How to Make a Mesh Ribbon Wreath
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Jo's husband (a.k.a. McGeeky) was browsing some store or other recently and encountered an item that he was sure Jo and I could make good crafty use of. It was a giant roll of sparkly, red, mesh ribbon.
And when I say it's giant ribbon, I mean it — it's 10 yards long and 21 inches wide! When you unroll it, it's a very pretty and flexible mesh and Jo and I had never seen anything like it before. It was just screaming for something creative to be done to it!
As soon as I held the ribbon in my hands, I had an idea on how to use it, so Jo gladly turned the roll over to me. I wanted to make a wreath, so I grabbed my favorite wreath base — an old wire coat hanger.
I stretched the hanger into a round shape, and used my needle nose pliers (my favorite tool of all time) to snip off the hanger's hook. Then I used some ordinary transparent tape to secure the wire ends into a loop. (If you prefer, you can leave the hook in place and use it for hanging the wreath later.)
Then I took one end of the ribbon and bunched it up, sort of accordion folding it as I went.
I secured it tightly together with a piece of tape.
Then I attached the end of the ribbon to my wire frame with more tape, making sure it was super tight.
I bunched the ribbon up again, about 8 inches from the first place...
...and secured it tightly with more tape. If you are having trouble getting the tape to stick or want something more durable, you could also use wire to attach your loops to the hanger.
I attached the taped part to the wire frame, pushing it right up against the first one, so that the ribbon billowed out in a fluffy shape.
Once again, I secured it to the frame with tape.
Then I did the same thing again, moving out 8 inches along the length of ribbon, bunching it up...
...then securing it with tape and attaching it to the frame with more tape.
The second loop squished right up against the first, and they blended together beautifully. I knew I was on to something good!
On the back, you can see the tape where I attached each loop.
As the loops were added, the wreath took on a really fluffy shape that was basically like a giant bow.
I kept on working my way around, keeping all the taped areas as close together as I could get them.
When the frame was covered in taped bunches, the back looked pretty funny with all it's taped bunches.
But I flipped it over and I had a gorgeous, fluffy front! It was easy to adjust the ribbon a little here and there to make a nice shape.
I love how this wreath came out, and it only took me about 15 minutes to make. It looks great on the door, and will be a wonderful addition to my Christmas decorations.
UPDATE: I created this wreath back in 2010, when McGeeky gave us that giant roll of mesh ribbon. I had never seen the ribbon before, or wreaths made of it. Now it's years later, and both are everywhere! I can't help but wonder if we helped start the trend, or if I just had the same idea a bunch of other people did too!
123 comments so far:
What an awesome project! I am such a fan of your web site - your craft ideas are so creative and result in such pretty and unique products. Okay, going out now to hunt down some mesh...!
Thank you so much for doing this! I have seen these everywhere and wasn't sure how to make them!!! I am so excited to get started on mine! I think a lot of my friends will get this for Christmas!
I love this! How simple and beautiful!I ca't wait to try it!
Very pretty. I've used this stuff before to wrap a bunch of poles for an outdoor party once. It was so pretty we just kept it up, but it does break down in the elements after such a long period of time and just sort of disingrates, so if you're keeping it make sure to wrap it well at the end of the season. Good job once again ladies;)
I love the idea of wrapping outdoor poles with it.
We are so glad you guys enjoyed this project. McGeeky said he found the mesh at Sam's Club.
Found some similar at Hobby Lobby (and on sale half prince!) Used red twist ties instead of tape and left the "hook" part on the coat hanger, which makes a convenient hanger. The wreath is so pretty! Thanks again for the instructions.
I Love it!!!!. Have you seen the lighted gift boxes they make out of this ribbon??? Really cool too....Thanks for sharing.....Merry Christmas.
Pam, good job finding mesh on sale :)
Geri, I haven't seen the lighted boxes, but it sounds very interesting!
The wreath looks terrific - so easy that maybe even I can manage it! :)
WHOA!!! Simple and stunning --the best combo! Great work :)
This Ben Franklin Crafts Hawaii website has instructions for a similar wreath using floral wrap and a styrofoam base:
http://www.createyourcrafts.com/projects/projects/floralwrapperwreath.htm
I just finished this project it worked out beautifully! Thank you Chica and Jo once again. I did add a centerpiece to mine though. My hubby loves it. I guess its just me...but I did have a lot of trouble taping it. It was very worth it though, thanks!
Melanie, we'd love to see a picture of your wreath! If the tape is giving any of you a hard time, you can use wire or twist ties, or whatever you have on hand. Tape seemed the easiest (and cheapest) to me :)
I liked the way it turned out...even if it did take me all afternoon.Lol, in my defense I have a 5 month old.
melanie, I totally understand! Mini Me it 18 months old now and it is nigh impossible to get any crafting done with her around to help me out! Glad it turned out for you!
http://tinypic.com/r/dc3tdt/7
Sorry. I thought that I had posted a picture with the last comment. Hopefully it turns out this time! :)
Gorgeous, melanie!
I had never seen this wide ribbon before, but someone brought it to a wedding I helped decorate recently. We used it to loop from pew to pew up the main aisle for the bride's entrance. (Her colors were white, red and black.) It was a little showy, but she loved it and it's a great wide width for something larger scale. Has anybody seen it around?
I originally saw one of these wreaths at a holiday fashion show in 2009. I LOVE this wreath, but the shop owner was selling them for something like $80 to $100! As much as I love it, I could NOT bring myself to pay that much. I understand the ribbon is not cheap to purchase, but I have to believe I can make one for less. Thanks so much for the step by step directions on how to make the bow. I can't wait to give it a shot.
Good luck, Joanna! I can't believe they were charging that much either!
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE TO BUY THE MESH RIBBIN. THANK YOU FOR THE WREATH PROJECT.
Phyllis, we've seen the ribbon at Sam's Club and Hobby Lobby. If you don't have either of those stores where you live, try another craft store in your area.
Saw one of these wreaths today at a Crafts 2000, they had simple floral embellishments on it, and were charging $43! So i bought the roll of mesh ribbon for $7 and I'll make my own! Thanks for the HOW TO :-)
Your mesh ribbon wreath is fabulous. Thanks for taking the time to show us how we too can have a beautiful holiday wreath.
Great post, but I have to share and please I mean no disrespect but...
There is a much easier way to make these now and the tape will not last outside in the rain and humidity. Not to mention, if you mess up a loop size, you will pull apart your mesh taking off the tape. What if you want to add ribbon or a sign, are you going to use more tape?
Now you can use a wreath form made for the deco mesh material (comes in as many colors as the mesh itself only $5.99 in craft store) or even the very cheap green Christmas wreath with the wire needles ($2.00 when on sale). Just twist the needles like twisting a bread tie. Use a wreath at least 8 inches smaller than your finished wreath size. You can spray paint it or use as green. With the big puffy loops of the mesh and added ribbon, you will not be able to see the green Christmas wreath base.
I just had to share as these wreaths are so popular and so easy to make. Again great post on staying current with the trends.
Thanks for the tips, Julie. We love hearing new ideas!
I have purchased beautiful mesh lime ribbon approx
10" wide which I am planning to use on my christmas tree. Is the ribbon too wide for a slim trendy tree? Can the ribbon be cut down to 6" so I can
drape the tree horizontally across. I realize that
I can scrunch the ribbon, but is 10" ribbon too
wide for the tree? If I cut down the ribbon, will
the ribbon ravel which is a big concern.
Cindy, I think a wide ribbon could be very pretty on a slim tree, if you had large-scaled ornaments to go with it. You'll have to experiment and see how you like the look. I'm afraid I can't comment on whether or not it would unravel if you cut it -- that would depend on how the ribbon is made. Perhaps try a little cut and rub it around in your hands and see if it holds up? If not, maybe you could fold the ribbon in half lengthwise.
I went to a craft show this weekend and had a mini tutorial on the mesh ribbon. The lady said only to cut it horizontal because it will fray and unravel. Also, the narrow ribbon does not scrunch and bunch it is only for "show" flowing affect. Hope this helps.
I found the ribbon at Sam's Club for around $6. I had just purchased 2 rolls for $12 each at the Country Living fair the week before. Needless to say, I was kicking myself, but I hadn't found it in stores prior to that.
Awesome tutorial, thanks so much! I am attempting my 1st mesh wreath tonight.
I found the mesh ribbon today in Hobby Lobby for $5 (half off).
My daughter and I were just at Sam's this afternoon....red, silver, gold, green, and red/white mesh ribbon were available. If you are wanting to decorate your front door, this month's Southern Living has a beautiful door decorated with the mesh ribbon...it's our inspiration! Great instructions on the wreath....I'll be making one after Thanksgiving dinner!
Thanks for the tip, Lou. Readers, get to Sam's quick while the mesh ribbon is in stock!
Thanks for sharing how to make the wreath
I really want to give it a try....
Thank You for Sharing your wonderful creations.
WOW, girl! What a GREAT wreath! I was thinking how a red wreath could be done ONCE and re-accessorized for several holidays! There's Christmas, then Valentine's, Mem. Day & the 4th of July!!! Ooooo, I'm in love! Altho it isn't time consuming to make, sometimes for ME, 5 minutes is a luxury! *ggln* And I have to tell you - ALONE with nothing is simply stunning in and of itself! GREAT job! <3
Okay - so I ran out to Michael's yesterday and bought some beautiful blue mesh ribbon - 12" wide and 10 yds long. I used my coupon for 50% off so the wreath cost a whopping $5 to make! Thanks for the AWESOME pattern. Love, love, love my new wreath. Gonna add a little red & white somewhere to it for the 4th of July! Next coupon buys me some RED, and then the shimmery white, and then . . . . ;D
Sounds like a great bargain, Kelli! We'd love to see your wreath when you're done.
Mesh deco wreath is 50% off at HobLob this week, and someone told me they run their sales everyother week. So it should be on sale in two weeks again. Anyway, I bought enough to make my Georgia Bulldog football wreath and a Halloween wreath!
Thanks for the tip, Mary Jane!
Nichols in DeQuincy and all of the Nichols store scattered across Louisiana has this "stuff" Its called Deco Mesh and they have in every color imaginable!!I use floral wire to attach it much easier for me than tape!!! Love this stuff!!
Thank you for your beautiful ideas on wreaths etc. Keep up the good work helping those of us who are not quite as creative.
Thanks for the tip on where to buy the mesh, Sondra. I think I would've had an easier time using wire too, but tape was all I had at the time. Hope you enjoy your wreath and other decor using the mesh!
Anna, you are quite welcome. And thanks for being a loyal reader of our site!
BEAUTIFUL.....GOOD WORD... GRACIAS DESDE VENEZUELA...
Hi,
Thought you might enjoy knowing my neighbor and I are making 24 wreaths as table centerpieces for our upcoming Retired Police Reunion. The wreaths are made on satin wrapped staw wreaths, using red/white/blue mesh. After, we add a touch of flowers and a short vase with a candle in the center. We also fasten them to large red plastic plates. They are part of our door prizes. We found the mesh at our A.C. Moore Craft store.
Thanks for all your wonderful ideas and assistance.
Sounds like a lovely decoration, Margie, and I love that you are using them as door prizes, too!
I recently bought some of the wire wreath forms for making making the mesh wreaths, also bought the wide roll and small roll of mesh - it was on sale, 50% off, I called around last holiday season and HobbyLobby, OldTimePottery, and I think Michael's as well as Trees N Trends carry the wreath frames and mesh ribbon. Happy crafting!
Thank you for this tutorial, I knew they had the forms, but was trying to put as little money into these as possible but still be able to come out with a pretty wreath, trying to make Christmas presents and I'm a little on the frugal side. Anyway instead of the hanger I bought 100 ft of galvanized steel wire and did the same thing, the place I joined the two ends if the circle I actually bent a small loop for hanging also, no tape at home so in the craft closet I dig, a few bread ties, but then I found pipe cleaners, I used them in the same color as the mesh, ill post a pic and let you know how that worked out lol!
I love the pipe cleaner idea, Zuki. Very resourseful!
Thank you sooo much ! This wreath is really pretty . I have looked for several days for a wreath like this . Thanks to you , I now have it ... You are a blessing .
So glad we could help, Louise!
How many yards did it take to make the wreath?
Elise, I don't remember how much of the 10-yard roll I used, but I know I had some leftover when I was done. Sorry, that's as close as I can get to an answer!
small zip ties work well, and they are weather proof. Super cheap in hardware sections of your favorite stores.
bonjour
superbe idée, je vais essayer pour Noël
audyle
I saw your beatiful red wreath you made, and immediately got all the material you suggested. I have a problem, though, I cannot get the ribbon to pouf like yours. Could you please tell me (approx.) how much ribbon you used for each pouf to be taped to the base? Also, is there a trick to getting them to be all the same size? Thank you in advance for your help, and a very Merry Christmas to you. Aloha, Loraine
Loraine, I'm happy to hear you're excited about this project. I used about 8 inches of ribbon in each pouf, but you may need a different length for your ribbon, depending on what it's made of and how wide it is. The material might also be what's making your poufs hard to form. It's hard for me to tell without being there, but try different lengths to see if you can get good results. To get them the same size, you should use the same length of ribbon for each. Good luck and Merry Christmas to you too!
I am new to Pinterest and I have a feeling u can get caught up. Love your idea. I have seen several of these here I havin made one yet. I have seen the ribbon at Cracker Barrel this season along with other places that have been mention
Hello, love this project. I have a bunch of wire ribbon but it is 6 inches or less in width. Will it still work well for this wreath?
Jessica, I'm not sure what results you'll get with your ribbon, but if you try it out, let us know how it goes!
Site is exceptional and I highly recommend it to anyone. The wreath is lovely with lots of compliments.
These r all over southern Louisiana and r very expensive! I bought mesh and I can hardly wait to try it out!
I'm so glad you've found an easier way to do this! My mom & I just got 6 new rolls of mesh for Christmas decor & now I know what to do with it!
I have been wanting to make one of these since seeing them 3 years ago! Bought the mesh on sale after Christmas last year, and thanks to your instructions finally made one :-). Took the tip above of using twist ties rather than tape, which meant I could make the loops then push each one tightly against the previous one. My mesh is a plaid design so that made making equal sized loops easier as I could just count along 4 squares each time. One tip I would pass on - if leaving the hook on the hanger, don't finish your wreath there, as you will have big poufs of mesh, not a lot of space, and a hook that keeps snagging the material ;-)
Mandy, that's a great tip about making sure you don't start/end where the hook is. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for your wonderful instructions ! Can't wait to make the mesh one. Thanks again and Merry Christmas !!!!
Yep, saw this same stuff at Sam's yesterday, only in gold and wondered what on earth could I do with that.....now I know! Thanks for the idea/instructions! It made a beautiful wreath!
That's great to hear, Becky. If you'd like to add a photo of your wreath to our Flickr group for reader photos, we'd love to see it!
you can also get the mesh ribbon at hobby lobby when on sale for around 2.75 they also have extra wide too in5or 6 differantcolors
Thank you so much for posting these instructions. I have been looking at different sites to find out how to make esh wreaths and yours was the best...Thanks again
I am decorating a home for Mardi Gras and was given this mesh for outside iron gates. Thank goodness for your instructions! But for outside I am using black electrical tape to hold up to Galveston's weather and since the wreaths are going on black iron gates, they will blend. BUT, it took me a LOT more than 15 minutes! They are coming out great but are taking me some time to make. Thank you for your instructions with pictures. They really saved me on this project!
Glad we could help you out, Claire! The black electrical tape sounds like a great solution for your situation. Hopefully your wreaths will go faster as you make more :)
thanks for the directions
where can i purchase this ribbon mesh?
Kim, this mesh is showing up more and more places these days. I've seen it in craft stores, box stores, and even in the floral department of my local grocery store.
Found the mesh at Walmart today in purple, white & hot pink for $4.97 a roll. Each roll has 10yds.
Thanks for the tutorial !!!
AH THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. ive been looking for ever to find understandable diractions on how to make these
Have you made one with two colors.I guess you would alternate on each one. Thanks
Kim, I haven't tried that, but I think you could keep both ribbons going at once and just alternate which one you bunch up to make a loop, like you suggested. If you work it out, we'd love to see your results!
Thanks for the directions on the wreath. i just made one and it looks great for my first one. I can't wait to make these for presents.
Love the mesh wreaths. Trying to get instructions on how to make them. All of them are beautiful.
Beautiful Jo,
You can also use burlap the same way and put a nice plaid bow on it. Makes a nice country rustic wreath.
You can use chenille stems, use same color as ribbon so it will blend in
Great suggestions, Becky!
What a beauty, I will try this one, I have used that ribbon to make giant bows,about two and a half feet across, but great for decorating large spaces.
You can buy the mesh at Dollarama or the Dollar Tree. This is a great idea,I am going to try this. Thank you for this idea, it really does look beautiful. Rather than using tape you can also use twist ties.
I purchased the 21'GOLD mesh at ,of all places, Cracker Barrel! Been searching for instructions to make exactly what you did. Thanks for your post!!
I made a tree using a tomato cage and wired up lights, it turned out very pretty, I love the mesh projects, I am now making wreaths and would love to share my pics
ok!!! I totally made this tonight. ZIP TIES! they slide but it is perfect for adjusting:-)
Adele and Johanna, great job finding the mesh in unexpected places!
Sheila, we'd love to see your photos. You can upload them to our Flickr account for reader photos.
BEEN LOOKING FOR A WAY TO MAKE A WREATH,THANK YOU
Well, it took me longer than 15 mins but THANK YOU!!! I have been wanting one of these and didn't want to pay the price but until I saw your blog I thought I'd never be able to do one! The steps were so clear and simple! Love my new wreath! I plan to have one for every season/holiday now <3
thank you , your instructions were the best.
Wonderful idea that can be used for Valentines as well. Also smaller wreath for candle arrangement.
Great ideas, Vicky! We just love versatile projects :)
I've been looking for a tutorial like this! Just found red, white, and blue stripes mesh at Hobby Lobby for $7 today! I'm going to bend a hanger into a long "carrot" shape and try to make an Easter wreath with orange and green! :)
That is so simple an easy to do .Thanks
Just bought some mesh at Joann's Fabrics at 75% off. I bought a variegated brown/orange/ and also a spring green and 2 yellow rolls. Putting those away for spring gifts!! Working on the fall one now. Maybe I will look for a small stuffed pumpkin or turkey I can put on it.
I bought some on a Halloween sale for just 3.99 st Joann's. I thought I could cut it and make little wreaths for a kids project. Didn't work - it comes apart. I'll have to use it for something else. I wasn't out much!
This looks so nice and easy to make. Love it.
Thank you for your easy to follow instructions regarding for a bow wreath. I've been struggling with making a few for this upcoming Christmas without any previous know how. I made my first one this morning and it may not look as good as yours, but it is better than any of the others I made without using your technique. Why do you use tape instead of wire to attach the ribbon? Just wondering?
Kathy Jo, I used tape instead of wire because that's all I had on hand. Wire would probably work a lot better :)
I made this wreath and it came out great and that is saying a lot for one of the most uncreative people I know. Thanks for making it easy!
So glad we could help you be successful in a creative project, Latarsha!
I made this wreath but instead I use chiffon ties instead of tape. After I finished the wreath I went to hang it on my door by the hanger part and the bottom of the wreath sticks out! Its almost like I either used too much mesh. Would it be the chiffon ties that caused this to not lay more flat? Any ideas as to what I did wrong and how to fix it for next time?!?! Otherwise I love it ! lol
Morgann, it's hard to say without seeing it, but it sounds like maybe too much mesh. If your ties are really tight, maybe you can cut some of the extra mesh out in the back?
I have made 7 of these since I found this tutorial. So simple and so so great. Love it!
How many wreaths can you make with the ten yards of mesh?
ds, it will depend on how big and how full you make the wreath. Sorry we can't give a more definitive answer.
The taping is confusing me do you cut or just tape and bunch and could you weave the hanger through the ribbon I get so frustrated working with ribbon of any kind lol Ask me to make a paper bow and I'll knock your socks off every time ribbon not so much any help would be appreciated TIA
. Amy
Amy, I just bunched and taped. Cutting the mesh would likely cause it to fray. Good luck!
Love this wreath. So easy, simple but yet very elegant, I think. Great job. Thanks for sharing.
I love the wreaths. Try to make a rather wreath wth 2 colors with Esther lights any ideas
Linda, I think you could just work with both colors at the same time, doubling up every bunch.
This is a great wreath and quite beautiful, I can't wait to make this!!!
Just bought my mesh today at Wal-Mart. Got a spool each of red, white & blue. If it works up as easy as I think it will I will be making many many more of these. Can't wait
I just found roll I Halloween mesh and on my search on how to make a wreath I found you tutorial. It looks so easy to do with a little patience that I can't wait to try it . If it comes out as good as your I may try one for Christmas and then Fourth of July. Thanks!
Nan, we are sure you won't have any problems with this simple wreath tutorial! We'd love to see your final creation. Share it and tag us on social.
That looks beautiful! Thank you for posting this. I'm making one for Thanksgiving decorating. I'm adding some sunflowers and some pine cones. Hopefully it comes out as nice as yours!!
I was wondering could this be done with multiple colors? And then maybe a few decorations added? Could you give me some tips please. I really wanna make a wreath and I think this is amazing but I wondered if I could jazz it up a little?
Amber, you could definitely use multiple colors. Here's what I'm thinking... instead of squishing each poof up tight against the last, leave some space between them. Then go back with a second or third color and fill in the gaps until full. And when you're done, go ahead and wire in whatever decorations you want!