Joy

This was a little something I did for the front door last year. It's been hiding in my front closet for months. Now I finally have an excuse to pull it out. Christmas is just around the corner. If you're looking for something fun and festive to add to your home this year, this is the project for you. It's actually quite simple to put together. Here's the details:

The Supply List:

Pattern Paper (choose a mix of various size patterns, styles, and colors)
Solid Cardstock
Fiskars Circle Cutter (any circle cutter will work as long as it cuts up to 8" in size)
Cutting Mat (So you don't cut up your table)
Ranger Distress Ink Pad (Walnut)
Making Memories Word Chipboard (Joy-though this is last year's product. You may have to substitute with other large chipboard letters)
Fine Glitter
Acrylic Paint (to paint the chipboard/and wood circle frame)
Diamond Glaze/Glitter Glue
Wooden Circle Frame (base of wreath-I picked mine up at Joanns in the wood department)
Wide Ribbon (match color with wreath)
Pop Dots/Wet Adhesive
Staple Gun

Instructions:

1. Paint the wooden base of the wreath with acrylic paint (something dark that won't be noticeable if seen through the front). Paint on two coats. Let the first coat dry and then add the second coat.

2. Cut out various size circles from pattern paper and solid cardstock. Distress the edges of each circle with Ranger Distress Ink using a sponge. Combine and layer circles to use on the wreath. Don't adhere them to wreath just yet.

3. Paint the word "joy" (or letters you've purchased) with acrylic paint using a color that will blend well with the glitter. Sand edges of word/letters with sandpaper. Distress edges with Ranger Distress Ink using sponge.

4. Coat painted word/letters with wet adhesive (that bonds well with glitter-I used Martha Stewart's Glitter Glue). Sprinkle on glitter and shake excess off. Set aside.

5. Now we're going to start adhering the circles you made in step #2 to the wooden wreath base. This takes a bit of creativity and experimenting to get just right. Do this slowly and carefully. Don't glue down the circles immediately until you know for sure that the placement of each circle is correct and where you want it to be. I added one circle at a time. I moved them around to make sure I felt ok about my placement choices. Think balance. Keep the wreath circular in shape. Use pop dots to adhere some of the circles to the wreath as shown below:

8. Adhere word/letters to wreath as shown with wet adhesive.

7. Cut two long pieces of wide ribbon. Staple ribbon pieces to back side of wreath base with staple gun. Tie the two pieces together at the top. Finished.

Hang your wreath on the front door or in your home on a wall. Feel free to send me a pic..I would luv to see what all of you have come up with. Keep the photo's small in size though cause my email box will crash if you send me really large file sizes (keep'em at 72 dpi/500 x 350 pix). I invite you to tell other's about this project...Share some "joy" this Christmas season.

Now for some sneak peaks from Studio Calico's December Kit. This kit arrived at my front door a few weeks ago and when I opened the box, I was so excited. I loved everything in it, especially the paper. Everything about it was so enchanting and delightful. A creative escape to celebrate winter's arrival. Now, I can't give too much away..but be sure to check out the sneak peaks posted at Studio Calico to get an idea of what's to come on December 28th. In the mean time, this is what I've been creating these last couple of days:

Comments

[Ingunn]

That wreath is so beautiful!!

[Tonya]

Can't wait to see your SC sneak peaks in the full reveal!! That wreath is just fabulous...I'm so lifting that idea from you! Thanks for sharing it!

[All Moments Remembered]

I just found your website through a friend, she wanted me to see your clear album from back in July! It is gorgeous!! I got to reading your blog and my heart started to break in pieces for you. I can not imagine what you and Eric are going through. Cancer is such a horrible thing to deal with. We have dealt with it a lot in my family. I just wanted to tell you I plan to keep you and Eric in my thoughts and prayers!!! I hope this Thanksgiving brings you many things to be thankful for!!! Best wishes to your and your hubby and know you are being sent well wishes!!!!
Stacey

[Nicole Harper]

sneaks are looking good Christine...can't wait!!

[casey boyd]

Oh, Christine, these are beautiful peeks of your layouts I can't wait to see the rest!! Love that wreath, thanks for the supply list and instructions you included!

[Davinie]

LOVE this wreath and your sneaks look awesome! Can't wait to see more!

[Mye]

Oh, this is beautiful....I'm going to have to try this this weekend. Oh, I think I might add a bw photo of my kids in one of those circles! Just too cute! Love the sneak peek...can't wait to get my Dec kit!

[april]

christine, the wreath is so awesome, just my style! love the peeks too. everytime i see your peeks, it makes me want to buy the kit (as if I don't already have it). anyway, glad to hear eric is doing better, keeping my fingers crossed for the new treatment.

[Katy]

Stunning work Christine ... I just adore your wreath and may just have a go at one myself ... thank you for the inspiration. :)

Your SC sneak peaks are fabulous too ... I'm so looking forward to December's kit, but for now I'm enjoying November's that arrived this week ... I'm going cropping today with it and fully intend to make a mini book with it for a start!

Have a great weekend. :)

[Laura]

Oh Christine... thank you so much for sharing the gorgeous wreath! Very inspiring!!!!! So festive and so pretty! As always, your sneaks are beautiful - can't wait to see the rest!!!! Take care and have a good restful, memorable weekend!!!!! Here's to scrappin, WarCraft and a baby exploring :)

[Stephanie Howell]

every single thing in that post is JUST GORGEOUS.

[Jody Ferlaak]

Your pages and projects are always so colorful and beautiful in design. Love these peeks and that wreath. So festive. I hope you get to see Eric on the computer many more times...and enjoy your silvery small tree. I'll be thinking of you all this coming week. I hope you can find many blessings to celebrate and be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Love and prayers...

[Maricarmen Maza]

This is beautiful! Love these peeks, thanks for the supply list and instructions!

[Beth Norman]

I'm so glad Alison posted your tutorial on her blog. Not only do I love your wreath, but the rest of your work. I've got you bookmarked and I will be a regular reader. I think I'm going to make a wreath like your adorable one.

[Lisa Wilson]

Love your wreath! What a cute idea. Thanks for posting the tutorial. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

[Tammy Bankston]

Thank you so much for the instructions! I was looking for something to show off all my favorite Christmas papers at once. You've really inspired me.

[Tammy Bankston]

Thank you so much for the instructions! I was looking for something to show off all my favorite Christmas papers at once. You've really inspired me.

[Tammy Bankston]

Thank you so much for the instructions! I was looking for something to show off all my favorite Christmas papers at once. You've really inspired me.

[Anabelle]

Awesome peaks!!! LOVE the wreath!

[Heidi]

Beautiful wreath! I love the idea!

[Jill]

I love your wreath! Great peaks too! Can't wait to see the whole kit =)

[Andrea Gourley]

I love this, thanks for sharing :)

[Diana]

What a great idea I will definitely try this.

Love from Di at IACW

[Julie]

A year late commenting, but WOW, what a neat wreath. This is some beautiful work. Thanks for sharing.

[Penelope Walker]

I love the colors you used in this wreath! They're so festive and vibrant! I just linked to your post from the MyPunchbowl blog where I write about holiday party ideas and Christmas party invitations.