Michele Made Me

One birdie's attempt to figure things out. Oh, and crafts.

Series 6: The Box Chain #5 – Paper Wreath

by

Happy Monday!
Well well well, if it isn’t another installment in the Box Chain Series… I know. I keep suggesting that the end of the series is nigh. And then I change my mind. It’s just that for a while there, I was making box chains with a vengeance. Box chaining at the boy’s karate. Box chaining in the car. Box chaining while watching TV. Box chaining in the shower… That’s a lie. I never made ’em in the shower. The point is, I was obsessed. I was a box chaining machine. I made heaps of ’em. So, yes, you may see one more teensy box chain craft in the future… Two at the very most.
Ready? Let’s ride!
Tutorial: Box Chain Paper Wreath
You will need:
  • Many box chains made from junk mail, newspaper, or old gift wrap (I show you how to make box chains HERE.)
  • An embroidery hoop (I found mine in my beloved thrift store.)
  • Glue (I used carpenter’s glue because it’s oh so strong.)
  • Some clothes pins or paper clips to use as clamps (Not shown.)
To begin, take your box chains and make several long strands by glueing your short chains together into long ones. I made 4 long strands but you may have to make more or less depending on the width of your chains and the size of your hoop.

Take a long box chain strand and wrap it loosely around the hoop. You will have to adjust the size of the strand, either by glueing on or cutting off a box chain section, depending on the size of hoop you use.
Clamp the ends of the strand together using a clothespin or paper clip.
Wrap a second box chain strand, wrapping it around the hoop as many times as the first one. Adjust the length as necessary. Clamp the ends.
Continue adding your long box chain strands, wrapping them around and around….

… until the hoop is fully covered, disappears as if by magic, and a pretty paper wreath emerges!

Fun? Oh yes. And with so many colour possibilities too. I see a Canada Day red and white version, or a July 4th red, white and blue version, a Christmas version, a fall version. I see a lot of versions, eh? Pick one. Make it. Let me know how it goes.
To see the rest of Series 6, scroll to the bottom of the Series page.
Alright. Well, you have a fantastical day now. I will too. And I’ll see you again on Wednesday!

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Comments

  3. Amy says

    It would be perfect in Christmas colors. My recycling loving daughter just said "ooooh, what's that???" and now is heading to the recycling bucket.

  7. Poppyprint says

    That looks so pretty! I have a multitude of hoops – this is within the realm of possibility. There's a 12 y.o. who will have nothing but time on her hands after next week. This project may fall into the suggestion box!

  17. PEACHES says

    zomg, Michele, you box chaining fiend! Next you will box chain a toaster cozy, I just know it 🙂

    Is it weighty? I like that. You must have used up a whole set of encyclopedias generating the paper on this one. Good stuff!!

  19. Sewing Daisies says

    OOO pretty! – I used to love making box chains as a kid. I might have to take it up again, I have the perfect place for a gorgeous wreath.

    xxh

  24. virginia costa says

    Dear Michelle,
    the person who took the time to write something that hurt you is a coward. Critics are different than writing things that hurt.It is like TV, if you dont like the show you go to another channel. There is nothing in your work that you shouldnt be proud of.I hope this person steps on a lego.
    kiss
    Virginia Costa (from Brazil)
    virginiacgaleria.blogspot.com

  25. Anonymous says

    LOVE IT! Thinking of using my bridal magazines to make wreaths to decorate our reception! thanks!

  28. MegannMae says

    Could I use christmas cards to make one of these box chains? Or would that be too thick of paper?

  31. Anonymous says

    I just finished my first box chain wreath. I love how it turned out! My husband likes it too. I'm planning on doing more. They are so beautiful and easy. Thank you so much! Terrica Jestice, Muskogee Okla.