South Carolina Gamecocks Rag Wreath

This was a fun wreath to make!!!

It started with this

1.5 yards of Gamecocks Fabric

1.5 yards of black broadcloth

1.5 yards of garnet Organza 

I had white tulle, black tulle, and a red tulle I didn't end up using, but it's in the photo.

Cut your fabric in to 9"x1" strips.

(I cut all this tulle before I decided not to use it!) 

Set up an assembly line rotating your fabric strips.

Starting at the inner most circle of your wire wreath form begin tying your strips on.

I didn't take a photo for this process with this wreath, but below is a photo from my 4th of July rag Wreath.

The fabric was enough for 3 rings

If I do another on I think I will double the Gamecock Print and make every other strip the Gamecock Print.

After I finished all the ties I got to work on the USC letters.

The letters were a bit tricky because they are heavy and I didn't want them to squish the fabric. I came up with something, but PLEASE if you figure out a better way let me know!!!!

Let me back up a couple of steps.

First I added the polka dots. I found the perfect sample for .50 cent at Lowe's! 

(please ignore the background mess!)

It truly is a perfect Gamecock Garnet, although it does show up bright in this photo!

I painted the outsides white

Now, moving forward...

I added 2 hooks to the backs of the letters U and C, one on top and the other on bottom

Again, with the no photos. I took a piece of heavy gauge wire (I have no idea what gauge, I just know I had to use the needle nose pliers to get it to bend!) I threaded it through and hot glued it into place. 

Once this was done, I turned the letters over and used the staple gun to secure the letters together and added a drop of hot glue for good measure.  

*Note: make sure your wire is all cut the same length and better to be to long than to short!

I started the "C" and centered it to the bottom of the wreath and the others just lined right up. *This is why I glued and stapled the letters together.

This part is a little tricky and why I asked if you have a better idea to let me know!

With the letter face down take the wreath and place it on top of the letters. Remember I said I didn't want the letters to squish the fabric...  Lift up on the wreath enough that the letters slightly touch the fabric. Then take  your needle nose pliers and bend the metal over the wire form. (kind of like fishing hook or "J")

You will do this to a both the U and C. 

Now a Check:  Flip the wreath over and your letters should be right where you want them. If not you can adjust them here.  

Again, flip the wreath over and now secure the letters in place, using the needle nose pliers wind the hook around the wire form 3 times. This REALLY secures your letters in place and you can add a drop of hot glue for good measure.

It needed something else, but I didn't want a bow. How about some garnet feathers!!! SAY WHAT!

I found these Gems a year ago at Hobby Lobby for 90% off!!!!!!! 

Get a black pipe cleaner

I took 4 bunches of feathers, 2 to the left and 2 to the right and bound them with a pipe cleaner (these are not the ones I used, but for visual purposes here you go)

I then attached them with a pipe cleaner.

And Voila!!!

High 5 Gamecock Nation!!!!