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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.

Crafting with wooden hangers

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:

How to decoupage a hanger craft

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.

Decorating A Hanger With Wrapping Paper

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.

Making decorative hangers

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. 

How to decorate a wooden hanger

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?

How to make pretty hangers

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:

  1. Apply Mod Podge to the hanger
  2. Lay paper strips on top 
  3. Let dry
  4. Trim paper to exact shape of hanger
  5. 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.
decorative hanger DIY, how to decoupage, wooden hanger upcycle
Created using Craft Card Maker


Happy Crafting Friends!
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 44 Comments

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  1. Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Sarah and Happy New Year to you, too!! :)

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  2. Very clever and so pretty. I don't know that I have ever seen wrapping paper with world maps on it. I like it. I think that holding extra towels is genius.

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    1. Thanks so much, Lorri!! The paper totally caught my eye. I wanted to grab it, but I knew it deserved more than being tossed after a gift was opened. I think it really suits the project! :)

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  3. I love this...quick and easy, looks wonderful, and is functional! Perfect! Thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for coming over to take a peek, Linda!

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  4. I did one of those hangers & sold it in my Etsy shop! And I think it was even curved...LOL, but it was very time-consuming....the first one and all. I only did one, but they are very pretty. It's a great thing to do with the excess coat hangers!

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    Replies
    1. Curved!! Well, I bow down to you, Florence!! That is not an easy craft to do. I bet it was gorgeous!

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  5. Clearly!! They are so pretty with that gorgeous paper. Great and easy DIY.

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    Replies
    1. That paper is very pretty in real life, AnnMarie. I just had to have it! And thanks!! :)

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  6. Replies
    1. Why thank you, for the love of Andy. It was nice of you to comment!! xxoo

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  7. Unique and beautiful. Great idea. This would be a great favor for a wedding or baby shower too. Hmmmm.... I will have to remember this.
    xoxo
    Kris

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    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness, can you see a few precious onesies hanging in a nursery?? Oh the cuteness!! Decorative and useful! I love it!! :) Thanks for the brainstorm.

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  8. Nice job! The paper adds a special touch.

    Judith

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Judith! The paper is very pretty, it really was hard to resist!

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  9. GENIUS!!! That is what you are. :-) I love it.
    Pinning!!
    Carla

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    Replies
    1. SO sweet!!! Thank you, Carla. I'm glad you like this one! :)

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  10. Aren't you the clever one!! What a great idea and they are so pretty! Honey you are pretty too ha ha ! :)

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  11. I am always amazed with people that can transform things! The ideas are wonderful!! Happy 2017!!!!

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  12. Hi Kim, Love your hanger ideas. So cute and the skies the limit to the coverings and what you hang on them. Thanks for sharing. xo

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  13. Great idea! Love the wrapping paper too. There are so many cute designs now days. Happy New Year!

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  14. What a lovely idea Kim. These would be so much prettier then the plastic hangers. Keep warm

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  15. This is a fantastic idea, Kim! Love it and your directions are so perfect. I made a cute little hanger for the powder room at the lake to hold hand towels much like yours. Then I had a most clever idea for people who forget to bring a bath towel in with them when they shower upstairs (the linen closet is outside the bath). I put a towel on the hanger and hang that on a hook on the back of the door. A little tag says, "In case you forgot..."

    Keep sharing your ideas!!! :-D

    Jane x

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  16. I like this. . .a lot! And it's decoupage, one of my favorite things to do. Pinning this one for later. Thanks, Kim! Hugs.

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  17. How cute! I've always liked dolled up hangers.

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  18. Seriously, I don't even understand how your mind looks at wrapping paper and thinks "hangers" - amazing!!!!

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  19. Very creative Kim! I can imagine lots of closets getting some "pretty" now that you have shared this awesome idea :)

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad you like it Karen. It really did make a difference! :)

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  20. Love, love this idea, Kim. So creative!

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  21. Cute idea! Love the paper you chose also! Have a great week and whishing you a great 2017!

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  22. I absolutely believe in pretty hangers. Hidden beauties are the best.
    Amalia
    xo

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  23. From plain to whimsy! Thanks for sharing. I'm going to try a few myself for towel holders.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Nancy!! Good luck and please if you do make them, let me know or post them on the Exquisitely Unremarkable Facebook page!! I'd love to peek!

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  24. What a cute and creative idea! Love how it's used as a towel rack!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Linda!! I like the towel rack, too.

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  25. Oh Kim, I think we could be soul sisters 😉 I too think everything should be pretty 😊 I was rolling on the floor reading about your "discussion" with your husband......BTW.....you're hysterical 🤣 I had to read this to my hubby because I knew he could relate.....now my husband wants to start a support group with your husband. 😆 I actually have this wrapping paper and thank you for showing me a pretty way to use it.

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    1. Oh my gosh! YOU'RE hysterical!! ❤️ I love this comment and I just read it to my husband who said he's in! 😉 Oh, to be a fly on the wall at those meetings! And that's so funny that you have the same wrapping paper...we are definitely two of a kind!! Thanks so much for leaving a comment. You truly just made my day!

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