Deck the Halls With This Vintage-Inspired Bulb Wreath
Craft the look of a C9 light bulb wreath your neighbors will adore. All you need is a little paint, some clear bulbs and a good Christmas playlist.
Liz Gray
Craving a little vintage holiday curb appeal? HGTV Handmade’s Liz Gray creates a colorful, retro wreath that looks just like a big bundle of old-fashioned Christmas lights. Hark back to the days of C9 bulb-wrapped trees and make your very own classic door decor with this easy step-by-step guide.
Materials + Tools
- low-temp hot glue gun + glue sticks
- plastic cups
- scrap paper
Prep Bulbs for Paint
First, remove the ornament tops from the clear bulbs and set aside for later (Image 1). Next, add four different acrylic paint colors into individual prep cups and add a bit of water to each cup to make the paint pourable (Image 2). Tip: Use a 2:1 paint-to-water ratio so the mixture is thick enough to remain opaque, but thin enough to pour (Image 3). Paint the inside of each bulb by pouring the mixture into the bulb top and swirling the paint around to evenly coat the sides (Image 4). Then dump the remaining paint back into the prep cup while tapping the sides to coat the top (Image 5). Place the painted bulb on scrap paper and let dry overnight. Repeat above steps to make more bulb colors.
Liz Gray
Liz Gray
Liz Gray
Liz Gray
Liz Gray
Make Gold Tops
While the painted bulbs are drying, prepare the ornament tops. Apply a dab of gilding wax to the ornament top (Image 1) and work the paste around the creases. Tip: Wear rubber gloves to apply the gilding wax evenly with your fingertips (Image 2). Let them dry overnight.
Liz Gray
Liz Gray
Assemble Wreath
Add the first bulb to the foam wreath form by using a low-temp hot glue gun (Image 1). Tip: Add two dots of glue to each bulb to ensure a firm bond and hold in place until set (Image 2). Continue to add the first layer of bulbs around the foam form (Image 3). Then, secure the second row of bulbs by adding a dab of hot glue directly to the form and the first layer of bulbs (Image 4). Continue adding layers until the wreath is complete. Hang this retro wreath on your front door and spread some vintage holiday cheer (Image 5).
Liz Gray
Liz Gray
Liz Gray
Liz Gray
Liz Gray
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