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 wreath is not your typical, but it certainly makes a creative and patriotic statement.
-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!)
Next, dip several of the pages (approximately 12-15) into the red dye and set aside 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.
**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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6 Comments
Susan Hemann
very cool!
CeCe
So cute and patriotic.
Karen
That is so cute, I love book page wreaths.
Gayla
Very pretty! It would look wonderful in Autumn colors for the upcoming season, too! You always give such good directions! Thank you!
Alice Wingerden
That is a fantastic idea Gayla! I might just have to do that!
laura Madalene
You know I'm always happy to read your posts!!! Fantastic again and again and again!!!
A perfect Patio atmosphere Inspired