Wireframe sculptures are a popular DIY Christmas decoration idea for people to put in their outdoor space during the holiday season. These larger wire sculptures are usually displayed outside in the front yard, on the front porch or on the front door and have eye-catching Christmas lights along each wire.
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Kits that have the sculpture already created are available to purchase on Amazon and at local stores. However, it is a fun and rewarding process to create your own sculpture. You can make an economical and personalized wireframe DIY outdoor Christmas decoration by using common household clothes hangers.
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Things You'll Need
Clothes hanger wire
Heavy-duty wire cutters
Heavy floral wire
Solder
Soldering iron
Holiday lights
Garnishments
How to make the frame
1. Bend the wire
Bend heavy-duty clothes hanger wire into the shape of your choice to make the frame for your Christmas light sculpture. Some popular sculptures are Christmas wreaths, snowmen, snowflakes, reindeer, Santa Claus, gift boxes, lollipops and candy canes.
Tip
To help form the shape, use objects found around the house.
For example, to bend the wire in a circle for a wreath, wrap the wire around a coffee can. To make a square shape, use the outside corner of a wall and push the wire over the corner. A star of David can be formed using two pieces of wire shaped into a triangle and then joined together. Christmas trees can be made by spiraling the wire with a large spiral at the bottom and working each spiral smaller until you get to the top.
2. Secure the ends of the wire
Secure the ends of the clothes hanger wire by cutting 3-inch sections of floral wire. Wrap the floral wire around the hanger wire and twist it like a bread bag tie.
3. Solder the joints
Solder the joints and ends of the wire to permanently hold them in position. Follow the directions on the solder packaging.
For example, the Christmas tree can have a straight rod of hanger wire soldered in the center of the inside of the spiral. The end of the rod will be longer than the tree. One end will be left free to stick into the ground. The other end will be soldered to the small spiral at the top.
Warning
Soldering irons get very hot and can cause burns. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions to safely complete your project.
4. Add embellishing wires
Add other parts to the display by tying and soldering pieces together. For example, you may add a small star at the top of a Christmas tree sculpture or a bow to your Christmas wreath sculpture.
How to decorate the frame
1. Secure lights to the frame
Add the holiday lights to the wireframe sculpture. Secure the outdoor Christmas lights to the frame by wrapping crafting wire around the lights and the frame.
Tip
You may use your wire holiday sculptures indoors or outdoors depending on the specifications of the string lights that you decorate them with. Never use indoor lights outside.
2. Decorate the sculpture with greenery and other decor
Add pine garland, pip berries, holly leaves or pine cones by attaching them with the floral wire. You can also add Christmas ornaments to your wireframe Christmas tree or wreath.
3. Position your wire Christmas yard decoration
Set up your wireframe sculpture in your home or yard and balance the wire Christmas decorations on the sculpture. Make sure to choose a location with access to an outlet to power the string lights and use an extension cord if necessary.
Creating your own winter wonderland or other holiday scene is a fun way to celebrate the holiday season. By following this DIY project tutorial, you can create unique wireframe holiday decorations in different sizes and designs that will light up your home and yard.