Monday, December 6, 2010

My Gumdrop Wreath

This Christmas season I was determined to make a gumdrop wreath.  So, this weekend with hot glue gun in hand and 7 packages of gumdrops, I set forth to make my gumdrop wreath.
I started off with a 12" foam wreath form from Michaels.  For starters, I wrapped packaging tape around the top of the wreath to protect the foam from the fishing line I used to hang the wreath.
I used a hot glue gun to stick the gumdrops on the wreath.  This was extremely easy to do - just seemed easier than using toothpicks.  But, learn from my mistake and don't place your gumdrops in horizontal rows like this.  
You see the gaps between the gumdrops?  Not good.  Instead, after you glue your first row of gumdrops, start to stagger the gumdrops in the subsequent rows so you don't have a gap between the gumdrops.  In other words, when starting your second row, place the gumdrop between the gumdrops in the first row.  Does this make sense?
This will eliminate the gaps and your wreath will begin to look dense.  The wreath took me about 4 hours.  Who has 4 hours these days?  But, I actually enjoyed sitting there (after my son was in bed), gluing one gumdrop after another onto this wreath.  Not complicated and a bit cathartic.  
The ribbon covers the fish-wire that is actually holding the wreath.  I love how it turned out!  Supposedly, there is a spray you can use to preserve the gumdrops.  I have no idea if this will keep until next year.  If I had more time, I'd love to make another one and offer it as a giveaway!  Maybe, next year!

15 comments:

  1. It's so cute Fran, now you're going to need to keep your little guy from taste testing the holiday decor!

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  2. Fran, this is one of the most charming wreaths I have ever seen! Great tutorial. I might have to try this myself next year! ;-)
    abby

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  3. Adorable! My kids would be trying to pull them off to eat...
    Janell

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  4. I love this wreath! It's so fun and might be a good snack for your son if Mom's not watching!

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  5. Great project Fran! It is really adorable! Maybe in a few years you could make one with Luke! He would love that!

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  6. LOVE it Fran!!! It looks so sweet- I tried a DIY wreath this year but it ended up looking not so great- jealous of your adorable gum drops!

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  7. Adorable! I love a project that's a little repetitive--it can be relaxing! Oh, and got your Christmas card the other day. Thanks so much! You guys look great. And love the design of course ;-)

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  8. Your wreath is adorable Fran! Four hours is a long time, but isn't it nice to have something that you made? I'll bet your son likes it too.

    -Rene

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  9. I love it!! Its like the year I made a cranberry wreath, it took close to 5 hours but it was kinda therapeutic to do :)

    I think this is perfect in the kitchen!

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  10. Good job! I would not have the patience. Bravo!

    Amy R.

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  11. The wreath is adorable but not sure I would have the patience :)

    Received your beautiful card in the mail today. So sweet of you. And, yes, I do love the trellis.

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  12. Oh, I LOVE! I really want to do this!

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  13. I just realized that I was not following green street once I switched blogs. So now I'm your latest follower! ;-)

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  14. Ahhhh those socks adorable and the wreath is amazing!! looks great!

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