Monday, June 20, 2011

Series 6: The Box Chain #5 - Paper Wreath



Happy Monday!

Well well well, if it isn't another installment in the Box Chain Series... I know. I keep suggesting that the end of the series is nigh. And then I change my mind. It's just that for a while there, I was making box chains with a vengeance. Box chaining at the boy's karate. Box chaining in the car. Box chaining while watching TV. Box chaining in the shower... That's a lie. I never made 'em in the shower. The point is, I was obsessed. I was a box chaining machine. I made heaps of 'em. So, yes, you may see one more teensy box chain craft in the future... Two at the very most.

Ready? Let's ride!


Tutorial: Box Chain Paper Wreath

You will need:
  • Many box chains made from junk mail, newspaper, or old gift wrap (I show you how to make box chains HERE.)
  • An embroidery hoop (I found mine in my beloved thrift store.)
  • Glue (I used carpenter's glue because it's oh so strong.)
  • Some clothes pins or paper clips to use as clamps (Not shown.)
To begin, take your box chains and make several long strands by glueing your short chains together into long ones. I made 4 long strands but you may have to make more or less depending on the width of your chains and the size of your hoop.



Take a long box chain strand and wrap it loosely around the hoop. You will have to adjust the size of the strand, either by glueing on or cutting off a box chain section, depending on the size of hoop you use.


Clamp the ends of the strand together using a clothespin or paper clip.


Wrap a second box chain strand, wrapping it around the hoop as many times as the first one. Adjust the length as necessary. Clamp the ends.



Continue adding your long box chain strands, wrapping them around and around....


... until the hoop is fully covered, disappears as if by magic, and a pretty paper wreath emerges!



Fun? Oh yes. And with so many colour possibilities too. I see a Canada Day red and white version, or a July 4th red, white and blue version, a Christmas version, a fall version. I see a lot of versions, eh? Pick one. Make it. Let me know how it goes.

To see the rest of Series 6, scroll to the bottom of the Series page.

Alright. Well, you have a fantastical day now. I will too. And I'll see you again on Wednesday!


36 comments:

  1. I had no idea from the pic that there was an embroidery hoop hidden away. It's beautiful. I would love to do some mini ones for our Christmas tree.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Dear,its lovely and totally amazing..i also use hoop frame twice for making wreaths.. its a great use *(*

    ReplyDelete
  3. It would be perfect in Christmas colors. My recycling loving daughter just said "ooooh, what's that???" and now is heading to the recycling bucket.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's gorgeous Michele!!! Love it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mmm, it's fabulous! I like KJ's idea of making mini ones for Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  6. That looks so pretty! I have a multitude of hoops - this is within the realm of possibility. There's a 12 y.o. who will have nothing but time on her hands after next week. This project may fall into the suggestion box!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Brilliant idea, to wrap them around an embroidery hoop! Another ball out of the park!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love it! I only have one embroidery hoop so I will try it with a plastic coffee can lid with the center cut out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You could use the plastic ring on the neck of bottles instead. You can also use the ear-hoops that you in packages at Michael's Arts & Crafts stores.

      Delete
  9. I love your box chains and this is fantastic, I love the versatility of the project.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh this is gorgeous and I think my favourite item you've made from the box chain.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [21 Jun 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh wow... that has come out so lovely.... another amazed expression on my face with what you come up with...
    Hugz

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is totally cool Michele. I love it - Hugs Nat

    ReplyDelete
  14. zomg, Michele, you box chaining fiend! Next you will box chain a toaster cozy, I just know it :)

    Is it weighty? I like that. You must have used up a whole set of encyclopedias generating the paper on this one. Good stuff!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [22 Jun 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria

    ReplyDelete
  16. OOO pretty! - I used to love making box chains as a kid. I might have to take it up again, I have the perfect place for a gorgeous wreath.

    xxh

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love that you used an embroidery hoop, Michele. This is another fantastic project. It's really pretty... what a unique decoration.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Loooooooooooove it!!!!

    I want to try

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is just a gem of a wreath. The shapeliness! The colors! Love this a million - sorry to be so late in finding it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Michele...Just the suchness of the paper in the round. So satisfying to see. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dear Michelle,
    the person who took the time to write something that hurt you is a coward. Critics are different than writing things that hurt.It is like TV, if you dont like the show you go to another channel. There is nothing in your work that you shouldnt be proud of.I hope this person steps on a lego.
    kiss
    Virginia Costa (from Brazil)
    virginiacgaleria.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. LOVE IT! Thinking of using my bridal magazines to make wreaths to decorate our reception! thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love this. You are very creative!

    ReplyDelete
  24. LoVe It!!!! Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Could I use christmas cards to make one of these box chains? Or would that be too thick of paper?

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi MegannMae, Christmas cards would totally work to make box chains. Best of luck. Let me know how it goes!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Real cute, can't wait to make it.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I just finished my first box chain wreath. I love how it turned out! My husband likes it too. I'm planning on doing more. They are so beautiful and easy. Thank you so much! Terrica Jestice, Muskogee Okla.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it! :)

      Delete
  29. This is amazing! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi there! I found this via Pinterest and made my own. I love it! You can see mine here:
    http://www.liz-makes.com/2013/10/liz-makes-newspaper-wreath.html
    I also posted a link back to your blog twice. Thanks again for the tutorial!
    -Liz
    www.liz-makes.com

    ReplyDelete

I want to know what you think... :)

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...