This oversized patriotic wreath turns a worn bicycle wheel and a pile of plain wooden clothespins into a front-door decoration with a lot of personality. I love projects like this because they use humble materials, come together without fancy woodworking, and make a big visual impact from the sidewalk.
If you want a Fourth of July porch piece, a Memorial Day accent, or simply a cheerful red-white-and-blue wreath that feels a little more creative than the usual store-bought version, this is a satisfying weekend project. The trick is simple: spray-paint the clothespins in three colors, clip them around a rusty wheel, and let the layers do the work.
Materials
Instructions
1. Remove any tire, tube, and rim strip from the bicycle wheel, then scrub the metal with a wire brush to knock off loose rust, dirt, and flaking debris. Leave the aged finish in place as long as the wheel feels solid and no sharp pieces remain.
2. Lightly sand any rough wooden edges on the clothespins so the paint goes on more evenly, then wipe away the dust. I like to do this quickly in batches rather than fussing over every pin.
3. Divide the 150 clothespins into three equal groups of 50 for red, white, and blue. Set them on the drop cloth with a little space between them so the spray can reach the sides.
4. Spray one group red, one group white, and one group blue using light, even passes from about 8 to 10 inches away. Let the first side dry for 20 to 30 minutes, turn the pins, and spray the other side.
5. Allow the painted clothespins to dry fully for at least 1 hour, or longer if the weather is humid. Check a few springs and edges with your fingers before assembling so you do not leave smudges.
6. Start clipping the clothespins around the outer rim of the wheel, alternating colors in a repeating red-white-blue pattern. Place them tightly side by side so the wreath looks full.
7. Add a second layer of clothespins to the inner rim or onto spokes near the center if your wheel design allows it, staggering the colors between the first layer. This extra ring gives the wreath the giant, dense look that makes the project stand out.
8. Step back and adjust spacing anywhere the colors bunch up too heavily in one area. I usually rotate a few pins at this stage so the pattern feels balanced from across the porch.
9. Twist one or two pieces of floral wire around the top of the wheel to create a secure hanging loop, then test the balance by lifting it. Add another small wire tie if the wreath tilts forward or hangs unevenly.
10. If you want a softer finish, tie a large bow from the wired ribbon and secure it to the top or lower side of the wheel with the remaining floral wire. Keep it off-center if you prefer a slightly more relaxed, handmade look.
11. Hang the wreath on your front door with a wreath hanger and make any last clothespin adjustments once it is upright. Press each clothespin firmly in place so wind and door movement do not shift the design.
Variations & Tips
Add a star center: Wire a small unfinished wooden star or metal star to the hub of the wheel for an extra patriotic focal point.
Use primer for brighter color: If your clothespins are dark or blotchy, a quick coat of spray primer before the color coats will make the red, white, and blue look more even.
Protect it from weather: A clear outdoor sealer helps the paint last longer, especially if your door gets strong afternoon sun or direct rain. I think this is worth the extra step if you want to reuse the wreath every summer.
Change the pattern: Instead of alternating every single pin, try blocks of 3 to 5 clothespins per color for a striped look that reads well from farther away.
Try a different wheel size: A smaller 20-inch wheel works nicely for apartment doors, while a 26-inch wheel makes a dramatic statement on a wide entry.
Secure loose pins: If a few clothespins do not grip firmly on thinner sections of metal, add a small dot of hot glue behind those specific pins after arranging everything.