Puzzle Christmas Wreath Craft

The boys were home today for Christmas break and full of energy.  I needed a project to keep them occupied and focused.  I had to find something that didn't involve wrestling or terrorizing the dog or knocking the tree over or wedgies or Angry Birds.  It was one of those days and the children were full of excitement and other things.  Christmas was only two days away and everyone knew it.  

I was at my wits end.  Not a good way to start the two week long break.  Thankfully, I remembered a family I knew years ago who had made these festive ornament wreaths from old puzzles.  It was a prize winning idea, because it kept the oldest one occupied gluing and the younger set painting.

PERFECT!

Our day was saved and I didn't have to threaten cancelling Christmas.  We spent a few hours constructing these fun wreaths for gifts and singing carols as we worked.  The day started off shaky, but we managed to salvage our rocky start.

We made these ornaments for gifts to give parents, grandparents, and neighbors on their goody plates we deliver. To make them even more special, we hung them on a bottle of Sprite and attached a small ivy leaf gift tag with the words, "May Your Christmas Be Merry And Sprite".   I saw this cute last minute idea on Money Saving Mom's blog and she has a printable version of her gift tag.

To make these everlasting green wreaths, you will need:

• small old puzzle pieces-  this is perfect to recycle an old puzzle that is missing a few pieces.
• hot glue or sturdy craft glue-  I like hot glue because it dries fast and secure.
• green paint-  I let the children use tempera, but you could easily spray paint them.
• red paint or beads-  we painted our holly berries on, but beads would look nice also.
• festive ribbon or yarn

Here's what you do:

•  Lay about 5 puzzle pieces to form a circle.  This will be the base of the wreath.
• Generously glue the back of a new piece and lay it over the base.  I overlapped the top layer so it connected the two pieces underneath.
• Continue around until your wreath is finished.

• Next, paint the wreath green.  A few of the boys "sponge" painted and it made a very pretty texture. 
• After the green paint is dry, add your berries.  We used the back end of the brush dipped into red paint to create the berries.

• Finally, add a ribbon and a bow.  Secure them with hot glue.
• Noel!  You are finished.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!