A Ribbon-Inspired 4th of July Wreath

Nothing says summer like a beautiful 4th of July wreath on your front door. This one came together in the most unexpected way. It started with ribbons my daughter used for her wreath, a few spools I already had on hand, and a new boxwood wreath that was just waiting for a purpose. Here’s how I put it all together – bow and all.

We are less than a month to the 4th of July – the biggest national celebration most of us will ever see. We’ll never catch up to Europe or Asia, but 250 years as the most democratic and free country in the world is a milestone that deserves recognition and celebration in a big way.

I’ve seen more flags flying in our neighborhood than I can remember. Decorating our homes, front yards, and patios for America’s birthday seems to be on everyone’s mind.

I started decorating before Memorial Day and haven’t stopped since. I’ve been adding red, white, and blue for the 4th of July, which will stay up through Labor Day.

I’ve already shared a few of this year’s decorations:

• 4th of July Banners and Pennants
• Easy Patriotic Decoupage Project
• 15 4th of July Outdoor Decorations

Today, I’m also celebrating another Creative Craft Blog Hop, this month hosted by Donna of Modern on Monticello.

If you are joining me from Cecilia of My Thrift Store Addiction, then welcome. I’m so happy to have you here at Bluesky at Home.

This post contains affiliate links to products used to create this project. If you should order any item from this site, I may receive compensation, but you do not pay a penny more. Your purchase is greatly appreciated as it helps support the continued publication of this site.

this Idea.

The Ribbon Inspiration

Something always serves as inspiration for a new project or an update. This wreath for the 4th of July was no exception.

While we were in Atlanta in mid-May for our grandson’s graduation, my older daughter made her Memorial Day wreath.

Here is the wreath she made for her front door. She used a boxwood wreath and two rolls of wide, wired ribbon in stars and stripes, red and blue.

After returning home, In mid-May, with Memorial Day on the horizon, I was ready to make a new wreath for our front door. We went up to the attic and brought down our three bins of red, white, and blue decorations.

I already had the red ribbon with stars on the left and the small blue ribbon with a star on the right.

But the ribbon that really got me thinking about making a new 4th of July wreath are the ones in the center: the large white stars on a blue background and the red and white stripe ribbon. The same ones that my daughter used on her wreath. I loved that ribbon so much that when we returned home, I ordered it.

Our New Boxwood Wreath

I have, or thought I had, a boxwood wreath, but we could not find it in our garage or attic. So I went online and searched for one.

I love boxwood wreaths. They have a wonderful, formal style that works with our home and most home decor styles, except for very rustic or farmhouse. A couple of years ago, I bought eight preserved 8-inch boxwood wreaths to use during the Christmas holidays. They may be my favorite.

But for a wreath that would be outside and about 18 inches in diameter, I needed to find something more affordable and durable.

After searching, I landed on this item, a 19-inch boxwood wreath that was full and tightly packed. But it also came with a surprise.

I thought the box seemed uncharacteristically small for a 19-inch wreath. When I opened the box, I was surprised to see it folded in half.

I noticed a silver clip where the two sides folded.

At this point, I went back to the Amazon listing description, and sure enough, the wreath was folded in half for more convenient storage when not in use.

I clipped the two sides together.

The wreath also had a nice hanger built right into the back. What a nice touch.

I was thrilled when I held up the wreath to see how full it was. At close inspection, it is definitely plastic, but I don’t think anyone would know from a distance. I did a little fluffing so the two sides blended and the clips were invisible.

Making the Bow for the Wreath

In all honesty, I don’t consider myself a great bow maker. I have to improvise. For this bow, I made it in three parts.

I used the two new ribbons, plus the white with red background ribbon I already had. I started with the white and red stars, making two loops on each side.

Next, for the larger white stars with a blue background, I made four loops on each side. For the red and white stripes, I made five loops.

I used some 3/8-inch wide curly blue ribbon, which, fortunately, I already had, to tie each bow together.

I also had some long, skinny grosgrain ribbon in red, white, and blue. Together, they would be the tails for my bow.

I stacked the three bows together. Then I took another piece of the blue curly ribbon and tied it together tightly before tying the completed bow to the top of the wreath.

That completed my 4th of July wreath – almost.

Hanging My Patriotic Wreath on the Front Door

Hanging the wreath on the front door was easy since I attached a Command Clear Plastic Hanger a couple of years ago. It works great on our glass door.

I added three small American flags to the wreath, and it was done.

This is how the wreath looked when I hung it for Memorial Day.

Almost two weeks later, I made a little change: I was running out of small 4 x 6-inch flags, so I ordered more. I like this new flag set because the flag isn’t stapled on and it looks good from both sides. The flag slides off the stick for easy storage.

One more addition: I wanted more tail, so I added more blue curly ribbon and one piece of white curly ribbon (my last piece), which gave the wreath a little pop of white.

This view is from the front of our house. Now the wreath is complete. I like that it’s colorful, patriotic, but simple and not cluttered.

I thought about adding faux red roses, but decided not to overdo it. I really am happy with this wreath. It will stay like this through Labor Day. Then it will be time to change it out for fall. We will enjoy it for a couple of months.

Want a few more patriotic decoration ideas? Here’s some from previous years:

• New 4th of July Decorations and Some Oldie Goldies
• Easy DIY 4th of July Basket Decor Using Recyled Materials
• DIY Patriotic Decorations for a Festive Summer

If you like a simple-to-make, patriotic wreath for your front door or mantel, I hope you will use this one as your inspiration. Save it to your Pinterest boards for reference. Check out these Pinterest Boards for more inspiration: Patriotic DIY Ideas and Patriotic Holiday Ideas. If you want ideas for every holiday, please follow me on Pinterest.

Now, I hope you’ll take a look at what my friends are sharing this month on the Creative Craft Blog Hop. Check out the list below. From here, head over to Sarah of Birdz of a Feather.

Birdz of a Feather – DIY Bag Charm
Modern on Monticello – Simple Two-Ribbon Patriotic Boutique Bow
Purples Hue and Me – Hibiscus Paper Napkin Foam Flowers
How to Crochet Trim to Elevate Plain Hanging Baskets
Bluesky at Home – A Ribbon-Inspired 4th of July Wreath