UPDATE: Read our expanded tutorial how to make vintage ornament wreaths here.
Last year I proclaimed my love and admiration for Georgia Peachez’ crafty Christmas wreaths made out of vintage tinsel-garland and ornaments. What a fantastic way to use ornaments hunted and scrounged at estate sales all year long — something to hunt for an actually use! Suzy, the genius Peach, is at it again this year — that’s her “That 70s Wreath,” above. Morevoer — we asked for her how-to instructions — and she graciously responded right away! Read on to learn how to make a Christmas wreath out of vintage ornaments of your very own. –>.
Suzy writes:
- Start with extruded foam wreath base and wrap in tinsel-tone garland securing with hot glue.
- Important to add a wire loop here before preceding.
- Glue larger ornaments around the outer rim of wreath form.
- Lay flat and then fill in with smaller ornies.
- I like to mix up ornies with kitschy little things.
- Important to use HIGH TEMP hot glue.
That’s it in a nutshell!
Suzy
Ooooh! “Kitschy little things.” I have plenty of those. I ask: Are the ornies attached to anything? or do you just glue them straight on … that is, no hooks? She responds:
- Just glue them right on. The tinsel gives a good surface to bond to.
One of the things that I think is particularly clever about Suzy’s method, is that by starting with the wrapped tinsel — the back side of the wreath is actually very pretty, too. Here is a photo from a wreath available in her etsy shop that shows what I mean:
If you don’t have time to get crafty, I think that Suzy’s wreaths are very well-priced at $50-$75. And, she says that she has never had an issue with shipping. Here are all the vital links:
- See Suzy’s Georgia Peachez etsy shop for wreaths and other holiday goodness.
- Do-it-yourselfers, be sure to see her Wreath Blog. And you know me, Precautionary Pam warns: Be careful with those glue guns and sharp edges, peoples.
- And, there’s even more creativity over on Suzy’s main Georgia Peachez blog.
Did I read something about “a little obsession” over in your headers, Suzy? I sure do emphathize. In a good way because, girl, you are good! xoxo
Peggy Crockett says
I just love Suzy’s wreaths and all of these tips. I have so many vintage balls and you all are giving me the confidence to get started on my wreath. And Suzy sent me information about Williamsburg- so I can’t wait until December!
Denise Sullivan says
I love vintage ornaments! So glad to see another use for them – the wreaths are so beautiful.
Suzanne Delmerico says
Hi,
Now I know what I will do today! (That is after I devour every page of this site!)
-Suzanne
Terry Harney says
Hi,
Love Suzy’s ornament wreaths. I’ve planned to make one but haven’t actually done so. Good luck to the lucky winner!
Terry
Tee says
Want to try this but feel stupid – is an extruded wreath a flat one or round one? Guessing round but wouldn’t that be harder to use to glue the ornaments to? I would think the flat wreaths would have more stability and surface area for gluing. Does it matter? Just don’t want to mess this up with my vintage ornies.
Thanks so much.
pam kueber says
Tee, see links to instructions….
Wyleen says
Love this wreath…hoping mine will look this good.
donna manning says
LOVE that wreath and it really makes me appreciate moms and grandmas old ornaments. Here’s one of my quick decorating tips for you. I use those old hand held iron cheese graters at christmas in front of my house on the sidewalk for my luminaria and in the past few years neighbors on both sides of me have joined in. The last two years we alternated red, white and blue candles to show support for our troops and the result was magnificent. I’m addicted to your blog!
pam kueber says
what a great idea — i see these cheese graters all the time at estate sales!
Al Borak says
Neat wreaths! Wish I had beaten you to the estate sale and snagged those 49 (?) Fuller Brush spatulas. I see potential for picture frames for kitchen/eating area pictures or photos. (A little too informal for my dining room, but great in the breakfast nook.)
Mary Meinberg says
I live in Williamsburg Va. and went to the Craft Show, as I do every year. This year I was so moved and excited over Suzy’s booth, it was like re-living my childhood of memories of all the vintage balls and wreaths. My friend who I had brought to the show bought the last wreath at the show that day. Although I was sad not to get a wreath, I’m so happy for my friend to have it. I will be at the door next year when it opens and I hope I will get my wreath!
Mary Meinberg
Sue says
I love your wreath! I actually made a couple a few years ago. My question is ..it is so hard to store these. I have actually left mine up all year because every time I go to move it I seem to break an ornament! The old ones are sooo fragile. I never see anyone comment on that but I can’t be the only one with this problem, Just curious how you store yours.
Thank you!