DIY Valentine’s Day Recycled Bag Wreath

I’m not big on New Year’s Resolutions, but I did decide on two self-improvement themes for the year: be better about money and be nicer to the environment. I’m not saying I’m going to make super drastic changes – overpriced coffee and lengthy showers are two splurges I’d struggle to ditch – but there are easy fixes I should have been doing for years. Follow a basic budget. Turn things off when they aren’t in use. Search for coupons. Recycle properly, including the items not accepted in our blue bins like plastic bags and electronics.

I know better. I’m aware of what overspending can do to your life and what careless garbage can do to our world. There aren’t any valid excuses. So when I was trying to think of a new project to do after work this week, I kept both of these themes in mind.

Looking for a fun, kid-friendly activity on a budget? Let me introduce my DIY Recycled Plastic Bag Rag Wreath for Valentine’s Day! I dare you to say that five times fast.

My house is full of empty Target bags. I line our small trashcans with them. I bring my lunch to work in them. I keep extras in my car and desk for miscellaneous issues like wet umbrellas. But still, I always have a huge stockpile of bags waiting to be used – and I’m guessing you do too. So instead of adding to the ever-growing pile of grocery sacks, I brought my empty Target bags to the craft table and created a themed wreath for Valentine’s Day, all for less than $5.

You’ll need…

  • 10 – 12 plastic shopping bags in your desired color(s)
    • Use only the white strips from a bag to make a snowy winter wreath, or blue bags for a spring wreath! I used red and white bags from Target for my Valentine’s Day wreath.
  • 12” wreath frame
    • I found mine for $2.99 at Joann Fabric and I used my 50% off one item mobile coupon to get it for $1.50.
  • Ribbon
    • This red ribbon is actually from Christmas and was closed out at Big Lots for 90% off. I got it for $0.30.
  • Stick-on embellishments
    • I cut out these foam hearts with my Cricut, but anything could work and I’m sure you could find great options in the dollar area of Michaels or Target.

Total cost: Less than $5
Total time: About two hours
Difficulty level: So easy

Flatten your grocery bags and cut off the handles and bottom seam. Cut your bags, going from what was the bottom to what was the top, into 2-inch strips. If your strips are crooked, jagged, or uneven, don’t worry – it’s really hard to notice since there are so many strips used. Tie the strips around your wreath frame, leaving the knots running along the outside. I recommend double-knotting, as they slip open easier than fabric in a traditional rag wreath. Fill the entire frame with knotted pieces of bag, then fluff the ends and trim with scissors to create a balanced and even edge. Attach any embellishments and hang with a ribbon.

Extra perk: since these are plastic, I’m not afraid to hang it on my front door. It can handle a little rain!

Looking for more Valentine’s Day crafts? Check out my DIY Valentine’s Day tree, and stay tuned for more Valentine’s Day projects and outfits on the blog soon! My four new favorite Valentine’s Day cocktails will be live in a few days. XOXO!

4 Comments

  1. Pat
    February 3, 2017 / 12:14 pm

    So clever!! Thanks for the idea!

    • February 5, 2017 / 3:07 pm

      Thank you! I can’t wait to make another for a different holiday. Happy Valentine’s Day!

  2. March 4, 2017 / 5:14 pm

    Great idea. My birthday is Valentine’s Day, I will make one. Never thought re using plastic bags, but now have a goid use 4 them other than garbage bags. Thanks 4 idea. Very much appreciated. Keep on with the good ideas. Diana Valle.

    • March 5, 2017 / 8:24 pm

      That’s awesome! I’m really glad you like it. Happy belated birthday, Diana! 🙂

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