This season I made two vintage Christmas ornament wreaths, using our famous tutorial, How to Make a Vintage Christmas Ornament Wreath. Right now, the tutorial is the #1 story on the blog. Get out those hot glue guns!
Above: A wreath built using vintage gold ornaments, sprinkled with a bit of light green, silver and pearly white, is one of my favorite color combinations. I have done a few of these, so many that I have now run out of gold decorative ornaments. To finish this wreath, I had to run out to a local vintage shop to scour for a few more (at retail, rather than estate sale, prices). Note, for this wreath, I also had some really longgggg fluffy tinsel to wrap the form with, a nice look in the center. This wreath is a gift for family.
Above: For another family member, I made this ornament wreath using a mix of colors. I even had multicolor tinsel. This is another favorite color combination. Golly, I love them all! Oh, and this wreath also is the largest I’ve ever made — it’s on a 16″ wreath form. I calculate that the number of ornaments needed rises 15-20% for every two inches of wreath. Yikes..
I have lots more stories about wreaths:
- See all my wreaths — and readers’ wreaths, too, in the wreath tutorial .
- And see all my Holiday — and wreath — stories here.
Ree says
I’m so happy to see new posts here. I just happened to click on the site on the off chance that you were back – yay!! The wreaths are lovely. This past weekend I opened a box of many ornaments that belonged to my mother, but I’ve never used them. She bought them for a few years when my son (now 40) was a child, so that she could have unbreakable ones on her tree for him. They are little wooden toys, and very small stuffed animals, and I guess 35-40 years is practically vintage. I think I will make a wreath incorporating them, and give it to my son and daughter-in-law as a gift for next Christmas. There’s no way I could finish it this year – lol. If it is a success I’ll send you a picture.
Alice says
Pam – you continue to amaze! Both wreaths are fabulous!
Lynne says
You know, I think I have a couple boxes full of those old ornaments and bits and bobs. Maybe I ought to donate them or something.
Nice to see a post from you Pam. I thought Retro Renovation had closed up shop.
pam kueber says
Oh… I’m still here. Just took a break.
Cynthia says
I have two that I’ve made following your directions. I love these, as they’re a great way to display and keep old ornaments intact. I really like all the colors in your second wreath!
judy says
Both are gorgeous! I love the way light reflects off of the vintage glass ornaments…they sparkle and shine. If I had to pick a favorite, the glorious gold and pearly white wreath gets my vote. Thanks for sharing your creations!
Jennifer Kepesh says
Thanks, Pam, for creating and maintaining one of my favorite traditions–ogling the retro Christmas stuff. I have yet to actually make any of the wreaths, houses, etc. (hello, teacher’s December-craziness), but I love to see them.
Suzy says
Bravo!!