Season’s Greetings
I made a new wreath for my front door using an old picture frame, old ice skates and old garland. Using items from around the house, attic and garage to create new decor has been a necessity for me because I have a tight non-existent budget for projects. I use my blow money (Dave Ramsey envelope) on craft junk…which I usually spend at the thrift store. I am a bit obsessed with collecting “trash” to play with for homemaking. Someday, I may actually spend my blow money on coffee, c.d.s or makeup but for now I just love, love, love shopping a thrift stores.
I digress, you want to see the wreath now, I’m sure.
Now, just picture this “wreath” on a red door. Delicious. (I have to stick with white due to my association)
Tutorial
Find an ugly, tired frame and tell it to come home with you. Sooth its worries by explaining you will make it into something beautiful.
Do a little surgery to remove all the old hardware.
Give it a facelift with some spray paint. I had Krylon Ivory on hand. I didn't really bother doing primer because most of the frame will be covered with garland (and I didn't have any on hand).
Staple a garland onto the frame with a staple gun. Tug on the garland occasionally to make sure it is on securely. If not stable, add more staples.
Add wintery accents to at least two edges/corners of the frame. You can go "all out" on trimming, faux greens, feathers, berries, pinecones, etc. I kept this wreath's accents pretty basic and simple.
Tie the ice skate's laces to one another. Hang them from the top of the frame. I popped in a red Christmas floral pick ($1) for a little color.
So there you have it…go on…I know you are already thinking about raiding your Mom’s garage or the nearest thrift store for an ugly, tired old frame.
Love,
Jess
Twitter Updates
My wife is so talented and creative!
Um, don’t you have newborn twins?!?!? I can’t decide whether I’m really excited for you or jealous. Excitement will win! I LOVE the wreath!!!
Hi, Jess,
I love this idea for making a wreath, very creative!! Thank you for sharing with us and blessings to you!! Vicki
Jess, I LOVE that you used your ice skates in such a great way. I bought a pair at an Antique Mall a couple of weeks ago. I spent some time today painting them to get rid of scuffs & then I used a beautiful glass glitter to make them look like they were kissed by snow. I will hang them off a wreath in my guest bathroom. Thanks for sharing yours with us. Merry Christmas! Charlene
you are a clever, clever girl and we love the skates in a frame. Very good idea! We are impressed!! Thanks for a great post! Deborah & Hubs
What a great and thrifty project! It would really pop against a red door, but it looks great on yours. Thanks for the inspiration!
Very cute!
I’m definitely gonna make me one!! Thanks for the ‘know how’ and sharing.
Mine’s posted now…it’s another new one for my collection of Holiday Decor..La Befana
I absolutely love this wreath! How cleaver and by using garland rather than a wreath, you were able to make it huge and still save money. Even without the skates, it would be a terrific welcome for guests at your front door.
Love it! You did a great job.
Well I’m lovin’ this a whole lot
Just found your blog via the Shabby Chic Cottage, and will certainly pop over again!
How wonderfully creative of you … and it looks GREAT !!! I love it!
Thanks for sharing and have a GRAND weekend.
how creative you are… absolutely beautiful idea… Thanks for sharing and Happy Holidays
I really like this – very elegant and unique.
Janet@ The Decorating Diaries
I love this! Lovely and creative!
Please tell me how you keep the skates from banging dents into the door every time it gets closed hard (your children may be more careful than mine are).
Jess
I’ve been admiring your ice skate wreath for some time now… and I finally found ice skates so I’m using your idea this Christmas. Just stopping by to finally say.. “Thanks!”… and I linked to your tutorial from my blog post about the skates today.
blessings. Dixie