How to Make a Vintage Wreath With Dry Cleaner's Bags
Crafters looking for inexpensive and fun ways to decorate their homes for the holidays should consider making a vintage Christmas wreath made from dry cleaner's bags. This popular activity from the 1960s was a favorite among frugal housewives looking for ways to spread holiday cheer on a holiday beer budget. With today's emphasis on recycling and protecting the environment, this easy craft is in vogue again by using non-recyclable, dry cleaner's hangers and plastic bags.
Things You'll Need
- Twenty dry cleaner's bags
- Coat hanger
- Needle-nose pliers
- Paper cutter
- Florist tape
- Optional ornaments, bows or berries
Instructions
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1
Straighten out the clothes hanger by twisting the handle part open with the needle-nose pliers and pulling the wire straight. Bend the wire into a circle by gently shaping it around a soup kettle or steamer pot. Leave the handle intact to use as a hanger for the finished wreath.
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2
Cut 6-inch by 2-inch strips from the dry cleaner's bags with scissors, avoiding any logos or writing on the bags. Save time by cutting four to five bags stacked on top of each other. Use a paper cutter if possible.
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3
Tie each strip to the wire one at a time. For a full wreath, tie more strips closely together; for a looser, more airy wreath, allow minor spacing between the strips.
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4
Twist the end around the hanger top to close the circle with the pliers. Cover with florist's tape to hide the wire.
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5
Embellish your wreath by tying florist's berries, hot gluing fabric bows or wiring small ball ornaments to the wreath.
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Tips & Warnings
Use books to anchor the bags for cutting to prevent them from slipping away.
Beware of the sharp edge of the opened hanger as it can cut your fingers as you work. Protect yourself by covering it with masking tape until you are ready to twist the wire closed.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit clothes hangers image by Edward White from Fotolia.com
