How to Make a Clothespin Toy Soldier Wreath

Wooden soldiers are a traditional part of almost every holiday tree.

Many people have at least one clothespin soldier on their Christmas tree. Give this classic Christmas ornament the spotlight this year by placing him and his regiment on a wreath on your door during the holiday season. This wreath is simple to make and is a great family project--you will all see the fruits of your efforts on one beautiful piece for your door.

Things You'll Need

• Christmas wire edge ribbon
• 10 wooden clothespegs
• Red paint
• Black paint
• Peach or light brown paint
• Black craft pompoms
• Black felt
• Craft glue
• Tiny red craft pompoms
• Scissors
• Fir wreath
• Gold instrument ornaments
• Paint brush
• Ornament hangers

Instructions

1. Paint the bottom half of the peg black, the middle red and the round top the peach or light brown color. The black part should end slightly above the split in the peg and will be his legs. The red part is his body, and the peach or light brown part will be his head. When the paint has dried, you can move on.

2. Use the black paint to give them small black buttons and dot eyes and smiling mouths, and the red paint to give them rosy cheeks.

3. Glue small, oval scraps of black felt to the sides of the pegs. These are the soldiers' arms.

4. 

   Glue the tiny red pompoms to the tops of the black pompoms, and the black pompoms to the soldier's heads. These are their big furry hats.

5. Use the soldiers' legs (the split part of the peg) to secure them around the entire wreath. They should all be basically upright, but they can lean to one side or the other. Their legs should hold them securely in place, and you can nestle and arrange the upper parts of their bodies among the fir trimming as you wish.

6. 

   Hang the small golden instruments from the wreath. Intersperse them with the soldiers. You should have as many or slightly fewer ornaments than you do soldiers, depending on your preference.

7. Finish off the wreath with a big, beautiful bow. You can tie a traditional bow or make a large, fluffy one. You may wish to use wire ribbon to help the bow hold its shape. You can tie the bow at the bottom or on the side of the wreath, as you prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you like, show support for U.S. troops by using a broad, yellow ribbon on your wreath instead of a Christmas ribbon.