christmas ornament wreath

Remember my early obsession with creating a white Christmas?? Well I couldn't wait any longer and made this wreath today!

 

I first saw this idea in BHG's "Christmas Ideas 2008" publication and have been dreaming about making my own ever since. I've never made anything like this before and was surprised to find it really wasn't too difficult.

To make this wreath I used:
an 18 inch evergreen wreath from Michael's
about 80 large and medium sized metallic and white bulb ornaments
about 50 mini sized metallic bulb ornaments
high-heat glue gun and lots of glue
and my favorite Christmas music playing in the background!

 

To get started, I simply removed the hardware from all the bulbs and set them all out within arm's reach. Then I flipped the wreath over so the back side was facing up and began gluing medium ornaments around the inner edge of the wreath. Once the inner edge was covered, I did the same to the outer edge of the wreath with the large bulbs. Since I was working from the backside, I made sure the openings to the bulbs were facing me.


 
After a short break to make sure the glue had set, I flipped the wreath over and began gluing bulbs in a random pattern. I made sure the bulbs were sitting as close to one another as possible and I covered visible gaps with the mini ornaments.

 

Once the whole wreath was covered, I let the glue set again. Then I simply threaded thick gold ribbon through the metal frame of the wreath and tied the top of the ribbon in a bow. Now it's ready to hang on a mirror or door!

 

 
 
A few lessons learned and ideas...
- First, I needed WAY more bulbs then I had initially guessed. I recommend buying more than you think you need and returning leftovers if there are any.
- This project would probably work just as well with a styrofoam, tinsel, or wooden wreath. 
- I chose to keep my wreath green but next time would consider spray-painting it beforehand to match my ornaments.
- This wreath could be done on a budget by purchasing cheap ornaments (such as from a dollar store) or even by using those old ornaments that are just taking up space in your basement.
- And lastly, this wreath would look fabulous on a front door, made with shatterproof ornaments.
 
My new wreath is now hanging on the mirror above our sofa in the living room. I love it so much, I don't think I can bear to take it down. I guess my hubby will just have to deal with the early Christmas decoration!