I didn’t intend on making a DIY winter wreath this year, but the thrifting fairies clearly had different plans. During the holidays, one of my local thrift stores had an abundance of plain, beat up Christmas wreaths. I had already made a Christmas wreath, but decided to nab one for future use.
A few days later and several hundred miles south (while vacationing in Florida), I found a sweet little set of decorative skis.
They were the perfect size to use on a DIY winter wreath. So again, I nabbed them and went about my merry way.
And yes, I found out that these little skis were originally from the Target “Dollar Spot” a few years ago…and I paid $3. Still worth it for me but let’s not speak of this again, ok?
Anyway, an idea came together in my mind; I just needed the right wreath ribbon. And for a winter wreath, I wanted something that looked like a sweater. But “knitted ribbon” doesn’t seem to exist, which seemed frustrating.
But DUH! Knitted ribbon doesn’t exist because you can KNIT YOUR OWN “ribbon”! Like a long skinny scarf or winter scarf that I’d wrap around my winter wreath.
And that was that. I knew how I’d be spending the next few days: Netflix and knitting.
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Making a Wreath for January
To convert my Christmas wreath into a winter wreath, I needed to eliminate the majority of the green.
So, I decided to give some flocking spray or snow flock a shot. Have you ever tried it before?
I seriously loved it! But I faced a problem: rainy, humid air, which kept the flocking spray from drying.
So, I ended up with a compromise. First, some light spray painting in white followed by a light layer of snow spray on top.
As the flocking spray dried, I got comfy in my recliner and worked on my winter scarf…err…I mean wreath ribbon! My original plan was to make a cable knit skinny scarf, but that proved to be problematic on such a skinny scale.
So, I went with the simple seed stitch because it reminded me of a cozy, nubby blue sweater.
Decorating a DIY Winter Wreath
I wrapped it around the wreath periodically to check the length of my winter scarf wreath ribbon.
When I had knitted my skinny scarf long enough, it was time to put my DIY winter wreath together!
First, I wrapped my skinny scarf wreath ribbon around my now-snowy wreath, securing the ends with hot glue on the back side.
Next, I glued the wooden skis on and that was it! I wanted my winter wreath to be simple and serene, like the season itself.
I then attached a loop of jute twine to the back for hanging and my winter wreath was done!
DIY Winter Wreath
It hit all the winter sweet spots: snowy white color, a cozy knitted scarf, and a nod to winter sports.
Close your eyes – can you hear the skis gliding down a snowy hill?
I’m so happy with it, and I’ll always chuckle at the fact that I spent time Googling “knitted ribbon” before realizing that meant a long skinny scarf. I mean, talk about a “moment of duh”.
Speaking of winter and cold weather, my first book, “Crafting with Flannel”, is full of great craft ideas for this time of year!
And don’t forget to check out this collection of upcycled winter decor ideas for even more inspiration before you go!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
That turned out so adorable!!
Thank you, Mary!
Sure made a pretty winter wreath and I love the knitted ribbon and the color is just right. Thanks for sharing your many great ideas!
Thanks, Bev!
Good job! I once needed a skinny scarf for a snowman I made, so I cut up a blue sweater that looks so much like your scarf. It worked out great. Is it the mother of invention?
Nice!
That is such a beautiful wreath. I love it!
Thank you so much, Lisa!
I love it! It’s always annoying when you realize you’ve paid the same price (or more) than it was originally! DOH! No matter though, you NEEDED those skis for this pretty wreath! Sacrifices had to be made!
At least I didn’t know they were Target Dollar Spot skis until afterwards, right? 😉
So cute! Now I have to make a winter wreath. Goodwill store, here I come!
Woohoo!
hey, i have those same skis and i got them at Target a couple years ago. but remember, the Dollar Spot has items that are more than $1. so don’t feel bad because the skis were not $1 but $3 so no worries!!
I didn’t know that!! (I hardly ever shop there.) But that makes me feel better- thank you!!
Very cute Winter wreath. I don’t knit or crochet but I do have a man’s knitted tie somewhere. You are so very creative.
Ohhh, a knitted tie would be an excellent alternative!
Love this! I am always excited when I see your post notice in my in box! I have an old plaid scarf tha I’m going to cut to size and make this….hummmm..now, to make the skis….
Very Pretty !!!
love that!! i know i can find something in my hoarded bags to make an inspired version of a winter wreath too!
Yay!!!
Super cute! I don’t knit, but i’m thinking a long strip of plaid flannel, knit, or fleece from a thrifted shirt, sweater, scarf or blanket could also work, or even some new fleece fabric in a snowflake pattern. Those skis were still a great deal for $3, especially considering they probably aren’t currently available. I frequently see bloggers post about the cute stuff they find at Target dollar spot, and I just don’t have good luck there. Probably because everyone else gets to it before me, lol!
That’s what I thought- that $3 was worth it for those cute skis! I so rarely go to Target that I seriously had no idea…and someone else mentioned that they were originally $3 in the Dollar Spot anyway!
Hey, a lot of Target Dollar Spot treasures are $3-5 now; you may have just paid the original price! At first I was so sure you knitted ribbon was a man’s “golf pants” belt which wouldn’t have been long enough. I love the texture of it. Is it on your front door? My Christmas stuff is coming down this week–reluctantly!
That turned out so very nice. I love recycling everything but would not have thought of that. I love it. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you, Ellen!
Sadie you just gave me inspiration for my live wreath I wasn’t ready to dispose of quite yet. I have grown very fond of flocking my trees but the wreath- genius! Thank you so much for your clever tip and I love your “knitting ribbon”!
Yay!!! I love hearing that!
You have created a perfect winter wreath here, I mean what is not to love about flocked wreaths, skinny scarves and skis! It is perfect!
Thank you, Kaycee!
So cute, and I especially love the knitted “ribbon”. Now all I have to do is learn how to knit! LOL – As a lefty, I’ve been trying to master knitting for years with VERY limited success. Happy New Year; I really enjoy your posts!
Ohhhh myyy, I never thought about that. YES, I could see how knitting as a lefty would be incredibly complicated to learn!!! 🙁