Learn how to make a Christmas light wreath from vintage bulbs. Repurpose colorful, vintage Christmas lights into a DIY Christmas wreath.
If you are a fan of vintage items, I think this easy craft project will be right up your alley. I found a set of vintage Christmas light bulbs a few years ago at a thrift shop — and finally, put them to good use by making this colorful Christmas light wreath.
My mom was here over the weekend and we did several crafts. This vintage Christmas light wreath is one that I had been putting off for a while; because I just wasn’t sure how to attach the bulbs. Well, it turned out to be quite easy and I’m so glad I knocked out this little craft project over the weekend.
Vintage Christmas Lights
Where can I buy vintage Christmas light strands and vintage Christmas light bulbs?
The best place to find vintage Christmas light strands and bulbs are thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets. If you don’t have the time or patience to shop for them, shop vintage items on Etsy. You’ll find an assortment of vintage Christmas lights including in bulk, on strands, and in the original packaging.
If you don’t want to buy vintage, you can buy new bulbs, with a vintage-look, from Amazon.
What are the big Christmas lights called?
When most of us think of the term “vintage” Christmas lights, we envision a C-Series bulb. Of the C-Series bulbs, C7 and C9 are the most common. C-Series Christmas lights are the iconic bright color bulbs with a wide diameter at approximately 1″.
What can you do with old Christmas Lights?
Because Christmas light strands are made with copper and glass, they are a great candidate for recycling. If you don’t have access to a recycling center that will accept old light strands, try to repurpose them. While a Christmas light wreath is one option, a napkin ring or garland are creative ideas, too!
How to Make a Christmas Light Wreath with Vintage Bulbs
So, now that you know where to find vintage Christmas lights, let’s make a festive wreath!
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links for products or services.
Tools Required
- hot glue gun and glue
Supplies Needed
- vintage Christmas lights
- embroidery hoop
Instructions
#1: Determine the Christmas Light Wreath Size
Before you begin, make sure to determine which size embroidery hoop to purchase. For example, my wreath is 7 inches in diameter and has 35-40 light bulbs attached to it.
#2: Attach a Bulb to the Outside of the Embroidery Hoop
First, apply a dot of hot glue to the outside of the embroidery hoop. Then, press the bulb, at the metal base, into the hot glue.
#3: Attach a Bulb to the Inside of the Embroidery Hoop
Next, apply a dot of hot glue to the inside of the embroidery hoop. Then, press the bulb, at the metal base, into the hot glue.
Note: The inside bulb should be set slightly off from the bulb on the outside, rather than even with the outside bulb.
#4: Repeat steps 2-3 until the Christmas Light Wreath is Complete
Finally, continue to repeat steps 2 and 3 until the wreath is complete, mixing the colors of the bulbs for a festive, nostalgic vibe.
Vintage Christmas Decorations
Don’t you love it? So festive, colorful, and filled with nostalgic goodness! I love to mix it in with other vintage Christmas decorations like our Christmas card banner.
How to Make a DIY Christmas Light Wreath
Learn how to make a DIY Christmas Light Wreath from vintage bulbs. Repurpose vintage Christmas lights into a festive and colorful vintage-style wreath!
Materials
Tools
- hot glue gun
- hot glue
- scissors
Instructions
- Determine the correct embroidery hoop size based on the number vintage of light bulbs.
- Add a dot of hot glue on the outside of the embroidery hoop.
- Press a vintage light bulb into the glue.
- Add a dot of hot glue on the inside of the embroidery hoop.
- Press a vintage light bulb into the glue.
- Repeat steps 2-5 until the entire inside and outside of the embroidery hoop is covered with bulbs.
- Remove any stray strands of hot glue to tidy up the finished wreath.
- Cut a string of baker's twine to hang the wreath.
- Loop the baker's twine around the wreath, between the bulbs, and hang!
Notes
As a reference, a 7" wreath requires approximately 35-40 vintage Christmas light bulbs.
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