Decorative Wooden Hanger DIY

January 06, 2017

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Hangers don't have to be boring and bland!

You can decorate those old wooden hangers with gift wrap paper and watch them become functional and pretty in a few short minutes.

How to make a decorative hanger with wrapping paper

So a few months ago, I picked up a bunch of wooden hangers at the thrift store and whipped up a neat decoration for my front door.

It was lovely and looked great on my front door, but since I only have one front door, I had a lot of leftover hangers.

A lot.

Oh well, I tucked them into the bottom of my craft cabinet and forgot all about them.

Until.

One day, last November, I was on line at the store.

You know, waiting in that maze on the way to the register where they pack all that stuff you don't need, but inevitably walk out with anyway??

Yeah, that maze...and I saw the prettiest wrapping paper.

Right away, I thought, wow, that would make a beautiful hanger.

And so for $2.99, the roll came home with me.

Now. Before I get started with the DIY, let me answer the obvious question...the same question my husband asked me as soon as I told him about my idea.

"Why do you need pretty hangers?"

Of course, the obvious answer is, "Why not? Shouldn't everything be pretty?"

Unfortunately, that doesn't usually get me very far.

So I elaborate with the practical answer, which is, in a small home (originally a tiny summer cottage) like ours, storage doesn't always take place behind closed doors.

Sometimes things need to be kept right out in the open and if that's the case, I would like them to be as attractive as possible.

Unless of course he wants to move to a larger home. Or start renovating and adding more closets.

Suddenly $2.99 sounds like a bargain and he responds with a simple, "Honey, you're pretty."

Which is really just code for I am sorry I even asked and can I go now?

Poor guy. Never had a chance. 😉

At this point I'm already reaching for my supplies, so let's get started, shall we?

How To Decorate Wooden Hangers With Gift Wrap

I used wrapping paper, but you can use napkins, tissue paper, rice paper or even fabric.

Book pages, sheet music, floral prints, old photographs...you get the idea.

Here are my supplies:

I began with a pile of hangers, wrapping paper, scissors, a razor blade and a container of Mod Podge.

What are the best hangers to decorate?

I chose hangers that had flat surfaces so they'd be easy to cover.

Some hangers are arched to keep the shape of a jacket. Those are much more difficult to work with.

And I don't do difficult.

What if I've never used decoupage gel before?

That's ok! It's actually a very simple craft technique. It's a glue like substance that dries clear, so you don't have to worry about painting in the lines.

You apply it with a brush or foam pad, both under and over your paper and smooth out any wrinkles.

Gloves can be helpful for that task.

Here are several other decoupage crafts:
Decoupage Wooden Pig
Decoupage Christmas Plate
Decoupage Vintage Wooden Crates
Glass Cutting Board Makeover With Napkins

Step 1: Add Decoupage

The process is simple, but you need to work slowly or the decoupage gel can get goopy and tear your paper.

I generously applied the gel with a foam stamper.

Step 2: Apply Paper

Then I laid the paper, which I had cut into strips, over it the wet decoupage, pressing down with my fingers, firmly and evenly.

Add decoupage gel and wrapping paper to an old wooden hanger

Step 3: Trim and Seal

Once it was dry, I trimmed the wrapping paper down to the exact size of the hanger with scissors and a razor blade. I used the same process here as I did when I made my magazine book page hanger.

When the wrapping paper was cut perfectly to size, I applied another coat of Mod Podge over the top of it to seal it onto the hanger.

Once everything was well coated I put it aside to dry.

The process can be repeated on the other side. Or not. Up to you.

To add a little flair, I added a twine bow at the base of the wire hook.

That's it.

I ended up with a few lovely decorative wooden hangers that can be useful in the closet or out.

Fabulous.

Forget the doorknob to catch that coat, here's a floral hanger instead.

How about waiting for those towels to dry?

They don't have to look messy slung over a bar or the shower rod. Now they can be part of the decor.

How to make a decorative towel hanger for your bathroom

No place for a hand towel in your tiny space?

Or perhaps you're having guests and want to leave fresh towels out for them, but there's no extra room in your cottage bathroom?

No problem, your pretty new hanger can fix that.

Thank goodness.

I'm frankly amazed that we have gotten along so well, for so long, without them.

Clearly they're a necessity.

Wouldn't you agree?

Decorate A Wooden Hanger With Paper

Author: Kim @ Exquisitely Unremarkable

Here's how to decoupage your wooden hangers and decorate them with gift wrap or napkins. It's an easy DIY craft that turn those old wooden hangers into useful decor.

materials:

Wooden hangers
Wrapping paper or napkins
Mod Podge
Twine for a bow

tools:

Scissors
Razon
Foam or bristle brush

steps:

Apply Mod Podge to the hanger
Lay paper strips on top
Let dry
Trim paper to exact shape of hanger
Apply another coat of Mod Podge over the paper to seal it

NOTES:

I always find it helpful to wear gloves when smoothing the paper, so the decoupage doesn't stick to your hands.

https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2017/01/decorative-hanger-diy.html

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Decorative Wooden Hanger DIY

January 06, 2017