How to Make a Bag Wreath

Pink trash bags can be used for wreath making instead of clean-up.

A wreath crafted from plastic bags is an ideal way to recycle. This project keeps plastic bags out of landfills and makes a festive decoration at the same time. Simple enough for children to do, this craft needs only materials found in your home. Using a hangar, plastic bags and some additional decorations, you can easily create a unique wreath. Make several and give some as gifts. Personalize each wreath with different embellishments to suit the home where it will hang.

Things You'll Need

• Metal hanger
• Plastic bags
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Embellishments

Instructions

1. Fashion a circle from the metal hanger. This does not have to be perfect. If you prefer, you can use a purchased metal wreath form instead.

2. Ready your bags. Cut the bottoms and side edges off the bags so it is easy to cut strips. If you are using grocery bags, cut the handles off as well.

3. Cut the bags into strips that are about one and a-half to two inches wide using scissors or a rotary cutter. Exact measurements are not necessary, but you should keep your strips close in size.

4. Tie the strips to the metal frame. Position the plastic strip evenly over the metal form and tie a knit in the middle. Make sure the ends of the strips are completely open for maximum fullness.

5. Continue adding strips to the wreath form. The more strips you add, the fuller the wreath.

6. Trim any stray ends that may be sticking out.

7. Make a loop for hanging the wreath by bending the hook of the hanger behind the wreath. You may also cut the hanger hook off and use a different hook.

8. Embellish with items of your choice to customize the wreath.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use white or green trash bags to fashion a Christmas wreath, black bags to craft a unique Halloween hanging and pink bags can be used for Easter decorations.

• Use bows, buttons, flowers, ornaments and other decorations to adorn the wreath. Personalize it by adding rollers, a comb and some hairpins for your beautician or bandages and a thermometer for a nurse. Try a variety of different items to see which you like best.

• Use your imagination when bending the hanger to create the form and try a heart-shaped wreath for Valentine's Day or an egg-shaped one for Easter.

• Always be sure to keep plastic bags away from small children and pets, since they can cause suffocation.

References

• Design Sponge: DIY Wreath
• Kiwi Magazine: Grocery Bag Greetings
• Suburban Wife Life: Plastic Trash Bag Wreath