Ready to show off your Dallas Cowboys pride right on your front door? Imagine a stunning, handcrafted wreath, bursting with the iconic silver and blue, welcoming everyone to your home. If you're a fan who loves a good DIY project, then you're in the right place! We're about to embark on a fun and rewarding journey to create your very own Dallas Cowboys wreath.
This isn't just about crafting; it's about showcasing your team spirit in a unique and personalized way. So, grab your coffee (or your favorite game-day beverage!), get comfortable, and let's dive into making a wreath that would make even Jerry Jones proud!
Step 1: Gearing Up – Your Dallas Cowboys Wreath Arsenal
Before we unleash our inner wreath-making maestro, we need to gather our supplies. Think of this as your pre-game huddle, making sure you have all the right players on your team. Don't skip this step! A little preparation goes a long way in making the crafting process smooth and enjoyable.
1A: The Foundation – Your Wreath Form
Wire Wreath Form: These are classic and versatile. You can find them in various sizes, but a 14-inch or 18-inch form is a great starting point for a noticeable wreath.
Grapevine Wreath Form: For a more rustic or natural look, a grapevine form provides a beautiful base. You can easily tuck and secure materials into its branches.
1B: The Colors of Victory – Mesh and Ribbon
This is where the Dallas Cowboys magic truly comes alive!
Deco Mesh (Poly Mesh): You'll want to aim for at least two rolls of 10-inch wide mesh, and preferably three, in Dallas Cowboys colors:
Royal Blue: This is your primary color.
Silver/Grey: Your secondary, iconic color.
Optional: White mesh can be used to add a touch more contrast and brightness.
Wired Ribbon: This is crucial for adding texture, depth, and that professional, finished look. Look for ribbons that complement your mesh and theme. Aim for at least three different patterns/widths:
Dallas Cowboys Themed Ribbon: Look for ribbon with the star logo, team name, or football motifs. This is a must-have!
Solid Royal Blue Ribbon: To tie into your mesh.
Solid Silver/Grey Ribbon: To match your other primary color.
Consider: Ribbons with metallic accents for extra sparkle!
1C: The Star of the Show – Embellishments and Accents
This is where you personalize your wreath and truly make it unique.
Dallas Cowboys Logo/Sign: This is often the focal point. You can find wooden signs, metal cutouts, or even create your own printed and laminated logo.
Mini Footballs or Helmets: Small, decorative footballs or helmets add a fun, thematic touch.
Small Stars: Silver or blue stars can be scattered throughout for extra sparkle and team spirit.
Floral Picks (Optional): If you want to add a bit of greenery or a touch of a different texture, consider small sprigs of faux leaves or even small white flowers (like daisies for a subtle nod to the star).
1D: Your Crafting Toolkit – Essential Supplies
Pipe Cleaners or Floral Wire: Absolutely essential for securing your mesh and other elements to the wreath form. Have a good supply on hand in various colors (silver or blue would blend in well).
Scissors: Sharp scissors for cutting mesh and ribbon.
Wire Cutters: If you're using floral wire.
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks: For attaching smaller embellishments and ensuring everything stays put.
Measuring Tape or Ruler: Helpful for consistent cuts of mesh and ribbon.
Zip Ties (Optional): For extra security on some elements.
Work Surface: A clear, flat surface where you can spread out your materials.
Step 2: The Mesh Magic – Building the Volume and Base
Now that you have all your supplies, it's time to start bringing your wreath to life! The deco mesh is the foundation that gives your wreath its fullness and color.
2A: Preparing Your Mesh – The "Puff" or "Curl" Method
There are a couple of popular ways to work with deco mesh. We'll focus on the "Puff" method for a fuller, more voluminous wreath, but the "Curl" method is also an option for a different texture.
The Puff Method:
Cut Your Strips: Unroll your deco mesh. You'll want to cut your mesh into strips. A good starting length is 10 inches long. You'll need many of these, so be prepared to cut!
Gather and Pinch: Take one strip of mesh. Lay it flat. Then, gently gather the mesh along the middle, pinching it together in the center to form a "bow" or "puff."
Secure to the Wreath Form: Place the pinched center of the mesh puff onto the innermost ring of your wire wreath form.
Twist with Pipe Cleaner: Take a pipe cleaner (or floral wire) and wrap it tightly around the pinched mesh, securing it to the wire wreath form. Twist the pipe cleaner ends underneath the form to hide them.
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat! Continue making puffs and securing them side-by-side around the innermost ring of your wreath form. Push them together so they are nice and full.
Move to the Next Ring: Once you've completed the innermost ring, move to the next ring of your wreath form and repeat the process. You'll want to create layers of puffs, alternating colors if you're using more than one mesh color.
Tip for Alternating Colors: For a striped effect, alternate your blue and silver puffs as you go around each ring. For a more blended look, you can sometimes place a blue puff and then a silver puff right next to it on the same attachment point.
2B: Ensuring Fullness and Coverage
Don't Be Shy with Mesh: The key to a full, beautiful wreath is using enough mesh. If it looks sparse, add more puffs!
Vary Puff Sizes (Optional): Sometimes making slightly smaller or larger puffs can add visual interest, but consistency is generally good for beginners.
Check from All Angles: Periodically hold your wreath up and look at it from different angles to ensure even coverage and fullness.
Step 3: Ribbon Flair – Adding Layers of Style
Now that your mesh base is established, it's time to bring in the glorious ribbons! This is where you add personality and that professional, finished touch.
3A: Crafting Your Ribbon Bundles
Cut Your Ribbon Strips: For standard bows or "tails," cut your wired ribbon into strips that are approximately 12-14 inches long. You'll want several of these from each of your chosen ribbon patterns.
Layer and Fold: Take one strip of each of your chosen ribbons (e.g., one Dallas Cowboys patterned, one royal blue, one silver). Lay them on top of each other. Then, fold the layered ribbons in half to create a loop at the top, leaving "tails" at the bottom. You can also just pinch them together in the middle.
3B: Integrating Ribbons into Your Wreath
Tuck and Twist: Locate a pipe cleaner tie that you used to secure your mesh. Gently lift the mesh to expose the pipe cleaner.
Secure the Ribbon Bundle: Place the pinched center of your ribbon bundle onto the exposed pipe cleaner.
Twist Securely: Twist the pipe cleaner tightly around the ribbon bundle, ensuring it's firmly attached. Fluff out the ribbon tails.
Distribute Evenly: Continue adding ribbon bundles strategically around your wreath. You can place them at every few mesh attachment points, or space them out evenly to your liking. Aim for balance and visual appeal.
Varying Ribbon Placement (Optional): Instead of just attaching them where the mesh is tied, you can also weave longer lengths of ribbon through the mesh or create small, simple bows to hot glue in place later.
Step 4: The Star Power – Embellishing Your Masterpiece
This is the exciting part where you add your personal touches and make your Dallas Cowboys wreath truly shine!
4A: Positioning Your Main Accent
The Dallas Cowboys Logo/Sign: This is often the focal point.
Placement: Decide where you want your main logo or sign to be. Often, it's placed slightly off-center or directly in the center, depending on its size and shape.
Securing: If your sign has holes, you can use floral wire or pipe cleaners to attach it directly to the wire wreath form. If it doesn't, hot glue is your best friend! Apply a generous amount of hot glue to the back of the sign and press it firmly into the mesh. Hold it in place until the glue cools and sets.
Pro Tip: For larger or heavier signs, consider adding a few dabs of hot glue and securing with wire for extra peace of mind.
4B: Adding Secondary Embellishments
Mini Footballs/Helmets:
Placement: Scatter these throughout the wreath to add more thematic elements.
Securing: Most mini footballs or helmets can be hot glued directly onto the mesh or nestled into the ribbon layers.
Stars:
Placement: These are great for filling in small gaps or adding a touch of sparkle.
Securing: Hot glue them wherever you'd like a little extra pop!
Floral Picks (if using):
Placement: Tuck these into the mesh and secure with hot glue or by wrapping the wire stem around the wreath form.
4C: The Final Fluff and Adjustments
Step Back and Admire: Once all your embellishments are in place, take a few steps back and look at your wreath from a distance.
Fluff and Adjust: Gently fluff out any squished mesh or ribbon. Adjust the placement of your embellishments until you're happy with the overall balance and aesthetic. Ensure all pipe cleaner ends are tucked away and hidden.
Step 5: The Grand Reveal – Hanging Your Dallas Cowboys Wreath
You've done it! Your stunning Dallas Cowboys wreath is complete and ready to proudly display your team loyalty.
5A: Choosing the Right Spot
Front Door: The most popular choice! It welcomes guests and shows off your team spirit to the neighborhood.
Man Cave/Game Room: A perfect addition to your ultimate fan zone.
Wall Decor: Hang it in your living room, entryway, or any space where you want to add a touch of Cowboys pride.
5B: Secure Hanging Methods
Wreath Hanger: The simplest and most common method for doors.
Command Hook: If hanging on a wall or a surface where you don't want to drill holes. Ensure you use a hook rated for the weight of your wreath.
Nail/Screw: For a more permanent fixture on a wall.
Congratulations, Dallas Cowboys Fan!
You've successfully created a beautiful, custom Dallas Cowboys wreath. Every time you (or your neighbors!) see it, you'll be reminded of your dedication to America's Team and the fun you had creating this masterpiece. Go Cowboys!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to clean a deco mesh wreath?
Gently dust your wreath with a soft cloth, feather duster, or a can of compressed air. For more stubborn dirt, you can lightly mist it with water and let it air dry, but avoid saturating the mesh.
How to store a deco mesh wreath?
Store your wreath in a large, sturdy box or a specialized wreath storage container to protect it from dust and crushing. You can also wrap it loosely in a plastic bag before placing it in the box.
How to make a deco mesh wreath fuller?
To make your wreath fuller, use more mesh per puff, cut your mesh strips longer, or add more layers of mesh around each ring of the wreath form. Don't be afraid to add extra ribbon bundles as well.
How to attach a large sign to a deco mesh wreath?
For large signs, use a combination of hot glue and floral wire or zip ties. Thread the wire/zip ties through any existing holes in the sign or create small holes if possible, then secure them tightly to the wire wreath form underneath the mesh.
How to prevent ribbon from fraying on a wreath?
To prevent fraying, you can lightly seal the ends of your cut ribbon with a Fray Check liquid, or carefully use a lighter to slightly melt (singe) the edges of synthetic ribbons (do this in a well-ventilated area and with caution!).
How to make a bow for a wreath?
There are many bow-making tutorials online (e.g., a "funky bow" or a traditional "layered bow"). You'll typically create several loops of ribbon, gather them in the center, and secure with floral wire before attaching to your wreath.
How to add lights to a deco mesh wreath?
You can weave battery-operated LED fairy lights or mini string lights throughout your finished wreath. Secure the battery pack to the back of the wreath with floral wire or hot glue.
How to make a wreath last longer outdoors?
To make your wreath last longer outdoors, apply a UV-resistant clear spray sealant (like Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Clear) to help protect the colors from fading and the materials from weathering.
How to choose the right size wreath for my door?
Measure the width of your door. A general rule of thumb is that the wreath should be approximately half to two-thirds the width of your door.
How to make a similar wreath for other sports teams?
Simply follow the same step-by-step guide, but substitute the Dallas Cowboys specific colors (mesh, ribbon) and embellishments (logo, signs) with those of your desired sports team.
