Paper Wreath Ornament

Paper Wreath Ornament

     As most of you know, this wreath idea has been around for a very long time. I have made a couple for family and friends over the years and have even had friends over to make these for their own doors. The original idea used old book pages cut into squares that were folded into cones and attached to a cardboard pizza round.This made some HUGE wreaths! 

     

     So when I saw the pages in the Tim Holtz "Paper Stash" books that had all the little squares, I just couldn't help thinking that they were the perfect size for a small wreath that would make a wonderful gift or ornament! The best part is they are perfect 2 inch squares! The only other thing that I needed was a stapler that was small enough. You can use a regular size stapler but I found it much easier to use the Tim Holtz "idea-ology" one with my awkwardly huge fingers!  

     I'm hoping that they continue to make the replacement staples for this little "lifesaver." By the way, you really have to try one of these to truly appreciate its awesomeness.....and I don't say that about many things unless they are TRULY AWESOME! It's strong, the tiny staples are sharp, and they pierce through the thickest cardstock; Tim wasn't messin' around when he designed this handy dandy little tool! The flip-load design is enough to make you feel empowered one refill at a time! lol! "Stand back! I have a mini stapler and I'm not afraid to use it!" 

     Anyway, the first thing you are going to have to do is cut all of those little squares and place them into piles of similar colors and patterns. Believe me, this will save your sanity! After you are done with this you're going to want to grab a bunch of glue sticks and your glue gun and plug it in to heat. 

     Cut a 3 1/2 inch circle out of dark cardstock (this will be your base that you will glue all of your cones to.     

     You can fold and staple your cones as you go or you can fold them all at once. I like to fold as I go because I will also distress the edges of some to make them coordinate if I don't have enough of one color. There's always a way to make something work into your designs!

      Now you can start to glue down your cones! Start in a "cross pattern" and work each round gluing in between each cone. Keep your circle shape or elongate your design with the placement of your cones! I can even see these made into squares!   

     

      * The other elements used to create the Halloween ornament featured at the top were the Tim Holtz "Frightful Things", "Fold-Up Bows", "Gearhead" die set, Distress Oxides, and a bit of black raffia.

      I have so many more ideas for these ornaments spinning in my head! 

I've created a couple that will eventually make their way into an Etsy store along with some pre-cut kits.

 Please let me know by email 

(216alchemylane@gmail.com)

 if you will need one or the other as I've already had some people asking if they could purchase them. 

     They really are so easy and fun to make especially as the seasons change and new stamps and dies are released! I have a few favorites that I will be featuring in the next couple posts. What about you?! What are your top picks from the seasonal releases?