Decorating your home for the holidays can be a fun project, but finding outdoor decorations that can withstand the elements can be tricky. Wire decorations are a great option for outdoor spaces since the metal withstands rain, snow, and wind. Making your own wire decorations allows you to customize designs to perfectly fit your home’s aesthetic. Follow this guide to learn how to make your own outdoor wire Christmas decorations.
Gather Your Supplies
Making wire decorations requires just a few simple supplies:
- Wire – Choose wire that can bend without breaking but is sturdy enough to hold shapes. Floral wire or aluminum wire works well. Opt for wire that is 1-2 mm thick.
- Wire cutters – You’ll need wire cutters to cut the wire to size. Look for cutters specifically designed for soft wire.
- Pliers – Pliers help shape and bend the wire. Needle nose and round nose pliers are ideal.
- Decorative accents – Ribbon, greenery, bells, and beads are great for embellishing your wire decorations. Choose accents made to withstand the outdoors.
- Work surface – Have a board, table, or countertop protected by a mat to work on. The wire can scratch surfaces.
Shape the Base Wire Form
The first step is bending the wire into the base shape that will become your decoration. Here are some popular options:
Tree Shape
Cut a 24-30 inch piece of wire. Bend wire into a tree shape by making a triangle base. Twist the wire at the top to make a trunk. Curve and bend branches out from the center.
Wreath Form
Cut a 36-40 inch piece of wire. Bend into a circle, leaving a 4 inch overlap. Twist the ends together at the overlap to close the circle.
Star Shape
Cut a 18-24 inch piece of wire. Bend into a star with 5 points by making tight crisscross bends.
Candy Cane Shape
Cut a 12-18 inch piece of wire. Make a u-shape with a curled tip on one end. Curve the long end.
Embellish the Form
Once you have the basic wire shape, it’s time to decorate it. Here are creative ways to embellish your wire decoration:
Add Ribbon
Tie strips of ribbon onto the wire form. Choose weatherproof ribbon in festive prints or solids.
Attach Greenery
Wire on sprigs of faux greenery like pine sprigs, eucalyptus, or holly. Wrap the stems tightly around the wire.
Add Bells
Use miniature jingle bells or small silver bells to add festive sound. Attach bells using floral wire by wrapping and twisting it around the main wire form.
Dangle Beads
String colorful beads like red and green glass or metallic beads onto thin wire. Twist the wire onto your decoration to dangle the beads.
Create a Hanging Loop
To hang your wire decoration outside, you’ll need to add a loop at the top.
- Cut a 3-4 inch piece of wire. Bend it into a circle shape.
- Use pliers to tightly twist the loop onto the top of your decoration.
Apply Protective Spray (Optional)
If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, spray your wire decoration with clear acrylic sealer to protect the accents from moisture damage. Apply 2-3 even coats and let dry completely before hanging outside.
Display Your Wire Creations
Now it’s time to show off your handmade wire Christmas decorations!
- Hang them from trees, posts, or railings outside your home.
- Line walkways or edge rooflines with them.
- Use them to decorate front doors, mailboxes, and outdoor planters.
Change up locations year-after-year for a fresh decorative look. With proper care, your wire decorations will last for many holidays to come. Get creative with shapes and embellishments to make wire decorations that reflect your personal holiday style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Outdoor Wire Christmas Decorations
What type of wire should I use?
Opt for wire that is 1-2 mm thick. Good options are floral wire, aluminum wire, or galvanized steel wire. Avoid flimsy craft wire that won’t hold shapes.
How do I prevent wire decorations from rusting?
Use wire made from aluminum or galvanized steel, which resist rust. You can also spray finished decorations with clear acrylic sealer. Store wire decorations in a dry place after the holidays.
What if my wire decorations get bent out of shape?
You can gently bend them back into the correct shape using pliers. If the wire gets kinked too much, it’s best to replace with new wire.
How do I clean wire decorations between seasons?
Use a dry cloth to wipe away dirt and debris. For a deeper clean, scrape off residue with a toothbrush and wipe with a damp cloth. Let dry completely before storing.
Should I decorate both sides of wire forms?
It’s up to you! Decorating just the front keeps the design lightweight. Adding accents to the back creates a fuller, decorative look from all angles.
Can I hang wire decorations on my tree?
Absolutely! Wire ornaments add glimmer and personality to any Christmas tree, indoors or outdoors. Hang them with ornament hooks or ribbon.
What kind of paint can I use on wire?
Acrylic craft paint adheres best to wire. Add a coat of primer first if you want bright or metallic paint colors to really pop.
Conclusion
Making your own outdoor wire Christmas decorations allows you to craft designs that perfectly fit your holiday decor. Take advantage of the durability of wire and embellish to your creative desire. Use ribbon, greenery, bells or beads to make your decorations unique. Display your handmade wire decorations proudly outside your home for all to enjoy. With a little imagination and these simple steps, you can create timeless wire decorations to make your outdoor space festively dazzling this holiday season.