Feeling the reverberating boom of each explosion in your chest as the crowd oohs and aahs in amazement from fireworks never gets old. If able to tear your gaze from the show, you will see the smiling faces illuminated by the changing colors. When the sparklers come out, the thrill of writing your name in light is pure bliss. How can those moments be captured and expressed in a wreath? For this, you need to think outside the floral box.
Get your craft on by making a star shaped wreath with spray painted zip ties. This is a super easy and relatively inexpensive if able to use various left over metallic spray paints. I went with the metallic colors to emulate the sparklers and fireworks and to coordinate with other large metal star decorations I spray painted gold for in my front yard. I’ll admit that I was tempted to purchase some of the awesome colored (blue and red) metallic spray paints but refrained because I am supposed to be whittling down my supply and not adding to it.
Supplies
- Wire Wreath Form- Star
- Zip Ties of varying length – Amazon
- Spray paint ( gold, chrome, brushed nickel, and rose gold)
- Cardboard or tarp
- Scissors
- Disposable glove (optional)
Instructions
Step 1:
Lay out zip ties on the wire frame to get an idea of a pattern or look that you like. Going for the bursting effect, I chose to integrate some longer ties with the shorter ones. I put the longest ones (10 inches) on the outside points of the stars and worked my way in. The shortest zip ties (4 inches) were on the inside corners because they overlap each other. I used all of the 100 small ties, plus a few more of the longer ones that I ended up trimming down.
TIP: Be sure to take a photo to reference the pattern later.
Step 2:
While outside, lay out a piece of cardboard or a tarp and lay the zip ties out so they don’t overlap. Put the side with ridges down and smooth side up.
Step 3:
Following the instructions on the spray paint, shake can and spray the zip ties. Be sure to spray the sides of the square base on the zip ties. Spray paint in desired color(s).
TIP: The larger zip ties are more prone to blowing over when blasted with the paint. Use short bursts from a greater distance to minimize the force of the spray.
Step 4:
Let zip ties and wire frame dry for at least 30 minutes before handling. If it is a breezy day, pull the cardboard to an area out of the wind to dry. Learned that the hard way. Luckily no damage was done.
Step 5:
To assemble the wreath, lace each zip tie around the wire wreath frame. Have the pointy end of the zip tie pointing towards the center of the wreath, with the painted side down. Fold over the wire frame and pull the pointy side through the square locking section of the zip tie until it is secure.
Begin with the pointy corners of the star and work your way down the sides. Be sure to follow the pattern you chose earlier by referencing the photo you took. By working each corner simultaneously, I was able to get an overall idea of how it would look and made adjustments where appropriate. For instance, I added another zip tie on each side of the longest zip tie to help fill in the open spacing a bit better.
Step 6:
Don’t fret if you run out of the smallest size zip ties like I did. Just paint a longer size in the same color as the smallest zip ties. Once added to the wreath, trim them down to the correct size with scissors. Trimming the ends to a point helps to blend them in with the other zip ties.
I like it. My boys appreciate that it is not a “girly wreath” (no flowers or glitter or poofy parts). I was hemming and hawing a bit trying to decide if it needed something more, but once it was on the door it seemed just right. The minimalist look shows off the star shape and better represents the firework/sparkler look I was going for.
Using everyday items in a new and creative way inspires more creativity in me and gives me an appreciation for the creativity of others. When on a Sister Trip 2019 in New York City, we came across a small business vendor that made theatrical headbands. One of those headbands utilized zip ties and that stuck with me. Keep your eyes and mind open because you just never know what will inspire you. There also happens to be a circle wire wreath frame and some left over zip ties…I just may make another wreath. In the meantime, enjoy making a house a home!💙
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