Shotgun Shell Wreath Project

Eeeeeeeerp.  I interrupt all things sugary and sweet for a crafting treat today!  For you, I have a super easy, and fun, wreath project.  If you know someone who loves to shoot, I can’t think of a present they would love more (well besides a new gun) than this shotgun shell wreath!  Plus, what says “Welcome to my house” more than a shotgun shell wreath hanging on your front door?

I have probably made a good ten or more shotgun wreaths over the past year.  I have given shotgun shell wreaths away as presents to my supervisors at work (I am a cop—so that just makes sense), I donated a wreath to the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Department K9 Association for their silent auction last year, I have made them as presents for family and have even sold a few too!  And did you know the February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness day??  To celebrate, I made this wreath to donate to the upcoming Modesto Police Department K9 Association silent auction to raise money for the K9 association.  We use our police dogs at work ALL the time, so I was happy to do my part to raise some money for their association.

This is such an easy project to make, but you need quite a few spent shotgun shells (shells that have been shot).  My family shoots A LOT.  It’s what we do when we go camping.  So we always save the shotgun shells (plus all my friends shoot, so they see the shells for me too).  The different color shotgun shells are because we shoot different sized shots….bird shot for target practice and slugs for hitting down metal targets.  Slugs are expensive to shoot though and kill your shoulder…so usually it’s birdshot when we go shooting.  If you don’t have access to shotgun shells, I have options for you too!  Just keep reading 😉

Ok!  Lets get our craft on!  For this project you will need a wreath base, shotgun shells, a glue gun and a ton of hot glue sticks.

Start at the top and just feel the shotgun shell into a natural groove of the wreath base.  Add hot glue along the side of the shotgun shell and press into place.  Hold the shell into place until it is firmly secured to the wreath.

Continue gluing the shotgun shells onto the wreath, until the entire wreath is covered in shells.  I used a variety of colored shells for my wreath and stacked shells on top of each other to give the wreath more depth.

I like my shotgun shell wreaths all willy-nilly and crazy 🙂

Let the wreath lay flat overnight, to ensure the shotgun shells set and adhere completely to wreath, before placing your masterpiece on your front door!

See?  It’s pretty!  Even if you aren’t into shooting!  Plus would-be robbers might think twice before kicking in your door?  Maybe!  If you want to make this wreath but don’t have shotgun shells, call your local gun range (an outdoor range where they shoot long guns) and ask them if they will give you some.  Or if you live near me, come on by!  I still have a ton 🙂

This wreath would be a great Father’s Day present (never too early to plan)!  If you love this wreath, but don’t want to make it….you are in luck!  My sister owns a farm and harvests willow tree branches, which make the most gorgeous wreath bases.  With the wreath bases, she decorates the wreaths and sells them on her website!  Including these shotgun shell wreaths!

Are you doing anything to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness day??  Even just giving a stranger a nice compliment can be an easy way to bring kindness to others!  And if you are looking for new ways to raise money for your association or cause, check out Eventbrite.  They have an awesome post about 100 Unique Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work and a post to help with event planning for non-profits and fundraisers.

I know it’s been a few days sine I have shared a recipe, but I assure you it will be worth the wait!  I’ll be back in few days with a new recipe that I am SUPER excited to share with you guys!!  Don’t forget to sign-up for my free email subscription below, before you go!

XOXO,

Kelly

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