Christmas Wreath made from milkweed pods.

[Jenxx]

I've used dried milkweed pods to make a Christmas Wreath.  I decided to use cardboard as a base because it's fairly easy to find a cardboard box to cut up. I used a 15" pizza pan & an 8-1/2" pan lid to make 2 cardboard rings.  Since I was using corrugated cardboard, I made 2 layers & was careful to turn the pieces so the "grain" runs at 90 degree angles for strength.  I taped them together in several places.  I then hot glued the pods on in 3 rows, beginning with the outer edge.  I was tempted to leave it the natural color (which would be great for a fall wreath) but wanted to experiment so I spray painted the entire wreath green. (White or gold would have been good too.) To bring out the edges fo the pods, I sponged on gold leaf paint before adding a large flower & bow.

[Sparkly Sharp Fabulous]

I love this! What a great idea!! I think it would have been beautiful natural or spray painted! The gold sponging adds some nice color! Yeah, this is going on my pinterest to do list

[SonjaBoo]

That is just stunning! I love wreaths made out of non-traditional things -- did you collect your milkweed pods or do they have them at craft stores?

[SoCraftyTal]

This is so neat! 

[Jenxx]

Thanks so much for all of the lovely comments.  It was an enjoyable project---not difficult & not too time consuming.  I live in Illinois in the summertime where milkweed is common so I just picked them from the side of the country road near my home.  Are they indigenous to your area?   I've thought of several different colors & trims I'd like to use on others.  I'm also thinking the pods greatly resemble poinsettia petals.  Once I figure out what to use for a center, I should be able to make some great poinsettias too.