1. It looks like a lot of piddly work
2. Foam wreaths are friggin' expensive, 40% off coupon or not
See, I'm cheap as well as lazy. I've actually been really tempted to just buy a yarn wreath from Knock Knockin, because Agnes is so talented and so imaginative, but, like with my recent agate necklace DIY, I've been hesitant to spend too much money. Even with funding, I know that my research stay in Hungary will be expensive, so I'm saving my pennies. But look at the gorgeousness:
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| Mint Candy Apple Wreath by Knock Knockin: The Original Felt Yarn Wreath |
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| Mellon Wreath by Knock Knockin: The Original Felt Yarn Wreath |
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| Nautical Wreath by The Baker's Daughter |
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| Geometric Garden Wreath by Knock Knockin: The Original Felt Yarn Wreath |
I had seen a tip for making a wreath from that pipe insulation stuff, but when I went to Canadian Tire with wonderful Hubs to fiddle with the foam insulation, it kept going all bendy, no matter what I did. The trip was not wasted though, because I grabbed plan B: a pool noodle. I'd heard of these working pretty well as wreaths too, but could never track one down in the winter and totally forgot about woolly wreaths in the summer.
I decided to use the length as-is for a large, statement-making wreath. I formed it into a circle and Hubby applied some of the LePage Gel Epoxy we used for the agate necklaces. Then we taped the seam with clear packing tape, which was thin enough not to create a bulgy mess. I ignored it for a week or so and the hold is still strong. It made a perfect foam wreath replacement, for less than $2.00.
It seems I am totally obsessed with orange. Orange shirt, orange dress. I also have orange flip flops. Now I have an orange wreath base.
I have started wrapping the yarn. Here's a hint at the theme...
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| Halloween Wreath by The Baker's Daughter |
lol, love that you show yourself in reality!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the reveal.
What a fun project :) and so smart.
Those pool tube clearance out this time of year for almost nothing.
Amy
Yup, I'm trying to keep it real. But really, I was just to lazy to change, lol.
DeleteThat's a genius idea. I"ll have to keep that in mind as a wreath base. Love all the orange happening.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, do we get to know what you are studying in Hungary?
Absolutely! I did a post on my PhD research, but I promise to share more once I'm in the thick of it!
Deletehttp://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.ca/2012/06/reader-q-my-research.html
I love the idea of the pool noodle as a wreath base. I'm going to have to purchase one now while I can find them for a wreath later in the fall.
ReplyDeleteMy casual around the house clothes received a comment from my 20 year old son yesterday. I had to run out to Kinkos and send a fax. I left in orange knit capris and a gray t-shirt with my hair up in a knot and black slide on sandals. Normally these clothes don't leave the house except for walking the dog. Anyway I was told that I'm not allowed out in public looking like that again. As he put it, I looked like I had been cleaning the house for 10 hours!
Oooo, orange capris you say? They sound perfect to pair with my orange tee and flip flops! I have found myself popping out every now and then, like to the hardware store, in my "home clothes" and am trying to avoid getting into that habit or it's a slippery slope to ending up on What Not to Wear!
DeleteOh what a great idea!! I, too, love the look of these yarn wreaths but have yet to make the plunge! Can't wait to see the reveal :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you tackle one too! Get a noodle now, while you can ;)
DeleteThanks for the reminder to pick up a pool noodle!! I made a yarn wreath last year for autumn and within minutes of hanging it, the hook unstuck from the door and the wreath form cracked in half. I still haven't recovered enough to try one again. lol
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your wreath- you have such great taste so I'm sure it will be fabulous!
Awww, thanks :)
DeleteHi Tanya,
ReplyDeleteIf you make a noodle wreath again, Karen from the Art of Doing Stuff has a great way to keep the two ends together: http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/dollar-store-spring-wreaththeres-a-fungus-amungus/
Michelle :)
It's a good tip, except I actually think the gel epoxy works better because when she used the hot glue, it didn't hold and she needed the duct tape. The tape on mine is only a backup - the epoxy held the ends together with no problem (it's a much stronger hold). Also, the packing tape is thinner and is more easily hidden. I didn't opt for duct tape because it's thicker and a bit bulgy. But it works for her wreath because the moss is super forgiving.
DeleteBut her idea works for folks who don't have gel epoxy on hand. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, but I should say her idea of using wood dowel to hold the ends together is smart!
DeleteI've had "make a yarn wreath" on my to-do list since last Christmas but agree with you that foam forms are expensive so thanks for the pool noodle tip! I'll have to stock up before the summer ends :)
ReplyDeleteHey, you even had a bit of a "trick-or-treat" theme going with your orange and black outfit :) Can't wait to see how the wreath turns out. And thanks for the reminder to stock up on pool noodles before they're gone for the year.
ReplyDeleteI've heard about pool noodles as well; let us know how it turns out!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this, I'm in the midst of trying to prep twelve pool noodles into wreaths for a crafting party and having trouble making them stay circular...I'm going to try your method.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Tricky! Mine seems to like staying round. Perhaps making them a touch smaller might help? Good luck!!
DeleteOMG you just solved my problem (yes i seen the noodle used before but do you think I would remember in my time of need???) I needed a larger wreath form for a project and dreaded having to buy one. I have noodles in the shed that are brand new. Yeah !!! Thanks for the nudge.
ReplyDeletethis is such a great idea! love this! can't wait to see how you will be decorating with the noodle :)
ReplyDelete