Homemade Holiday Blog Hop

Welcome to the Homemade Holiday Blog Hop!

You should have reached my blog from Ashley's.  If you are lost or want a full list of the blogs participating, be sure to start at the beginning at the amazing Amanda's.  It's your source for holiday decorating and gifts.

I chose to make a gum wrapper wreath that I made for Christmas gifts last year.  I thought they were pretty cute and easy to make.  I chose to use patterned paper in place of actual gum wrappers, but I used the same folding and assembly directions.  Below is a tutorial of how I make them and here is a link for the directions I found at the BHG website http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/folded-paper-wreath-ornament/

I will be giving away the wreath I made to one random comment posted by someone who is also a follower!

Pick your papers.  I picked three patterns and colors, but you could pick more or less if you like

Cut pieces into 1" x 2 3/4" strips

Fold in half.  Be sure to make clean edges and crisp folds.  I use a folding bone.

Open up the strip and fold edges into the middle

Fold in half again

Fold the already folded strip in half lengthwise, fold edges in to the middle

Make another piece in a complimenting color and insert the ends of the second piece into  the space between the last folds of the first piece.  

Make more pieces in other complimenting colors and insert into the chain.  I find it easiest to insert the ends into the smoother side of the preceding link.  One side has extra paper edges rather than the clean edge of a single fold.

Continue to build your chain.  Mine measure 9 1/2" in total.  You will know you are done as you gently bend the chain into a circle.  When the ends meet comfortably, you are done.

Fasten the ends together.  I used floss.

Add adornment and hanging apparatus and enjoy!

Be sure to hop on over to Heather's blog for some more great ideas!