Make a Shabby Fabric Wreath

There is such an array of fabric available nowadays that these fabric wreaths can be themed for all sorts of occasions from holiday celebrations such as Christmas and Halloween to weddings and baby showers or just choose a fabric that compliments your home décor and use them as year-round decorations. Once you've made one I know you'll be hooked and you'll soon be making one for every room and all occasions.

What to do

1. Make a circle out of the gardening wire and cut it about 6 inches longer than the circle.

**TOP TIP - an alternative to making your own circle from gardening wire is to use a wire coat-hanger, it already has its own hanging hook (or you can twist the hook to make a loop) then all you need to do is bend the bottom part to make a circle, it is still best to cover any sharp edges with hot-melt glue then move on to step 3 - TOP TIP**

2. Take about 3 inches of wire from the two ends and twist together using the pliers if necessary. Secure by spreading some hot-melt glue over the whole twisted area (this will also soften any sharp edges). Put to one side to dry while you prepare the fabric.

3. Turn the fabric into strips - Snip the fabric at equal intervals (about 1-2 inches) and tear the fabric into strips (tearing the fabric will give it a more interesting shabby look, but if you want it a little neater or if the fabric is hard to tear then just cut the strips up with scissors)

4. Wrap some of the fabric strips around the wire hoop securing with the hot-melt glue (covering the hoop this way ensures that no wire shows through accidently).

You can turn off the glue gun now.

5. Using one of the strips, tie and knot (to secure) both ends to the circle, making a hanging loop (unless you've used a coat-hanger which already has a hanging hook/loop).

6. Put a couple of strips of fabric to one side so as to make bows with them later.

7. Cut the remaining strips into approximately 6 inch lengths.

8. Tie the strips close together onto the hoop securing with a knot until it is completely covered.

**TOP TIP - If you are using one or two coloured fabrics then you can start tying the fabric strips at one point and work your way around the circle until you meet up with the first one, but if you want to avoid a uniform look or are using several different coloured fabrics then you may find it easier to tie them on at random places until the whole circle is covered -TOP TIP**

9. Using the two strips of fabric you put aside earlier (or use a contrasting piece) tie them to the base of the hanging loop, making a bow if you wish or just let the strands hang down.

10. Hang-up your wreath and check that you are happy with the balance of the colours & strips etc, add some more fabric strips if needed.

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