Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Wreaths are not made from pipe insulation for a reason.

I'm sure you've seen the beauitful yarn and felt wreaths all over Pinterest.



This is one of my favorites, and I am dying to try and make one.


My problem right now is finding a foam wreath form. For some reaon all the craft stores around me are out. Grrrr!


I was getting pretty frustrated, but then I stumbled upon this pin explaining how you can just use pipe insulation from the hardware store and duct tape. Cut the pipe insulation to your desired lenth, then tape the ends together for a cheap (less than $2) foam wreath form!



This was me when I saw this "awesome" tip.


 
I ran to the Home Depot down the street and bought a 6ft long pipe insulator and got back home as fast as I could. I was SO excited to get home and get started with my awesome beautiful yarn wreath!

The verdict?!

Keep the pipe insulation on the pipes guys. My wreath turned out a weird tear drop shape instead of round, plus they're pretty flimsy so I highly doubt they would store well.

I didn't take any pictures of the one I made (I hadn't come up with my blog idea yet or I would have), I didn't even bother to cover it with yarn, but if I had, this is what it would have looked like...

Not so great right?

I still had some trouble hunting down some foam wreath forms the right size and thickenss (I like them a little thicker), so I actually ordered straw wreaths for about $3.50 each from joanns.com. They should be here in about a week, and I will post my results when I get them!


*I want to add that my original inspiration for wanting to make one of these wreaths was seeing a beautiful bumble bee inspired wreath my friend Amber made:).



If you have any suggestions, a pipe insulation turned wreath success story, or want to show off your craftiness, leave a comment or a picture!



10 comments:

Sarah (aka Mom) said...

Use a pool noodle! They work great! That is what I have used.

Ashfield said...

@Sarah, I looked everywhere for one, but no one is selling them right now:(!

Olive said...

Ash, I tried to do that as well. It SUCKED. I spent a half an hour getting it to be a circle, and one hard bump and it isn't. I am going to start buying the wreaths in bulk online. I found a site where they are $1.17 each if you buy 10, and since I am going to sell them at a craft bazaar, totally worth it. I want to see your wreath!

T.J. said...

I've made a great wreath out of pipe insulation. The trick is to stuff it with shredded paper!

Ashfield said...

@T.J. Thanks! I already bought some straw wreaths, but if I ever try the pipe insulation again, I'll stuff it:).

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

First time visiting your blog and I love what you've been creating! You can also wrap an opened wire hanger with batting to make an inexpenvie form. Tape, fabric or scrap ribbon will help keep in on the hoop. I love seeing the different color combination people use for these wreaths -the grey and yellow is really fun.

Melissa said...

I was reading your blog and loved it. I also got to thinking I have made a few wreaths myself and I am no way shape or form an expert, but What if you take the pipe insulation and wrap it around the floral ring (thats what I use I am not a fan of styrofoam all over the place). If you wrap it around the ring it would make it thicker without all of the uneveness of the straw wreaths. I can't seem to keep the yarn straight on those and there always seems to be tons of gaps. I can't wait to try the pool noodle, but I live in Ohio and they are not out yet...lol
Another thing that I was thinking to make the straw wreath smoother is to wrap it in duct tape or a cellophane wrap that shrinks with the blow dryer....it might work! =)

Ashfield said...

Wrapping the straw wreath in duct tape is a great idea! I just might have to try that. You're right, they're still uneven and do leave gaps.

Anonymous said...

I just straighten out a wire coat hanger and stuff it inside before I form it into a circle. It's worked great on all 4 I've made so far and keeps it to a very thrifty alternative to using a store bought form!

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