DIY Patriotic Driftwood Star Wreath Tutorial

It was on my agenda to make a modern, patriotic wreath for the Fourth of July. As you can tell I kind of sort of failed on that front. While I’ve been told that driftwood is totally hot and therefore modern, in the end, my creation is more down-home. This is the kind of wreath you could hang in a cabin or about 75% of the homes in the heartland year round and no one would think twice about it.

And while it isn’t exactly modern, it is very pretty if I do say so myself. The skill it takes to make this pretty star-shaped wreath is minimal. I mean, can you hold a hot glue gun? Well, then you’re set! The effort however is a bit more than minimal. The process of selecting each piece of wood to be placed next is fun. It’s like a puzzle. I thought I could knock this sucker out in about an hour, but in truth, it took me closer to 2 1/2. But I was so incredibly selective about the pieces I chose that it just took that much time. Should you need to make one of these a bit quicker, it’s totally doable… but you just might find yourself slowing down and really enjoying the process!

For this project you will need:

• Small to medium-sized pieces of driftwood (I snagged a bag at Save On Crafts)
• Red and blue acrylic paint + brush
• Hot glue gun and LOTS of refills

Start your wreath by making the top portion. You know the triangle and arms part.

When gluing pieces together take care because you can burn the living daylights out of yourself. Squeeze the glue in between the pieces and hold with caution. Use a piece of junk wood to remove any drips or huge dollops that might occur.

Continue building out your star. If you don’t have a piece long enough, fake it by gluing two pieces together.

Also, don’t worry too much if your star is perfect. Perhaps this is where my project turned toward more rustic than modern, but just knock out something star-like and you’ll be set. No need to stress if it isn’t perfect.

Go around to each corner and joint and glue a small piece inside to get nice, strong joins.

Pick out a few pieces and place them on your star without gluing them down. Using your paint, make spots of red and blue on them and allow them to dry.

Glue your pieces on making sure you’re happy with the color placement as you go.

To finish, find some neat-looking natural pieces (no paint) and go around and glue on top and occasionally overlap your painted pieces.

Glue your choice of a hanger to the back or hang by the crook of the triangle shape of the driftwood.

Hang and enjoy!

Stage with a few items, like maybe an arrangement of Fourth of July pinwheels which you can learn to make here and prepare to get all sorts of patriotic!

Because of the heat, I wouldn’t place this guy outside, like on your front door. If you want to go that route you totally can. Simply sub wood glue for the hot glue and you’re set!

Allison

A crafter since her earliest years, Allison spends a little time every day making something. She crafts, sews, paints, glues things onto other things, and is a firm believer that a life spent creating is a life worth living. Visit Allison’s blog, Dream {a Little} BIGGER.