(BPT) - The front door is often the focal point of a house and the welcoming committee to guests as they enter your home. And as the attention-seeking centerpiece, it should always be looking its best. A great addition to any door is a beautiful wreath - either decorative or seasonal - to greet your guests and neighbors. Although many stores sell wreaths, it's easy, fun and cost-effective to create a unique and one-of-a-kind statement piece.
Need some inspiration?- Here are two stylish and simple do-it-yourself wreaths to impress everyone who stops - or even passes - by your humble abode.
Snowflakes wreath
As the winter season approaches, outfit your front door with a beautiful wreath full of festive snowflakes. No matter how cold it gets outside, this wreath will provide a warm welcome. Here's what you'll need: a round -craft foam wreath; ribbon; two wooden snowflakes; blue glass-headed pins; two pieces of letter-size cardstock; different styles of snowflake paper punches; scissors; a hot glue gun and glue sticks; Krylon Glitter Blast in Diamond Dust, Sapphire Shimmer and Clear Sealer; and Krylon Indoor/Outdoor in Global Blue and White.
To create the wreath, start by painting the craft foam ring with Indoor/Outdoor in Global Blue. Once the paint is dry, add a coat of Glitter Blast in Sapphire Shimmer for a vibrant, sparkling finish. Spray an additional coat if needed. While each coat is drying, begin spraying the wooden snowflakes with Indoor/Outdoor in White.
Next, spray two sheets of cardstock and the dried wooden snowflakes with Glitter Blast in Diamond Dust. Then, spray the wreath, card stock and wooden snowflakes with Glitter Blast Clear Sealer, which will protect your creation. Once dry, cut out about 125 snowflakes using the paper punches and attach them to the wreath using the push pins. Pin some snowflakes flush with the surface and leave others slightly raised to give a dimensional effect.
Finally, using the ribbon, attach a large bow and wooden snowflakes to the wreath with a hot glue gun. Adjust the length of the wooden snowflakes as needed to create your desired look. Once the project is dry, hang it on your door to show it off.
Retro sunburst pencil wreath
Everyday items, such as pencils, can become beautiful design statements. With a little spray paint and creativity, you can transform pencils into a trendy sunburst wreath that looks like it came from a department store. -Here's what you'll need: Krylon Short Cuts Paint in Gloss Black; a craft foam 1-inch by 2-inch by 12-inch round, flat wreath; 64 pencils; 10-inch-length wire; glue gun and glue sticks; a floral pin; and a black marker.
Start by dividing the foam ring into eight equal sections, marking them with the black marker.-Using them as a guide, gently press a pencil down on the foam, spacing each groove every half inch creating 64 indentations - or eight per marked section. Once all indentations are made, spray the entire wreath black. Use a spare box to elevate the wreath while painting - this will make it easier to spray without missing spots.
After the initial coat of paint has dried, attach the pencils using the hot glue gun. Stagger the placement of each pencil, with some closer and some further from the center of the wreath to create a 'short-tall' pattern. When all the pencils have been attached, spray the entire wreath with black spray paint. Once dry, carefully flip the wreath over and spray once more for even, full coverage. Then, glue and pin a loop of wire to the center back of the wreath to create a hanger and you're ready to display your sensational and simple work that's perfect for any time of year.
Now you can ensure your front door is beautiful and welcoming to all your guests. With these easy and stylish wreath projects, your front door will be looking great all year long.
For more holiday and craft ideas from Krylon, visit www.krylon.com.