Strike gold this holiday season with a simple and elegant DIY Christmas wreath that brings modern glamour to your front door for less than $20

There’s something magical about the warm glow of gold during the holiday season. While traditional evergreen wreaths have their charm, sometimes your home calls for something a little more contemporary and unexpected. This stunning gold thumbtack wreath delivers sophisticated elegance without the hefty price tag of store-bought designer decorations.

The best part? You probably already have most of the skills needed to create this showstopper. If you can watch a movie and stick thumbtacks into foam, you’re well on your way to crafting a wreath that will have neighbours stopping to ask where you bought it.

Why Choose a Gold Thumbtack Wreath?

Modern Aesthetic Appeal

Traditional wreaths are beautiful, but they don’t suit every home’s style. If your décor leans contemporary, minimalist, or glamorous, this gold wreath bridges the gap between festive and sophisticated. The metallic finish catches light beautifully, creating visual interest that changes throughout the day.

Budget-Friendly Elegance

Designer holiday wreaths can easily cost $75-150 or more. This DIY version delivers high-end looks for under $20, making it perfect for budget-conscious families who still want their homes to feel special during the holidays.

Long-Lasting Investment

Unlike fresh greenery that dries out and drops needles, your thumbtack wreath will look gorgeous year after year. Store it carefully, and you’ll have a go-to holiday decoration for seasons to come.

Customizable Design

Once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with different colours, sizes, and patterns. Silver thumbtacks for a winter wonderland theme, copper for autumn warmth, or even multicoloured arrangements for a playful twist.

Materials You’ll Need

Essential Supplies

  • Gold thumbtacks: Approximately 1,600 pieces for a 12-inch wreath (more on sourcing these below)
  • Foam wreath form: 12-inch diameter works best for standard doors
  • Ribbon: 2-3 inches wide, in a complementary colour
  • Scissors: For cutting ribbon to desired length

Optional Enhancements

  • Craft glue: For extra security if thumbtacks feel loose
  • Spray sealant: To protect the finish and prevent tarnishing
  • Small pliers: To help press thumbtacks firmly into foam
  • Measuring tape: For ensuring even spacing (though slight irregularity adds character)

Where to Source Gold Thumbtacks

Finding 1,600 thumbtacks at a reasonable price requires some strategy:

Dollar stores: Often your best bet for bulk quantities. Call ahead to check stock, as you may need to visit multiple locations.

Online retailers: Amazon, eBay, and other e-commerce sites offer bulk packages. Compare per-unit pricing carefully.

Office supply stores: During back-to-school sales, you can often find good deals on thumbtacks.

Craft stores: Use coupons and watch for sales. Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and similar stores frequently offer 40-50% off single items.

Wholesale clubs: Costco and similar stores sometimes carry office supplies in bulk.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Phase 1: Preparation (10 minutes)

  1. Set up your workspace: Choose a comfortable spot where you’ll be sitting for 2-3 hours. Good lighting is essential. Have a small bowl nearby for organizing thumbtacks.

  2. Plan your pattern: While you can work intuitively, it helps to visualize the finished product. Thumbtacks will be arranged in overlapping concentric circles, starting from either the inside or outside edge.

  3. Test your thumbtacks: Press a few into different areas of the foam to ensure they go in smoothly and hold securely. If the foam is very dense, you might need to use gentle pressure or small pliers.

Phase 2: Creating the Base Layer (45-60 minutes)

  1. Start with your first ring: Whether you begin on the inner or outer edge is personal preference. Many crafters find starting on the outside edge easier for maintaining consistent spacing.

  2. Establish your rhythm: Place thumbtacks approximately 1/4 inch apart around the circumference. Don’t worry about perfect measurement—slight variations add visual texture.

  3. Press firmly and consistently: Each thumbtack should be pushed in until only the head is visible. Consistent depth creates a uniform, professional appearance.

  4. Complete the first circle: Once you’ve gone all the way around, step back and assess. This first ring establishes the foundation for everything that follows.

Phase 3: Building Layers (90-120 minutes)

  1. Create overlapping rows: Your second ring should slightly overlap the first, with thumbtacks nestled between those in the previous row rather than lined up directly behind them.

  2. Maintain consistent overlap: Each new ring should cover roughly one-third of the previous ring’s thumbtacks. This creates depth and richness while ensuring no foam shows through.

  3. Work steadily toward the center: Continue adding rings, checking periodically to ensure you’re maintaining good coverage and consistent overlap.

  4. Handle the final ring: The innermost ring often requires the most precision, as there’s less room for adjustment. Take your time with these final thumbtacks.

Phase 4: Finishing Touches (15 minutes)

  1. Inspect for gaps: Walk around your wreath, looking for any spots where foam might be visible. Add individual thumbtacks as needed to fill gaps.

  2. Check for loose tacks: Gently shake the wreath to identify any thumbtacks that need to be pushed in further or secured with a tiny dab of craft glue.

  3. Add your hanging ribbon: Cut ribbon to desired length (usually 12-18 inches for standard door hanging). Tie securely around the top of the wreath form, hiding the knot behind the thumbtacks.

Pro Tips for Success

Working Efficiently

  • Watch holiday movies: This project is perfect for multitasking. Queue up your favourite Christmas films and the time will fly by.
  • Work in sections: If your hands get tired, work on one quarter of the wreath at a time with breaks in between.
  • Keep thumbtacks organized: Pour them into a shallow dish rather than working straight from packages.

Achieving Professional Results

  • Maintain consistent pressure: Each thumbtack should be pressed in to the same depth for a uniform appearance.
  • Check your work frequently: Step back every few rows to ensure you’re maintaining good coverage and consistent overlap.
  • Don’t stress about perfection: Slight irregularities add character and make it clear this is a handmade piece.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Thumbtacks falling out: The foam might be too soft or old. Try a different brand of wreath form, or secure loose tacks with tiny dots of craft glue.
  • Gaps showing foam: Add individual thumbtacks to fill spaces, or adjust the angle of surrounding tacks to provide better coverage.
  • Running short on thumbtacks: It’s better to have too many than too few. Keep extra thumbtacks on hand for touch-ups and gap-filling.

Creative Variations to Try

Colour Schemes

  • Silver and gold: Alternate between gold and silver thumbtacks for a mixed-metal look
  • Ombré effect: Gradually transition from gold to copper to bronze
  • Seasonal colours: Red and gold for Christmas, silver and blue for winter, pastels for spring

Pattern Variations

  • Spiral design: Instead of concentric circles, create a spiral pattern working from outside to center
  • Sectioned wreath: Divide the wreath into quarters and create different patterns in each section
  • Gradient density: Use thumbtacks more densely in some areas and more sparsely in others for visual interest

Size Options

  • Mini wreaths: Create 6-8 inch versions for interior doors or as gift toppers
  • Oversized statement piece: Go big with an 18-inch wreath for maximum impact
  • Wreath collection: Make multiple sizes in different metallic finishes for a coordinated display

Displaying Your Wreath

Indoor Placement Options

  • Front door: The classic choice that welcomes guests with style
  • Interior doors: Bedroom, bathroom, or office doors for unexpected elegance
  • Wall art: Hang on a prominent wall as seasonal artwork
  • Mantel decoration: Lean against the wall above your fireplace
  • Window display: Hang in a large window for curb appeal

Outdoor Considerations

  • Weather protection: While thumbtacks are generally weather-resistant, consider bringing the wreath in during severe storms
  • UV protection: Direct sunlight may cause some fading over time
  • Seasonal rotation: Move between indoor and outdoor locations as weather permits

Storage and Maintenance

End-of-Season Care

Store your wreath carefully to ensure it looks beautiful for years to come:

  1. Gentle cleaning: Use a soft brush to remove any dust or debris
  2. Secure packaging: Wrap in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent thumbtacks from shifting
  3. Flat storage: Store flat in a box or wreath storage container to maintain shape
  4. Climate control: Avoid extreme temperatures or humidity that could affect the foam form

Annual Touch-Ups

  • Inspect for loose tacks: Check and secure any thumbtacks that may have worked loose
  • Replace damaged pieces: Swap out any bent or discoloured thumbtacks
  • Refresh the ribbon: Consider new ribbon each year for a fresh look

Budget Breakdown

Creating this wreath is remarkably affordable:

  • Foam wreath form: $3-5
  • Gold thumbtacks (1,600 count): $12-15
  • Ribbon: $2-4
  • Optional supplies: $3-5

Total cost: Under $20 for a wreath that looks like it cost $75 or more!

Safety Considerations

While Crafting

  • Finger protection: Take breaks if your fingertips become sore from pressing thumbtacks
  • Eye safety: Work in good lighting to avoid eye strain
  • Child safety: Keep thumbtacks away from young children and pets

During Display

  • Secure hanging: Ensure your door hanger or wall mount can support the wreath’s weight
  • Sharp edges: Be mindful that thumbtacks have pointed ends when handling
  • Pet safety: Hang high enough that curious cats or dogs can’t reach and potentially ingest thumbtacks

Making It a Family Activity

While the repetitive nature of this project might seem tedious, it can actually be a wonderful family bonding experience:

Age-Appropriate Involvement

  • Adults and teens: Handle the actual thumbtack placement
  • Younger children: Help sort thumbtacks by colour, choose ribbon, or provide design input
  • Everyone: Movie selection, snack preparation, and quality control inspection

Creating Memories

This project offers a perfect opportunity to start new family traditions. Document the process with photos, let each family member sign the back of the wreath form, or create a annual wreath-making party with extended family or friends.

Conclusion

Creating a gorgeous gold holiday wreath using thumbtacks proves that stunning holiday décor doesn’t require a massive budget or advanced crafting skills. With patience, creativity, and about $20 worth of materials, you can craft a sophisticated decoration that rivals expensive store-bought alternatives.

The beauty of this project lies not just in the finished product, but in the meditative process of creation. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching your wreath take shape, row by row, thumbtack by thumbtack. And when you hang your completed wreath and receive those first compliments from neighbours and guests, you’ll feel the pride that comes from creating something beautiful with your own hands.

Whether this becomes an annual tradition, a one-time creative challenge, or the inspiration for a whole series of metallic holiday decorations, your gold thumbtack wreath will serve as a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most impressive results come from the simplest ideas. This holiday season, strike gold with a wreath that’s as unique and special as your family.