Many Brits are decorating their homes early for Christmas this year in order to spread extra joy in a tough year.
But, the coronavirus crisis and it’s financial impact on households means we don’t all have the cash to splash on decor.
Luckily, there are tonnes of decorations you can create a DIY version yourself at home for a fraction of the cost.
And, that’s just what Louise Foster, 38, did when she spotted a stunning bauble wreath on Etsy.
The enormous wreaths can fetch up to £200 each on the craft website.
Have you made any of your own Christmas decs? Let us know in the comments…
Meanwhile, Louise managed to build her own using bargain buys from B&M, Screwfix and ASDA.
The mum-of-four told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk : “My Christmas decorations are going up early this year to make people smile as they walk past.
“My new house has two Juliet balconies, and I wanted something special to hang outside as a Christmas decoration.”
After spotting the bauble wreath online the mum decided to give it a go.
Louise created her wreath to be two metres in circumference and 64cm in diameter.
She explained: “For the frame, I settled on using pipe insulation, as it was the cheapest option.
“I used two lots, each measuring one metre long, which cost less than £2.50 in total from Screwfix.
“I stuck them together and then taped them all the way around with heavy-duty tape to protect the insulation from the hot glue I’d be using to stick the baubles on, and also to give it some extra strength.”
Then she picked up 200 baubles in three different sizes for £40 at B&M.
Louise continued: “Start by placing the largest baubles around the inner and outer edge.
“Use hot glue to stick each side of the bauble that touches the frame.
“Also put a bit of glue at the points where the baubles meet the other baubles. Keep them as close to each other as possible, and don’t worry about any gaps at this stage.”
Then, Louise used the medium baubles to cover the gaps between the large baubles.
The mum said: “Make sure these are also secured to, or sit very close to, the frame.
“Glue them into place and, once again, don’t worry too much about any gaps.
“You should now have four rows of baubles.”
For the fifth row fill in the gaps with the smallest baubles – be creative and have an eye for how they look.
Louise continued: “Pick out any other decorations you would like to add, such as a bow or bells, and glue them into place.
“I made a bow for the top out of ribbon, which I simply folded and glued into place.
“I also used a shop-bought bell decoration for the bottom costing £4 from B&M.”
Finally, the creative mum wrapped beads and fairy lights around the wreath.
Louise said: “All that’s left to do is to hang it, and have yourself a very Merry Christmas!”
We love it!
The wreath looks stunning and far more expensive than the £50 Louise spent.