Vintage Inspired Patriotic Book Page Wreath

With Labor Day, just over a week away, I thought it would be a great time to give you a diy tutorial that I originally shared at Yellow Bliss Road. I made a vintage inspired patriotic wreath from old book pages, just before Memorial Day, and used it for display on the 4th of July as well. It will be taking center stage on our front door, once again, as Labor Day rolls around.

This project was also featured on Country Living’s website over the summer which was quite a thrill!

Like most of my projects, this one was not perfect, and I ended up improvising a bit, but that is part of the fun of being creative, isn’t it? Learn new things and keep trying.

This wreath is not your typical, but it certainly makes a creative and patriotic statement.

Here are the supplies you will need (this list contains affiliate links*) :

–Styrofoam Wreath

-several vintage book pages (I used vintage dictionary pages)

-red & blue food coloringor dye (I also used acrylic paint to enhance the color once it was finished)

-patriotic ribbon (I used 2 1/2″ wide “Simply Patriotic Wired Ribbon” by Nicole™)**

-glittered stars and wire (This step is optional if you want to embellish at the end. Do a search for glittered stars on Etsy, under “supplies,” and you should find some!)

Begin by folding several pages by pinching near the middle.

Next, dip several of the pages (approximately 12-15) into the red dye and set aside to dry.

I was able to place mine in the sun, so they dried quickly. At this point, I wasn’t too concerned about how the dye bled onto the pages. This is more of an artistic, free-form wreath, and I try not to get too perfect with crafts like this.

Do the same with the blue food coloring or dye (again to about 12-15 pages). Then allow all of the pages to dry.

Now, you are ready to start adding them to the styrofoam wreath. I used a glue gun to attach each folded sheet and began with the outside edge. I tried to stick to the following pattern as I glued: white-red-white-blue-white-red-white-blue, and so on (so there is a white sheet in between each red and blue).

For the next row, I didn’t have as many colored sheets left, so I started with those first, making sure to place them at equal distance apart and then filling in all the gaps with several white sheets. I did one final row of all white sheets around the very inside. You could do as many of each color as you like, depending on how many sheets you dye.

Many of the projects that I do, end up having a bit of trial and error and this one was no exception. Once all of the pages were attached, I was disappointed that the food coloring was not as vibrant as I had hoped, so I decided to improvise by getting out some acrylic paint. I mixed the paint with a decent amount of water and then carefully painted the colored sheets. Adding lots of water to the paint helps it to bleed into the paper smoothly and easily. Doing that definitely made the red and blue pop! In the end it has a watercolor effect.

Another way that you could simplify this wreath would be to paint the sheets prior to folding and let them dry or replace the dyed/painted sheets with red and blue tissue paper mixed with the book pages.

To hang the wreath, I cut a very long strip of the patriotic ribbon, and glued it to the back. To do this simply overlap one side of the ribbon over the other (forming a loop at the top about 8-12″ long), glue the two pieces together and then glue that to the top of the wreath on the back.

For a final embellishment, I added three silver glittered stars, wired together, and then attached the wire by carefully poking it through the book pages.

And voila! Hang up and enjoy. Of course, being a paper wreath, make sure it is displayed in a well covered spot or indoors when there is chance of inclement weather.

This post originally appeared on Yellow Bliss Road on May 21, 2014.

**I cannot locate any online sources for identical ribbon, but here are some that I think would work as great alternatives if you are unable to find it (affiliate links*):

  

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Till next time…

~Alice W.

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You might also enjoy:

4th of July Mantel & Free Printable “Freedom” Banner

4th of July Patriotic Porch

Dyed Coffee Filter Floral Bouquet

*This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for any sales made through these links. There is no additional cost to you, but your purchases help support Thoughts from Alice. Read my full disclosure policy.

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