American Flag Wreath

I do realize that we are close to the July 4th holiday, but I created this wreath this week and decided that if there are anymore procrastinators out there like me, then you still have two days left. Plenty of time! Or just think of how on top of things you are for next year.

This idea came about because I was looking around at all my neighbor's patriotic decorations and realized that our house was sadly lacking. This is the 2nd wreath I have ever made, so believe me, I kept this simple.

Here is my supply list:

• 18 in foam wreath
• 10 wooden stars (I used different sizes.)
• White acrylic paint
• Hot glue gun
• 50 yard white tulle
• 24 yards navy blue glitter tulle
• 53 yards red tulle
• 26 gauge beading wire
• Wire cutters

The first thing I did was paint my stars white. I gave them a couple of coats, but with acrylic paint, it dries quickly. (I did try an oil paint pen at first, but it was not as white as I would have liked and the wood was drinking it up like the blood thirsty mosquitos just waiting for me to step outside my front door. So, I just went for the acrylic instead.)

The next step is a little time consuming: cut each color of tulle into strips 18 inches long. Believe me, it takes awhile. When that is completed, start tying the navy blue tulle in knots around the wreath. I staggered the blue starting from the top of the wreath along to the bottom, but did not tie it to the back side of the wreath. 

If you found the navy blue glitter tulle, then prepare to be glitter bombed. I now have glitter all over my house thanks to this tulle, but I believe it's well worth it. This part of the wreath is just over 17 inches along the outside of the wreath. I marked the rest of the wreath with a pencil, each 3 inches apart to mark the 13 stripes.

My little unhelpful helper

Once all the marks are made, start tying the red tulle along either side of the blue. Tie it in a knot and continue all the way to the mark you made. Do not stagger the knots. Change to white. Continue around, switching colors when you reach each mark. There will be 7 red stripes and 6 white stripes.

Now it's time to cut some wire. I didn't measure my wire exactly with each one, but it ranged from 12-18 inches. The 26 gauge wire is a little flimsy, so if you would like your stars to stand up a little higher and be a little sturdier, then get a smaller gauge number. Cut 10 or however many stars you decided to use.

Wrap the wire around a pen or a pencil to make it springy. Then glue the wire to the back of your stars. Allow the glue about five minutes to completely dry.

Now place the stars throughout the blue tulle. I poked the wire through the tulle and wound it around the tulle. Add some glue for a little extra support. And Wala! You are done! Now head out to your front door and hang it proudly.