (you will see why later)

Step 1: Trace your circles on the red, white, and blue burlap and cut them out. Or if you are like me you will trace, some, cut some, pin some, and repeat. Put on a good movie or tv show because this is very time consuming.

TIP: How much fabric it will take you will depend on how big your wreath is and how tightly you place them on your wreath.

Step 2: Once you have all the circles cut out, you will fold the circle in half, then in half again.

TIP: Using a straw wreath instead of a styrafoam wreath will save you money. I bought two 18 inch straw wreaths for 8 dollars where I would have paid 8 dollars for one styrafoam wreath.

Step 3: Pin it to your wreath.

I alternated between three rows of red and three rows of white.

TIP: Make sure you use ball point pins.

These dressmaker pins will go through the holes in the burlap making it fall apart easier. I speak from experience, I used them on the red and white striped wreath and several pieces have come off.

I didn't take a picture of the navy wreath but you make it the same way. It is easier though because it is all one color.

Step 4: Paint your stars white.

I got mine at Hobby Lobby near the wood section for 50 cents.

Step 5: This is completely optional but I wanted more of a distressed look so I added some distress ink on the edges.

Step 6: Cut the strings off the top and poke two holes about one inch apart in the back (making sure not to poke through the front) and string a 12 inch piece of floral wire in one hole and out the other.

Step 7: Place the star where you want it on your wreath and flip the wreath over to the back and twist the wire like you would a twist tie. The wire will be hidden in the front between the fabric.

TIP: I put a piece of tape over each piece of wire in the back so it won't scratch my door.

Step 8: Vacuum up your mess and trust me burlap sheds and make one hot mess. I had already vacuumed once in the middle of the process.

Step 9: Hang your wreath and admire its beauty.

I plan on leaving these babies up all summer long. Since all the holidays in the summer are patriotic I think it is acceptable...Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and September 11th.

If you have any questions or want me to explain something better, please leave me a comment or email me at lifewithbothhandsfull@hotmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP.

The fabulous parties I am linking up to: Lil Luna Organize and Decorate Everything Crystal and Co. House of Hepworths Delightful Order Gluesticks Tatertots and Jello Be Different Act Normal I Heart Naptime Tip Junkie A Bowl Full of Lemons Let Birds Fly Somewhat Simple Fingerprints on the Fridge Tidy Mom 320 Sycamore Oopsey Daisy Six Sisters Stuff Lolly Jane The NY Melrose Family Creatively Living Cowgirl Up