DIY Summer Wreath

 This is by far one of my favorite crafts I have completed so far. You know you want to bring some extra warmth this summer into your home by making this adorable wreath ;)  

I got this crafty inspiration from A Glimpse Inside if you need some more guidance.

Here's what I used:

• Large Frame (try goodwill for a inexpensive one)
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Scrapbook Paper/Alpha-Stickers
• Buttons
• Twine 
• Hot Glue Gun OR Need/Thread

1. Start by painting your frame if you are not satisfied with the color.

2. Here is the time consuming step, making your rosettes (otherwise known as yo-yos OR medallions).

3. There are two ways to make these:

 -Using a glue gun 

OR

-Hand stitch with a good ole' needle and thread (Here is a great tutorial A Glimpse Inside (How-to Rosettes)

I did try both, and since I am not much of a seamstress I did most of mine with the glue gun! If you don't want to make them with a glue gun hop over to A Glimpse Inside (link above) to follow her hand stitched rosettes. 

4. Begin by measuring your ribbon out to about a yard and then cut it. 

5. Now, they don't call it a hot glue gun for nothing, so be very CAUTIOUS because it is going to be hot ;)

6. These may look complicated, but they really are just a simple accordion fold. So you will go back and forth gluing the inside part of your rosette after each fold (you only need about a little line of glue).

7. When you get close to the last bit of ribbon gather the two ends and glue them together. 

8. Add a cute little button and continuing to make the rosettes enough to fill your frame!

9. Figure out the way you want to place your rosettes and then use the glue gun to put them into place. 

10. The last touch is to make a little bunting banner using scrapbook paper and stickers. Hop over to A Glimpse Inside for quick reference for her quick steps in creating it.

11. Glue a little twine to your bunting banner and hang it to your frame. Add some ribbon to the top to give it a complete look!

12. Hang it your front door for the perfect summer welcome wreath! 

13. Hope this brings lots of extra WARMTH into your home this SUMMER! Comment below :)

~Wishing you Creative Bliss!~

Americana Wreath & Garland

Wow! The 4th of July is approaching so quickly! Need last minute decorations??? Got you covered :)

Here is the wreath I decorated:

Best part about the stars . . .
they are used out of recycled cereal boxes!

Here are the materials I used:

• Grapevine Wreath ($2.00 Hobby Lobby)
• Acrylic Paints ($3.00 Hobby Lobby)
• Ribbon ($1.00 Hobby Lobby)
• Foam Brush, Scorer, Writing Utensil, Scissors, Wire, Glue Gun (My Essentials)
• Newspaper, Cereal Boxes ( My Recycle Bin)

The main decoration I made on the wreath is the Americana Stars. Here are the steps I took to make them:

1. I first made a star cut out to trace on cereal boxes. Then I traced as many stars as I could on the cereal box and cut them out.

2. After the stars are cut out I did something which is called scoring. With the little scoring utensil start from the middle and work your way around all the five points. After you are done scoring the stars bend at each line to make them pop up!

3. When all the stars are scored you can start painting the stars! I only did one coat to give it more of a vintage look :)

4. Now we are going to create a way the stars will stay on the wreath. Grab the wire and cut as many pieces you need for as many stars you have. Mine was about 2 inches in length. Make sure the stars are dry and then flip them all over to apply hot glue to the back of them. Place the piece of wire in the hot glue (be careful). :) 

5. Arrange the stars on the wreath and then twist the wire on the "sticks" of it so they will stay in place. 

6. For my finishing touch I wrapped some glittery gold ribbon in the wreath. I love it! Looks great on our front door :) 

Now for the Garland. 

I had a couple stars left over and so I decided to make some garland! All you need for this is some string/twine and the hot glue gun :)

Measure the length you want for your garland and then cut it. Turn the stars over on the back side and place a dot of glue on them. Take your stars (with the glue on them) and place them wherever you want them to sit on the string/twine. 

Then when your satisfied with how full your garland is...DISPLAY IT! :)

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July! :)

~Wishing you creative bliss~