How To Make A Bandana Wreath

This may just be one of my most popular crafts to date: the American flag bandana wreath. This does take a little bit of time to make, but it is so worth it in the end. Now, I know many of you are probably wondering how the bandanas stay upright without flopping over. Don't worry, because I'll show you how to make them stand upright.

What you need:
a couple packages of various-sized wooden stars (you can find these at any craft store)
a small can of white spray paint
a bag of small zip ties
a 12-inch wreath form
4 red bandanas
3 white bandanas
6 blue bandanas
Mod Podge (about 1/2 cup)
medium-sized bowl
hot water (same amount as Mod Podge)
spray bottle
paint brush or sponge brush
scissors
iron
hot glue gun or any other type of glue you have

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How to make it:

1. First, we are going to cut the bandanas in half. It is easier to do this before you iron them, as the fold line will act as a guide to help you cut down the middle. Cut all of the bandanas in half like this.

2. Iron the bandana pieces so they are nice and smooth. Then, fold each piece in half length-wise.

3. Next, thread a bandana through the wreath form, so the form is in the center of the bandana, and the ends are even.

4. Using a zip tie, secure the bandana to the wreath form. Trim off any excess plastic, making sure to keep all of your zip ties facing the same way. The little nub of plastic that holds the zip tie closed should be on the back of your wreath.

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5. Keep repeating this, alternating a red bandana with a white one, until all of them have been used. Then attach all of the blue ones.

6. Now, we need to paint the stars. Lay a handful of stars out onto some newspaper and paint them with the white paint. It is best to do this outside so you're not sucking down fumes. This paint will dry quickly. Give your stars 2 coats of paints, as they will absorb most of the first one.

7. While the stars are drying, mix 1/2 cup of Mod Podge and 1/2 cup of hot water in a bowl. We are going to use this to make the bandanas stiff so they don't flop over when you hang the wreath.

8. You can either use a brush or a spray bottle to apply the Mod Podge mixture. I used a spray bottle.

9. Lay your wreath face down, so the backside is facing up. Spray it all over with the Mod Podge mix, and let it dry. Pick the wreath up and see if the bandanas are stiff enough to stand up on their own. If not, lay it back down and give it another coat. Don't worry, the Mod Podge will be clear when it dries, so a few coats won't discolor your wreath.

10. Once the wreath is stiff, glue the stars to the blue section in any design you like.

11. Glue or tie a piece of wire, string, yarn or ribbon to the wreath and hang it up!

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