It’s hard to believe, but it was way back in March of this year when I spotted a vintage snow shoe on the wall of a local shop. Even though I was in full Spring mode at the time, I snapped it up with an idea for a rustic Christmas wreath in my mind.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It had great rustic style, with its wooden frame and leather straps. It dated back to World War II.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And yes, I *have* already made a rustic Christmas wreath for my blog before!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
But a snow shoe version would be very different! And besides, since there was just one for sale, a project like a Christmas wreath seemed kind of perfect.
All I needed to do was embellish it a bit with ribbon and vintage Christmas cards!
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Decorating a Vintage Snow Shoe for Christmas
First things first, I should make a caveat here. I plan on giving this vintage snow shoe to my in-laws for their mountain cabin. So, anything I do must be temporary so that it can all be undone after the holidays.
With that in mind, I gathered up some materials to bring my idea to life.
I nabbed three rolls of wired Christmas ribbon that had a rustic Christmas look to them.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I ended up choosing the plaid ribbon for my wreath bow. But, before I sealed up the center part, I stuck a twist tie (am I the only one that saves those?) under the flaps and then hot-glued the ribbon together.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
That way, I could stick the twist tie ends through the leather straps of the vintage snow shoe to temporarily keep the ribbon in place.
And it worked perfectly! Although a longer twist tie would have made things even easier.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A Rustic Christmas Wreath with Vintage Christmas Cards
From the front of the vintage snow shoe, no one would ever know there was a twist tie holding the bow in place!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Next, I wanted to decorate the body of the vintage snow shoe. To do this, I gathered up some vintage Christmas cards from my stash.
Vintage Christmas postcards would also work, and modern cards, too. Really, any holiday paper ephemera would do…AND some miniature wooden clothespins.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Then, I simply clipped the vintage Christmas cards to the leather straps of the vintage snow shoe.
I adjusted them as necessary to showcase the gorgeous old graphics.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Again, nothing permanent! I can reuse the vintage Christmas cards and mini clothespins after the holidays. And the old snow shoe is left unaltered for my in-laws’ cabin!
Vintage Snow Shoe as a Rustic Christmas Wreath
Now, my rustic Christmas wreath from a wooden snow shoe was ready to hang on the door. All I needed to do was add a loop of twine to the top to hang it.
But, it was still missing something, don’t you think? It looked incomplete to me.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Greenery! It was missing greenery…just a touch. I used natural pieces from the yard (which I can replace every few days).
But if I had had faux greens that would have worked, that would have been perfection.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Doesn’t it look lovely? I’m so glad it worked out. I no longer have my patchwork flannel wreath from last year, so this is a festive and unique replacement “wreath”.
And see, as promised, here it is hanging on the wall in my in-laws’ mountain cabin. (Photo is from the old rental page)
Image credit: Escape to Blue Ridge.
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for rustic Christmas decor, then you may also enjoy this faux version of a Skotch Kooler for some plaid Christmas decor!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And for even more rustic Christmas ideas, don’t forget that my book, “Crafting with Flannel”, has an entire chapter dedicated to holiday projects! It’s available for purchase online at Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
I love the winter cabin look of this wreath! Such a clever way to display cards and reuse later.
Thanks, Karen!!
Great idea to use the calendar to remind you where things are!!!! P.S. Love the snowshoe wreath.
It has SAVED me over and over again!! No double-buying gifts anymore. 😉 and thank you!!
What a smart idea for gift reminders. I can’t count the number of times I have found gifts tucked in obscure places around the house months after the holidays. Keep’n this idea in the old noggin, thanks! Great idea for hanging cards and I’m sure your in-laws will love their new snowshoe.
That’s what prompted me to do it!!! I found several gifts the last time we moved and I was so peeved at myself for forgetting. So my Google calendar is littered with things in November like, “Jon’s stocking gift in top middle drawer of dresser”, LOL. Works like a charm!
ahhh sarah I love this, snowshoes and ice skates have been on my want really bad list forever, but alas the few I have seen have been way out of my budget, sigh maybe someday xx merry Christmas
They really are a hot commodity…and the sellers know it. 🙁 Thankfully, the snow shoe wasn’t too crazy-priced because it was just the one. Had it been a pair, though…pretty sure this project never would have happened!!!
Love it! When I travel the thrift stores I try to find snow shoes , skis and skates but never any luck in these parts. Lisa@ Sweet Tea N’ Salty Air
Thanks, Lisa!
I’m not sure I can find a snow shoe here in southern Arizona but super creative idea…as always! Love those vintage Christmas cards. Visiting from Remodelaholic.
Thank you so much! Yes….I can see that being a hard find in AZ. But you never know, right?? 🙂
Very nice idea and I like the fact it is a temporary decoration so it can be restyled all year long.
Thanks so much, Debra!
What a clever repurpose, I hope you have a porch though or your cards are going to get wet! (I’m in the UK, we think about rain a lot!)
The calendar prompt idea is genius, I always get thing in early and often temporarily misplace them !
We have a storm door (clear glass) in front of our front door which protects the cards!! 🙂
Yet another inspiring idea Sarah! Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party! Would love to have you comment at the party!
Thanks, Helen!
Cute idea! I love the added idea of using a programmable reminder when buying gifts early…. I shop year round and often forget what I’ve bought or where I’ve put it.
It has saved me SO many times!!!
What a unique find that snow shoe was, and an even more unique and cute way to use it as a wreath – pinned it!
Thank you, friend!! XOXO
Lovely door décor! I love things that are different & this certainly fills the bill. The greenery is a perfect touch. I’ve never seen mini clothes pins. Is that something new or another vintage find? And no, you aren’t the only one that saves twist ties. I love to find the long ones which usually come in electronics boxes, but you can make longer ones just by twisting more than one together.
The mini clothespins are a new item- you can find them online (I provided a link) or near the scrapbooking supplies at a crafts store. 🙂 Thanks so much!!!
This is so adorable. I want a snowshoe now. LOL, Thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party.
Hahaha!! Thanks so much!
What a fun repurposed project. It’s such a creative idea, Sarah. Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle. Pinning to my Christmas Board.
Thank you, Beverly!!
What a lovely idea. That snowshoe is gorgeous. Those cards a nice touch. Thanks for sharing.
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn!
This is adorable! Such a great idea and I am going to copy it. Thanks.
I really love what you have done with this snow shoe, Christmas cards and the pine branches along with the special bow! It really does make a lovely decoration! Thank you for sharing such a brilliant and beautiful idea! Have a fantastic creative day!
Thank you so very much, Brenda!
What a great idea! I would have a difficult time disassembling it to give it away – I think I’d want to keep it! Oh yes, it’s better to give than to receive! 🙂 Blessings, Janet
Haha!! I know, it’ll be hard to give up…but my garage hoarding stash will thank me. 😉
What a beautiful wreath! I love the Vintage look; it’s so charming 🙂
Thanks, Lisa!!
Fun repurpose of a snow shoe for Christmas. You are full of surprises. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm.
Thank you, Sharon!
Sarah, this is such a neat idea!! What a beautiful Christmas card display!
Thanks, Keri!!!
Oh I love this!! 🙂
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Super original idea to hang on your door. Would have never thought of it. Would love if you can check out and link up to http://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2016/12/11/favourite-diy-christmas-decorations/