Vibrant Handmade Lighted Peace Sign Wreaths

Decking the halls with decorative wreaths is a beloved holiday tradition that brings cheer and festivity to any home. But this year, go beyond the classic evergreen wreath by crafting a one-of-a-kind, handmade lighted peace sign wreath to really make a statement. Combining a meaningful symbol with bright, dazzling lights, a lighted peace sign wreath allows you to spread a vibrant message of hope and goodwill this holiday season.

From picking the perfect base and lights to decorating ideas and troubleshooting tips, we will explore everything you need to know about crafting and displaying these iconic wreaths in your home.

Choosing Materials for Lighted Peace Sign Wreaths

The first step in any handmade wreath project is gathering high-quality materials. For lighted peace sign wreaths specifically, be sure to find:

Picking Lights: Fairy Lights, LED Lights, Battery-Powered

String lights are available in various sizes, shapes, lengths and colors. Mini fairy lights, LED string lights, and battery-operated lights all work well for wreaths. Opt for warm white or multicolor lights to create a festive ambiance. Use a light timer to easily turn the wreath on and off each day.

Selecting Wreath Base: Grapevine, Metal, Foam

Grapevine wreath forms offer an organic, neutral base for decorating, while metal and foam options provide sturdier shaping options. For outdoor use, grapevine and metal withstand weather better than foam. Shape the base into a ring form that matches your desired wreath size.

Getting Decorative Embellishments: Ribbons, Pinecones

Personalize wreaths with ribbons in holiday motifs, fabric flowers, faux berries and pinecones. Embellishments should coordinate nicely with the main peace sign focal point. Opt for decorations in the same color family for a cohesive look. Wire, hot glue and zip ties securely fasten embellishments.

Crafting Peace Sign Shape: Wood, Metal, Foam

Use materials like plywood, tin, foam board or sturdy cardboard to cut/shape peace sign forms ranging from small to oversized. Paint peace signs in bright, primary colors for high visual impact. Glitter, gemstones and other creative materials can also be incorporated.

Designing DIY Lighted Peace Sign Wreaths

The layout and display planning process allows you to customize wreaths to match your personal style and home decor aesthetic. Follow these tips for stunning presentations:

Planning Wreath Size and Shape

Consider where the finished wreath will hang and the focal point size needed for that space. Door wreaths are generally 20-30 inches round. Mantel or tabletop wreaths can be smaller at 15-25 inches. Oversized peace signs make dramatic statements.

Sketching Peace Sign Wreath Ideas

Draft a few simple wreath sketches indicating wreath shape, peace sign proportions, embellishments and lighting design. This visual guide keeps the building process efficient and organized.

Considering Lighting Effects: Color, Brightness

White lights evoke snowy winter vibes while multicolor options align with holidays like July 4th. Programmable RGB lights allow adjustable color-changing options. Determine needed brightness based on wreath placement and time of use. Outdoor wreaths require ultra-bright bulbs.

Incorporating Additional Decorations

Accent wreaths with holiday floral picks, stars, snowflake cutouts or signage like "Peace on Earth" as desired. Decorate peace signs themselves with glitter, gemstones, paint or other creative treatments for added whimsy.

Choosing Hanging Method: Hanger, Stand

Add a hanging loop to the back for placing on doors and walls using Command hooks. For tabletop use, affix a cider jar ring, candlestick base or plant saucer to the bottom to securely display the wreath.

Constructing a Lighted Peace Sign Wreath

Now comes the fun, crafty part - assembling a gorgeous, glowing peace sign wreath! Arm yourself with wire cutters, hot glue gun, paint brushes and all of your collected materials to get creating. Just follow these construction steps:

Shaping Wreath Base into Circle

If using a grapevine, foam or straw base, bend into a circular ring shape and secure ends together with hot glue or floral wire. Check for gaps and glue securely. For metal bases, simply connect ends of the preformed shape if needed.

Attaching Lights Evenly Around Wreath

Start stringing lights at the bottom of the wreath, affixing lights every few inches using mini zip ties or twisting wire stems around the base securely. Space lights evenly to prevent dark spots, finishing by plugging in ends.

Cutting Out or Molding Peace Sign

Use a template and jigsaw to cut peace signs from wood. For foam, trace the template outline and carefully cut shape with long-bladed knife. Bend and glue tin snips to shape metal forms. Insert a length of wire halfway through the back for hanging.

Painting and Decorating Peace Sign

Paint wood and cardboard signs using acrylic craft paint and allow drying fully. Add accent elements like glitter, faux gems, fabric or raffia for texture. Ensure all materials are firmly glued for durability.

Affixing Peace Sign to Wreath's Front

Determine ideal peace sign placement on the front of the finished, lit wreath. Attach a hook to the wreath edge directly across from the sign location. Use hot glue and strong wire to firmly adhere sign to the wreath by its backwire.

Adding Ribbons, Ornaments and Other Embellishments

Work ribbon through the wreath ends and gather for a bow or flowing streamers. Affix additional floral sprigs, ornaments and decor using hot glue on underside attachment points. Check that all elements are securely fastened.

Displaying Lighted Peace Sign Wreaths

Showcase finished, glowing peace sign wreaths indoors and outside to spread cheer and brighten up neighborhoods. Here's how to effectively display wreaths for various situations:

Hanging Wreaths on Doors, Walls, Fences

Outdoor wreaths withstand weather nicely when hung properly using durable hooks, hangers and ties. Ensure hooks, nails or zip ties enter solid surfaces but do not damage fixtures. Position overhangs to prevent rain pooling.

Sitting Wreaths on Mantels, Shelves, Tables

Indoors, display wreaths using their integrated stands, plates or by resting directly on flat surfaces like mantels and bookshelves. Layer wreaths in front of holiday figurines, candles, flowers and greenery for a decorative showcase.

Placing Wreaths in Windows, Entryways

Hang wreaths in foyers, above doorways and on either side of large window panes. Position them at eye level to maximize the focal point. Angle sign slightly towards viewers for good visibility.

Lighting Up Wreaths at Night for Brightness

Illuminate outdoor wreaths at dusk using smart timers preset to turn on around sunset and off later at night. Indoor wreaths can stay lit during evening hours for warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Blend lighted peace sign wreaths with existing decorative schemes using colors and materials that complement your style. For example, set a red, white and blue peace wreath amongst other patriotic decorations for July 4th or a glittery snowflake wreath display during Christmas.