Personalized Holiday Memory Wreath to Make Your Grandparent

My grandparents mean the world to me but they are hard to buy gifts for because they simply seem to have...well everything. So when it comes to holiday gifts, I have to be crafty. I always strive to make something that I know will be special to them. This holiday season I put together a very special wreath that they can hang on their front door. The wreath is special because it is a personalized one filled with items that mean something to them or remind them of past times. A wreath that is decorated with items chosen by you is a prefect gift for your grandparent because you get to pick and choose what you put on the wreath. This article will tell you what you need to make your own memory wreath and how to put it together.

What you'll need:

Wreath (opt for a medium to large size one unless your grandparent doesn't have a lot of room, then a small one will do. You can buy plain wreaths at a craft store or even at Walmart. I've found some of my wreathes at thrift stores for a bargain price)

Christmas Ornaments (pick ones that would mean something to your grandparent. For example, for my wreath I picked a stuffed ornament that looked like a grandma. It was perfect for my wreath because it reminds me of my grandmother to whom I am giving the wreath too. I also picked an ornament that had two kids hugging Santa Claus because my grandpa would always dress up as Santa and I have many pictures of my Mom and Uncle hugging my grandma in his Christmas suit)

Flowers: Don't think that the only Christmas flowers are poinsettias. My grandma loves carnations so I incorporated them and a few others into her wreath.

Knick Knacks (anything that will be able to be attached to a wreath that may have a special memory for your grandparent)

Bows (optional)

Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

Crafting Wire

Putting it together:

You'll find it easier if you have a nice flat surface to work with. Lay your wreath down and set up all the items that you want to put onto your wreath. The most important first step is to place everything on your wreath WITHOUT gluing or tying it down. This ensures that if you hate the position of something or don't want to add an item, you can remove it and won't have already permanently attached it.

Once you have everything where you want it, decide what the best way to attach it would be. Would it be safer being hot glued down or would it be easier to simply attach it with crafting wire? When I do my wreaths, I do both. Don't settle for one when you can make your wreath long lasting by using both.

When you are done with your wreath, let it settle and dry for a while before you give it to your grandparent. If your grandparent isn't likely to have a wreath hanger, include one with your gift so that they can hang it up immediately.