DIY American Flag Wreath

Know those times when you set your mind to doing a DIY project and everything turns out perfect the first time. We're talking no mistakes, no trips back to the craft store, no running out of supplies? Yeah that happened for the first time in my life this weekend, which means I'm totally inclined to show you what I made.

I've seen about 6,000 wreaths on Pinterest over the years and while they all look super cute, I tried making one about four different times, and they all turned into epic fails. I wanted to make a Fourth of July wreath for our door though because we love America, and we have zero patriotic decorations. An American flag wreath is also super practical because you can use it for President's Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, The Fourth of July, and even Labor Day. So it's not something that you can only use for one week and then throw it in the basement for the rest of the year. It's actually a pretty practical thing to make. 

This was super easy, and my two-year-old helper loved getting to put on all the star stickers at the end. I loved seeing his little face light up and tell me, "I'm putting on the star stickers mommy!" I die. I love that boy and can't come to terms with the fact that he's going to be three in about a month and a half. 

Supplies:

60 clothespins

(1) 12in wire wreath frame (seen here)

red, white, and blue spray paint

foam star stickers (seen here)

Old newspaper, brown paper bags, etc...

Directions:

Divide your clothespins into three piles. I had 15 for the blue pile, 24 for the red pile, and 21 for the white pile. 

Lay your paper down on the ground and then separate your clothespins into their three separate groups. Spray paint each group according to their color by following the instructions on your spray paint. I applied two coats of paint to my clothespins. Be sure to get the tops, and all the sides! I didn't worry about the backs.

Allow time for the clothespins to dry and then carefully bring them inside.

Starting with the blue clothespins, line them up on the first part of your wreath, all together.

Then starting with red, put on four red clothes pins. Be sure to push your clothespins as far down as you can to cover up the bottom green wire on your wreath. After your red pins are placed, place four white ones, and then alternate back and fourth between four red pins, and four white pins. 

When you get to the end your last white section will have five pins, and your last red section will still have the normal four pins. I messed up on this part and did three red, and five white, do as I say, not as I do.

Once all your pins are in place, adhere the foam star stickers to the blue pins to make the stars for the American flag. You can do this as strategic, or random as you like. I had my two year old help me with this part, and happen to like the random messy look of it. 

You can then use a nail, ribbon, or hook to hang it to your door.