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Well, I decided it was time I make my own Ryan Gosling meme after thinking twice about a hub cap I saw on the side of the road, ha. I hope you had a great weekend! I don’t know if you are a fan of Game of Thrones, but all I can say about last night’s episode is WOW. In fact, I feel like my heart is still beating fast from it all. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t watched it yet, but I will say that I LOVE that show and really need to start reading the books. I don’t watch too many shows so I’m really sad that there is only one episode left for this season.

It may seem lame but the only shows I do generally watch are The Bachelorette, The Big Bang Theory, and Game of Thrones – and then anything HGTV<– it’s the only channel I know by heart. I like to record shows I think I may watch { I swear I’m going to watch those 50 episodes of Antique Roadshow someday!}, but since I don’t really have time {or would rather be doing something else} Eric ends up deleting them because we run out of space.

Truth is, I know there are TONs of good shows out there but don’t like to start them because I know I will likely get sucked in. Is anyone else that way or am I just weird? I know it’s weird to my fiance who has a Bachelor’s degree in Screenwriting and is obsessed with movies and sci-fi shows.

Upcycle a Ship Helm into a Nautical Wreath

Well enough about TV because I’m so excited to show you my new nautical wreath! After posting so many wreath roundups, I figured it was time I get my own. I decided to upcycle a ship helm {ship wheel} into a nautical wreath because I wanted to do something different. You will probably either love or hate this idea, but I think it’s pretty neat.

Can't figure out what to do with that old ship helm? Check out How to Upcycle a Ship Helm into a Nautical Wreath! upcycledtreasures.com

As you may already know I am obsessed with all things nautical. And rope. Lots of rope. In fact, I often refer to myself as a rope-aholic. Well, this project incorporated my 2 loves and I already had nearly everything I needed. Aside from needing a small round piece of wood I also needed some white chalk. Of course, I had no idea that it would take trips to 3 different stores before I would find white chalk. Seriously.

You would think that with chalkboard projects being so popular, and chalkboard paint being sold everywhere, that white chalk would be available nearly everywhere. Of course, that could also be why it was so difficult to find. JoAnne’s was out but they did have a white chalk marker {which broke when I shook it – awesome} and Walmart only had colored chalk. Luckily Target saved the day with a 32 pack of white and colored chalk for under $1.

So we have had 3 ship helms hung up in our bedroom as wall art, and while laying in bed the other day I came up with the idea to use one as our summer wreath. I bought 2 of them at HomeGoods a while back and one from an awesome antique store here in Georgia, Rust ‘N Dust. I love how authentic and imperfect this one is and that’s why I decided to use it for our nautical wreath.

Here is my display of ship helm wall art – before I transformed one into a summer wreath. Oh yeah, and those are some more tablecloth curtains.

Can't figure out what to do with that old ship helm? Check out How to Upcycle a Ship Helm into a Nautical Wreath! upcycledtreasures.com

I knew I wanted to add sections of rope to the helm to give it more interest, but all I had was sisal rope and jute twine. I didn’t think the texture or color of the sisal rope complimented the ship helm so I ended up twisting 4 pieces of jute twine together instead. I then wrapped 6 sections of the helm and you can see 2 sections completed in the photo below.

Can't figure out what to do with that old ship helm? Check out How to Upcycle a Ship Helm into a Nautical Wreath! upcycledtreasures.com

After all the sections were completed I sprayed a round 5×5 piece of wood I had picked up from JoAnn’s with some chalkboard paint.

Can't figure out what to do with that old ship helm? Check out How to Upcycle a Ship Helm into a Nautical Wreath! upcycledtreasures.com

I don’t have photos of every step, woops, but after the chalkboard paint was dry on both sides I added some twisted jute twine around the edge with my glue gun. Then I added a couple magnets to the back of the round piece of wood – the middle of the ship helm is metal so it didn’t need any magnets. I decided to use magnets rather than just glue it straight on because I wanted the wood piece to be removable.

Besides, this way it’s easier to write whatever you want with chalk OR you can leave it off, turn the ship helm around and hang it up on the wall. I also added the jute twine to the wreath door hook.

Side Note: If you decide to do this I would recommend leaving the part that goes over the door “rope-less”, otherwise it may be a little more difficult to open and close the door.

Here is the my new nautical wreath all finished and hanging on our door. I definitely don’t have the best handwriting, but you get the idea. I just love the way it turned out, although I can’t wait until we have a house with a nice front porch to display it on. What do you think? I feel like this would look great at a coastal cottage or beach house. If you don’t have an extra ship helm laying around, be sure to keep an eye out at stores like Home Goods. I have a feeling we will be seeing more manufactured ship wheels as summer approaches. Antique shops and online stores like Etsy are another great resource for finding vintage ship helms.Can't figure out what to do with that old ship helm? Check out How to Upcycle a Ship Helm into a Nautical Wreath! upcycledtreasures.com

Can't figure out what to do with that old ship helm? Check out How to Upcycle a Ship Helm into a Nautical Wreath! upcycledtreasures.com

81 Comments

    1. Thanks Maya! I felt like it needed a little extra something to make it more “wreath worthy” and think that did the trick. Thank you for stopping by!
      ~Katie

  3. I absolutely love this! Being a Navy wife, I would but this is so perfect for summer! I hope you will also link up to The CSI Project this week. The challenge is “Life at the Beach.” Anything nautical, beach or summer is perfect!
    http://www.thecsiproject.com
    Link up begins Wednesday night.
    Come on over!
    Sandy toes and salty kisses,
    Dee

    1. Hi Dee!
      Thank you so much for stopping by and I would LOVE to join the party on Wednesday. I also like your sign off – it’s funny because I wrote that on my idea board today for signs I want to make. Now I will definitely have to make it!
      ~Katie

  4. This is so neat! I would love to find one and do the same thing. I live close to the coast and this would an added feature to my home. Thanks for the inspiration. Angela at HickoryTrail

  6. Oh my goodness, I just love this! I sail and love, love, love nautical decor though do not us it quite so much. I would love this though. Where in the world did you find these ship helms? I love them! Great idea and what a wonderful summer wreath!

    1. Hi Mary! The one I used as the “Wreath” was actually purchased at an antique shop but the other 2 that I used as wal art were purchased at Home Goods. I have a feeling we will be seeing more of the manufactured ones in retail stores pretty soon, if not already, with summer approaching 🙂 I was really excited to share this so it makes me happy to know that people actually like the idea.
      ~Katie

    1. Thanks Bj! It’s always fun when you have that “Aha” moment and think of something you haven’t seen around before. Of course, once you google it or search it on Pinterest you will often find out that it has been done before. I try to use this as a challenge to think more creatively and hopefully my ideas will get better 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by!
      ~Katie

  8. I love Game of Thrones!!!! After I watched the first season (ahhh Drego) I was so into it that I ordered the book to get ahead on the next season. After 2 chapters, I was lost. LOL. Its a hard book to read. I gave it up and sold it. I don’t miss an episode though! Enough of that., I love your ship helm wreath! That would go great to hang at my beach place when I go. Following you on facebook! Come visit me sometime! http://www.lifeawayfromtheofficechair.blogspot.com

  9. Oh my goodness! First of all! I LOVE nautical wares (if you couldn’t tell by my blog haha). I have no idea where to find a steer like that. But maybe I’ll find one when I’m in Florida! I’ll keep an eye out!

    1. Hi Megan – I absolutely LOVE your blog name! If you don’t find one in Florida and don’t mind using a manufactured ship wheel, you could always hit up Home Goods 🙂
      ~Katie

  12. Very cute! I have one of these that was my dad’s from a WWII Sub. I can’t bear to part with it, yet, I don’t know what to do with it. It’s currently collecting dust in the garage. I am going to try and do something like this! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Awww thanks! I’m definitely going to have to figure something out on the wall… or just get another ship helm, 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by. Happy Wednesday!

  18. I love this new take on a door wreath….so gorgeous! My in-laws are big sailors and would absolutely love this! I am co-hosting a party with 3 other bloggers called The Project Stash and it is starting tonight at 8:00 pm EST. I’d love for you to stop by and link up your project! There is also a Shabby Apple Giveaway!

    Marilyn
    4you-withlove.com

  20. Very cool!

    I would love for you to share and link up at my weekly TGIF Link Party if you haven’t already this week. The party is open every Thursday night and closes Wednesday’s at midnight. http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/. Hope you will join us!
    Have a wonderful week!
    Hugs, Cathy

  29. This is so neat! I love the idea! I am new from southern charm! I would love for you to check out my blog and hopefully follow me back. Nicole

    1. Thank you Sharon! I miss having this baby on our bedroom wall so I may have to hit up some more antique shops and see what I can find. I look forward to your future link parties and discovering new blogs and inspiring projects 🙂
      ~Katie

  31. I love this! You will be one of the features tomorrow at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Pop on in and grab a feature button for your blog. Hope to see your prettiness again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

  32. Katie
    I wanted to let you know that I’m featuring this on VMG206 ~ Brag About It Tuesday’s Linky Party tomorrow! So, stop by and grab a Feature Button. Also, I have pinned your project to my Brag About It Features Pinterest Board. I can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on this week!
    ~ Megin of VMG206
    Join me each Tuesday for Brag About It Link Up Party

  33. I love this. I’ve been looking for one of these for a long time. I love the extra touch you added. I’m a nautical fan and raised by the beach, so this just brings a nostalgic feeling to home. Great Job!

    1. Thanks Christine! I was nervous about adding the rope at first but am so happy with the outcome. It’s crazy that something so small can have such a big impact. Thanks for stopping by!
      ~Katie

  34. Hi, Katie! I absolutely love this! Makes me wish I had a beach house so I could put it on the front door! You’re being featured as one of my top 3 favorites at our Home{work} Wednesday link party. I hope you’ll link up again because I love your work!

  38. Ahoy! Shiver me timbers, I love this project!! What an fabulous take on a summer wreath, I love the freshness and rusticness of it. I am featuring at my party tomorrow, thank you so much for linking up!

    1. Haha, your comment had me cracking up when I read it! So excited to be featured on your blog, yay! Thank you and I can’t wait to check out the other features and linked up projects!
      ~Katie

  39. I absolutely love this! My friend was just saying how she’s been thrifting for a ship wheel because her boyfriend loves all things nautical and they’re getting an apartment together soon. I can’t wait to tell her about this cute DIY!

    I found you via the BlogLovin’ Collective and gave you a follow 🙂

    1. Awesome, I hope she finds one! I especially love that the chalkboard piece is removable so I can put it back on my wall whenever I want. My fiance loves this too which is a plus. Thanks for following me and I’m following you as well on bloglovin’ 🙂

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