Burlap 'Bubble' Wreath Tutorial

I mentioned in the Decorative Aged Door: Before and After post, that I wanted a wreath for my 'new' door that was full, had a softness to it, and was neutral in color.  After searching the web for awhile with no luck finding what I had in mind, I remembered a wreath that I made back in the late 90's.   That was when the light came on in my head and I realized that I might be able to update the look by using burlap.  Long story short it's exactly what I was hoping for and I love how it looks on the door!

I wish I knew where the idea for the first bubble wreath originated (from the 80's or 90's?) to give credit, but I don't have a clue.   I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I still have mine from the 90's.  It's been tucked away in a tote for years waiting to be re-made.  Obviously it hasn't been a top priority of mine.  I was really into hunter green and mauve back then, but I bet you couldn't tell. ; )

Original and Updated Versions

Note:  If you'd like to make a bubble wreath with a light-medium weight fabric, like the one on the left, you may need to run the pin through the sides of the fabric square as well as the corners.  Just run the pin around the edge like you are making a very large slip stitch.  Keep reading and you'll understand what I'm talking about. :)

Supplies Needed

1-10" foam wreath

(check your dollar store)

1 1/4 -1 1/2 yds. burlap, or other fabric

@100 pins with large heads

(You can use small headed pins for fabrics with a tighter weave. 

I used my old sewing pins and then bought a new package to replace them, now I have new pins for sewing.)

How to Make A Burlap Bubble Wreath

(I came up with a new way to fold and pin the squares that I think is easier and faster than how we pinned them back in the 90's.)

I used a white pin in the pictures to show where you will hold the fabric with your thumb and index finger when folding it.  You don't need to pin it until step five.

1. Cut your fabric into 4" x 4" squares (or close to that).   I cut one square first to make sure it was the size that I wanted and then used it as a guide to cut the rest of the squares.  

Cut the fabric into 4" strips and then cut each strip into 4" squares.  The squares don't need to be measured and cut precisely if you don't want to take the time, but should all be cut pretty close to the same size. 

2.  Fold the square in half to form a triangle.  Take the right hand corner (pinch one layer of the fabric on the very tip) and bring it to the front.  Line up the corners.

3.  Take the left hand corner (pinch one layer of fabric on the very tip) and take it to the back.  Line up the corners.

4.  All four corners should be lined up at the bottom.  It should look like a bubble now.

5.  Pin through all four layers of fabric.

6.  Pin the 'bubbles' to the wreath.  Pin one bubble on and then place the next one close to it so that it hides the pin on the one that you just added.  The bubbles should be just close enough so you don't see any of the foam wreath or the pins.

This pic of the back will give you a better idea of how it all goes together.  You'll want to bring the bubbles around the edge just far enough so when the wreath is against the glass/wall the green doesn't show from the side.  (You can cover the back with fabric first if you'd like.)

To give you an idea of how many it will take, I used just over 90 burlap squares for this wreath.

Pin It

My sister had a great idea to use colored burlap (orange, red, brown) for the fall or (red, green) for Christmas.  Wouldn't that be fun?

Hopefully I've explained this so it all makes sense, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!   I was happy to learn through reading the comments on the decorative door post that I'm not alone in my readiness to bring back the bubble wreath.  Who knows, it might just happen!  I think it's time...do you? ; )

Updated to add:  You might also like these simple holiday additions to the burlap bubble wreath.

Valentine's Day Burlap Bubble Wreath

Fall Burlap Bubble Wreath

 Today's Fabulous Find...The Burlap Bubble Wreath

I'm linking up to these parties.  Click here to browse by the buttons.

All Thingz Related    Be Different Act Normal    Beyond The Picket Fence    Blue Cricket Design    Chic on a Shoestring Creation Corner   Creations By KaraDesigner Gardens    Dittle Dattle    Domestically Speaking    Embellishing Life Everyday   Finding Fabulous    Fingerprints On The Fridge Funky Junk Interiors    House of Hepworths    I Heart Naptime    Just A Girl    Keeping It SimpleSerenity Now    Seven Thirty-Three    Sew Can Do    Sew Much Ado    Shanty 2 Chic   Sister's Stuff   Skip To My Lou Someday Crafts    Somewhat Simple    Sugar Bee Crafts    Tator Tots and Jello    The Creative Crate    The DIY Showoff The Girl Creative    The Shabby Chic Cottage    The Shabby Nest    Tip Junkie    Today's Creative Blog Under The Table and Dreaming    Home is Where My Story Begins    The 36th Avenue  Craft Junkie Too

The Lettered Cottage 

The Nesting Place-You Made a Wreath ouf of What?  Party