Christmas DIY: Starry Night Illuminated Metal Wreath
Inexpensive in materials but big on style – here's how you can create a contemporary illuminated wreath in just an afternoon
We’ve recently moved into our new home and my thoughts of whether we would ever build again are the furthest thing from my mind. To build is not a smooth process. But … no one got hurt, no one was strangled and my husband and I are still married. Did I mention that it wasn’t a smooth process? We’re nearly 95% complete and loving our new abode. Now we can get on with the decorating and styling. You know, the fun bit.
With all the trades that have traipsed their size 11 work boots through our corridors, I kept a wayward eye on the materials they used. One of them was window and door frame flashing. I have no idea how they use it but I love this aluminium product for use in DIY projects, especially when making this statement wreath.
With all the trades that have traipsed their size 11 work boots through our corridors, I kept a wayward eye on the materials they used. One of them was window and door frame flashing. I have no idea how they use it but I love this aluminium product for use in DIY projects, especially when making this statement wreath.
I’m not a fan of traditional Christmas colours (red and green), and designed a contemporary wreath with flashing to compliment our wide front door. The instructions and measurements below are for a regular-sized front door with the wreath spanning approximately 55cm.
And better still, it lights up at night from behind by using battery or USB operated lights. The light glows through the small holes, which I made using a hammer and nail. All of your materials should cost less than $25.
The inner ‘scales’ are a beautiful detail achieved by simply glueing them in place. The flashing can be easily cut by using scissors and doesn’t require sanding the edges.
Even during the day, the reflective nature of the aluminium is quite festive.
Before you start
Here’s a reference picture for making the 55cm wide wreath. Don’t forget to wear eye protection goggles or glasses when dealing with the aluminium. Also, any sharp points should always be rounded off.
Here’s a reference picture for making the 55cm wide wreath. Don’t forget to wear eye protection goggles or glasses when dealing with the aluminium. Also, any sharp points should always be rounded off.
You will need
STEP 1: Adhere the ribbon to the styrofoam ring and begin to wrap around the wreath.
- One roll of aluminium flashing (width: 15mm x length: 10m x thickness: 0.3mm). Available from Bunnings or any hardware store.
- Silver ribbon
- Styrofoam ring (width: 25cm; and a hole diameter of 12.5cm x 5cm deep). Available from Koch.
- Hot glue gun
- Heavy duty scissors for cutting aluminium
- USB or battery operated white LED lights. Available from hardware stores.
- Hammer and nail
- Eye protection
- Ruler and permanent marker
- Blu Tack
- Template cutting guide. Download PDF template here.
STEP 1: Adhere the ribbon to the styrofoam ring and begin to wrap around the wreath.
STEP 2: Continue wrapping until the foam is completely covered then glue down the end.
STEP 3: On another small length of ribbon, create a loop and tie a knot about 7cm down from the loop. Glue the knot down on the edge first, then glue the ends on the face.
STEP 4: Download and print out the cutting guide template. Using scissors, cut out the aluminium.
You will need 16 leaves, approximately 10 large scales, 10 medium scales and 12 small scales.
You will need 16 leaves, approximately 10 large scales, 10 medium scales and 12 small scales.
STEP 5: Using the guide, punch holes into the aluminium. Remember, the larger and/or more holes will allow more light to filter through. Be mindful that it’s best to avoid hammering the metal that overlaps the wreath. Use several layers of corrugated cardboard under the metal as you punch the holes.
STEP 6: Using a hot glue gun, adhere the leaves to the ring. Each leaf should butt to each other.
STEP 7: Using a ruler and permanent marker, measure 15mm and 30mm in from the edge as a guide for placement of the scales.
STEP 8: Starting at the outer edge, glue the large scales down first, overlapping as you go. Continue with each row decreasing in size.
STEP 9: Using Blu Tack (can be removed) or a hot glue gun (permanent), stick the lights to the back of the wreath. A longer strand of lights will yield more glow.
STEP 10: Round off any sharp points. Using a hook or fishing wire, hang the wreath from the ribbon loop. Switch lights on after dark.
We also experimented with the aluminium sheeting by forming star shapes into flowers that encase Christmas lights, which also make pretty silver gift tags.
TELL US
Do you have a wreath on your door at Christmas? We’d love to hear inventive ways you decorate at Christmas. Share your photos in the comments section.
MORE
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TELL US
Do you have a wreath on your door at Christmas? We’d love to hear inventive ways you decorate at Christmas. Share your photos in the comments section.
MORE
DIY Project: Cocktail Umbrellas Make for Abstract Wall Art
DIY Project: Make Your Own Macramé Plant Hanger
Weekend DIY Project: Art in a Book
17 Effortless DIY Ideas for Carefree Summer Parties