You know how you get an idea in your mind, but can’t execute it the way you want, so you move on. You know how that idea will kind of linger and surface every now and then? This is one of those projects for me.
My dilemma was the heart size. I’m kind of funny about the size of items that go on my front door. I believe that many of the wreaths out there are too small for front doors. They need to be substantial enough to be seen from the street, but not so big that you are closing them in the door. I like to be able to see 4 – 6” on each side of whatever is on the front door.
My front door is 36” wide, that means that the widest anything I put on it will be is 28”.
Using that logic, with the rosettes measuring about 1 1/2” deep, the widest the wreath form could be was 25”.
Guess what? You can’t go to your local craft store and purchase a 25” wide heart wreath form. Or a 20” wide form for that matter.
I looked online and did find some forms, but I didn’t’ like the shape. Picky, picky, I know!
I decided that there must be a way to make my 0wn form. I took my quest to Facebook. My amazingly talented Facebook friend, Anam Stubbington, Cosplay costume designer extraordinaire and all around creative person, suggested that I use foam insulation. What a brilliant idea!
I went to my local hardware store and found a 2” X 2’ X 4’ piece of foam insulation for under $7! That’s right – what a steal!
It really doesn’t take much to make this beauty, in fact, the supply you will use the most of is time. If your wreath form is smaller, you will use substantially fewer felt rosettes and less time.
Also, have fun with the shaped you cut out. I really want to make a white bunny silhouette. I may just be able to pull that off this year. I will be sure to share, if I do!
(Download Instructions HERE!)
Materials:
· 3 1/3 yards – red 72” felt (or any color)
· 2” x 2’ x 4’ foam insulation (or Premade Wreath Form)
Also used:
· Fabric scissors, flat heat pins, serrated kitchen knife or foam cutting tool, hot glue gun and glue sticks.
Instructions:
HINT: I like wreaths that are substantial, but still leave between 4 – 6” of the door showing on the sides. (see explanation above)
The first heart was not right, but the second heart was perfect! I decided on a foam heart with the outer dimensions of 20” w X 25 ½” h. When complete, the heart will be about 26” w X 30” h.
Heart Form:
Because I wanted the heart form in a size that could not be purchased from a craft store, I needed to make my own wreath base. I purchased 2” x 2’ x 4’ insulation foam from my local hardware store. I then drew a heart, scanned it and printed it large (using multiple pieces of paper). I hung the pattern on my door to make sure I liked the sizing.
Trace the pattern on insulation foam and cut using a serrated knife (or foam cutting tool, I used a serrated knife). This process is messy. Keep the vacuum close by and vacuum often.
· Using serrated knife, shape the top of the heart.
Felt Flowers:
Cut: 3 yards of felt into 6×6 squares.
Cut: 3-4, 1 ½” x 72” felt strips.
Wrap the heart form with felt strips. Secure using flat head pins.
Hand cut spiral flower forms.
HINT: If you would rather not cut out the spiral flowers, check out the Stampin’ Up Spiral Flower Die and Big Shot personal die cutter.
Roll spiral flower rosette, starting at the outside edge. Roll a little loose. (The tighter you roll, the smaller the flower).
Add hot glue (low setting) to flower center. Press center with glue to rolled felt to create flower shape.
Glue finished flowers to wreath form.
Add a ribbon to back to hang with.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I feel I need to let you know that this project is time-consuming, however, it is totally worth it! I worked on it a few hours a night for 5 nights.
I actually made this last year and loved it so much, I kept it on my front door until I decorated for Halloween! The nice thing is that I know that this felted beauty can handle the beating that can happen to things when they are outside.
ENJOY!
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