Craft Project #7 – small St. Patrick’s Day wreath

Last minute decisions can be fun. That is how this wreath came about. After I finished making the sign, I decided that her door area would need more until we do the complete decorating. Luckily, I had all of the supplies on hand and plenty of spare fabric from the bid wreath for her door.

All I had to do was to cut some of the fabric in half. I already had the 8 inch round wire frame so I did not expect this project to take much time at all.

Once all the fabric was cut, it was time to start putting the fabric strips in place.

I use the Lark’s head knot method when I make a rag wreath. I am very new to this so it is been a trial and error experience for me. But there is one thing I have learned. I turn the fabric to the wrong side then place the ends together as shown in this picture.

I thing place the fabric under the outer wire…

then I bring the two ends up and over the outer wire and through the loop…

pulling the ends tightly until it looks right to me.

I continue doing this for each ring. I have found that I do not have any strips facing the wrong way. At least so far that has been my luck.

After I finished putting the fabric on the frame, it was time to get the wooden gnome ready to put on the wreath.

I used my trusty E6000 adhesive to attach chenille stem (it is still a pipe cleaner to me) to the back of the gnome.

I allowed plenty of time for the E6000 to dry before I attached it to the wreath. I am happy with the way it turned out.

As for the supplies I used for this wreath, the fabric is from Joann’s, the gnome is from Hobby Lobby, and the round frame is from Dollar Tree.

Now it is time for the next craft project.

Craft project #5 part one: St. Patrick’s Day wreath

I have a feeling this rag wreath is going to be a huge challenge. But I’m looking forward to giving it a shot. The frame was found at Dollar Tree.

I selected several fabrics to use on this project. Some may or may not make it to the final project. All of the fabrics were purchased at Joann’s.

I also selected some embellishments I have an idea on how I want to use it. But these too might not make it to the end. The ribbon of gold coins was purchased at Hobby Lobby and the gold coins are from Amazon.

I decided I want to use these two fabrics for the stem portion of the clover.

These fabrics I have selected for the inner and outer rings of the clover.

And these fabrics for the center ring of the clover.

As with all rag wreaths, I ironed the fabric then cut them into strips measuring 7 inches by 2 inches.

I started with the stem and I did not feel comfortable with the size of the fabric strips. I decided to cut them down to 7 inches by 1 inch and I still was not comfortable. So, I cut them down to 7 inches by 1/2 inch and that felt perfect.

I completed the stem and outer ring. I changed my mind on the fabrics I wanted to use on the outer ring and went with two patterned fabrics and 3 solid fabrics in different shades of green.

But something about the ring just did not look right.

So, now I’m going to take some time to remove what I have done to that area and try to figure out where to go from here. This might mean completing a some other craft projects before completing this wreath. But it will definitely be completed before I decorate my mother’s door for St. Patrick’s Day.

Preparing to decorate mom’s door and walker for St. Patrick’s Day.

My mother is loving that her door gets decorated regularly for the different holidays. I will also be expanding to season decorating inside her apartment which she is thrilled about!!!! But now it is time to prepare for St. Patrick’s Day which means I will need to do some shopping!

First stop, Dollar Tree! Of course, I will need to go to Joann’s, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels. So let’s see what I purchased and how I plan on using them.

Dollar Tree always has a variety of items to use for decorating any holiday. This time, I purchased 2 feather boas, some green beads, gold coins, a small hat, and a banner. The boas will be used on the frog outside her door, the hat will be one top of the tree, and the beads will be used as garland on the tree. The banner will be modified to use on the front of her walker.

The signs will be placed around her door area and the hat will be placed on the frog.

From Joann’s I purchased a stuffed Gnome, and green boot, some clover picks, and some green and gold beads. The Gnome will be on the table area outside her door as will the boot. The beads will be placed on the frog. I have not decided exactly what I will be doing with the picks. I might make a flower arrangement to use them in. But, then again, I might use them on the tree.

From Michaels I purchased this sign that I thought I would use on the wreath I’m currently making. I have not made a final decision on that. If it is not used on the wreath, it will be on the table by her door.

Amazon always has what I need to really make her door stand out! This time, I purchased a St. Patrick’s Day themed banner, some clover shaped garland, gold coins, and clover shaped ornaments. The banner and garland will go around her front door, the clover ornaments will be placed on the tree, and some of the gold ornaments will be used for a craft project or two and the remaining will be put around the frog and in the green boot.

I will need to do a few modifications to some of the items I purchased and make some decorations with some as well. But those will be shown and discussed in a separate blog.

My mom had a small container in her closet that I brought home with me. I will be using these items inside her apartment.

Decorating will begin on Sunday so please stay come back on Monday to see how her door looks after we have finished decorating.