Burlap Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Hi friends!  A few weeks ago I did a guest post at the amazing and famous Tatertots & Jello blog.  I thought I'd post it here in case you missed it.  

I'm sharing an inexpensive DIY Christmas wreath made with one of my favorite things... burlap!  

Do you guys love burlap as much as I do??  It's almost the perfect fabric...  super cheap, looks great, durable and very versatile.  What's not to love (besides the fact that it smells a little funny, I would probably make myself a scarf with it if it didn't!)?

Here's what you need:

• Roll of burlap ribbon, 10 yards
• Wire wreath frame 18"
• Pipe cleaners or Floral wire
• Glue gun (optional)
• 2 burlap-ish poinsettia flower picks
• 2 long needle pine branch picks

I've found that the Panacer brand burlap ribbon from Michael's works great, in fact, I've attempted to use some other burlap ribbon to make this wreath and failed miserably.  (Michael's did not pay me to say that)  I used a 40% off coupon so it was around $3. *Update, Hobby Lobby brand ribbon burlap also works well, they have changed it since I originally posted.  I got Christmas flowers and pine picks from Hobby Lobby 50% off making for an inexpensive project.  (Hooray for cheap projects!)

Anywhooo, since burlap goes with anything this can easily be made into the Holiday or seasonal wreath of your choice depending on what type of floral picks you choose.  (I told you burlap was versatile) ;)  I made a similar Fall burlap wreath for over my fireplace.  

Let's get started!  

First, attach the end of the burlap to one of the cross hatch bars of the wire wreath form.  Basically, just fold the end of the burlap ribbon and starting at the inner rung, snake it up through the rungs and wind around the cross hatch bar.  There is no right or wrong way to do this... just twist it around so that it stays.  (I tried to take a picture of this but it just looked like a hot-mess of burlap.)  Since the burlap is pretty sturdy it will stay put if you wrap it around but you can add some hot glue if you want it to be more secure.  Don't worry how it looks, it will be covered up.

Start pulling burlap through the wreath frame, start on the inside rung and just go up the rungs, when you get to the top I found it easier to stay at the top rung, scoot over your loops and pull the ribbon over to start your next row staying in the top rung.  From there start working your way back down to the inner rung.  You should be able to fit two rows of loops between each set of the wreath frame cross hatch bars.  

At first it might take you a few tries to get the loops through and looking right but once you get the hang of it it will be easy-peasy.  Make rows of loops all the way around your wreath form.  It doesn’t have to be perfect... just make sure that as you pull the burlap through you are making the loops about the same size.  When you make it all the way around just cut off any extra and tuck the end into the wreath form.  You can add some hot glue if you want for extra security.

When you're done with the burlap go back through and fluff and adjust as needed.  Remember, it won't be perfect but it's not supposed to be, the imperfections give it some "hand-made charm". ;)  

Now, decide where you want to attach your floral picks... I always try to find the worst looking part of my wreath where I made a sloppy looking loop or the wire is showing and put my floral picks right over it... no one will ever know your wreath had a big bald spot!  (some "hand-made charm" looks a little too hand-made if you know what I mean...)

   

To attach the floral and pine picks all I did was put their sticks through the wreath form at one of the cross bars, this adds some extra security but isn’t necessary.  If you have to stick it through some burlap that's fine, just be careful that it goes through the fabric and doesn't stretch out your loops.  

I secured the picks with a pipe cleaner (cut it to size and use it like a twist tie) on the back of the wreath in a couple places.  You can add hot glue if you’d like.  I didn’t use any hot glue because I was too lazy not worried about it falling out.  

I added the pine branch pick first, then put the poinsettia at the bottom of it. I added an additional flower under the first and another pine branch under it to balance it out.  

I hung it up on the mirror in my kitchen with a suction cup hook  I made sure I hooked the wreath frame and not the burlap.  I am loving how it looks and might make a few more as gifts.

It is the perfect touch to mix in with my rustic Christmas decor.  In a few days I'll be sharing how I put together my tray of greenery on my sideboard under the wreath.  Come back soon!