Here is a Fall Wreath that just about anyone can manage and is very seasonal, but not holidayish (new word). For those of you who stage with seasonal decor or for those who offer seasonal decorating, as I do, this is an inexpensive big impact piece.
- The basic wreath I got at Wal Mart for $20.00.
- Then I added some of my own fall leaves that I had soaked in a solution of warm water and glycerin. I did a 2 water:1glycerin ratio . I soaked them for many days, until the leaves were glossy from the inside out. These will keep for years and remain fairly flexible. That makes them easier to use and to store. I turned them several times a day and then finally spaced them out on several layers of newsprint to dry. I did hundreds, but only used 15 for this project.
- The wreath comes already on a wrapped grapevine base with silk leaves and berry clusters.
- It could stand alone or you could add in extra real leaves, as I did.
- Small faux pumpkins could be wired in also, as I am doing with one for my own home.
- The tassel is from my inventory. You need to hang a substantial one in order to balance the arrangement. Mine is a curtain tie back, that I got on clearance because there was only one.
- This would need to be hung indoors or in a sheltered doorway.
- I hung mine with a 3-M Command Utensil I/2 lb. hook, that will peel off when I am done.
I will later pull together a blog or video on how to make tassels - that should be fun!
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Hi Kathleen - I've never done the thing with the glycerin, although I believe I have some from years back when I thought I'd like to try soap making. After one batch of that I changed my mind! The soap was lovely, but the process just not me!
The leaves look great. I've found vine wreath forms at junk stores that work great for decorating.
Kathleen - I'm going to have to try that glycerin and leaf tip. I'm thinking the leaves would look stunning under clear glass plates and placed along a neutral runner on a dining table.
Jackie
I just put a fall-ish wreath out today even though it is still quite warm. So glad wreaths are really coming back. I've always loved them.
There's a place where I take my dog that has tons of...well I don't know what it is but it's some sort of tall, airy weed that would look fabulous in vases for staging.
Seems like glycerine might make it less shed-y. But it would take a ton of glycerine to do those tall pieces, yes?
I know the old thing about hanging things upside down to dry but wondered if anyone knows a better way.Janine - Try drying some (up side down if you want them straight) and then spray with extra strength hairspray. Grasses are great in tall containers and are stand alone decor. Watch for my up-coming blog or better yet subscribe to my blogs.
We do this with cat tails, too Pussy willows we just dry so far but might try this next Spring and see how it works. You can clip branches in the Spring like apple, cherry etc and put them in warm water to start and they will leaf out. That is an ever changing arrangement.
Wow! Beautiful! Did you say how much this cost a wal mart? How much did this whole project cost! I need something new for my door!
Thanks for sharing!
Carla Cullum
Keller Williams Flower Mound
Carla - thanks - the basic wreath is $20 at Wal-Mart and could be used as is. The extra leaves I put in for fullness, the tassel maybe would cost $6 for a pair, the hook under a dollar & leaves no mark (I stuck this one on the glass) You do need to follow the directions on these 3-M hooks and put up at least 1 hour before hanging anything from them.
I am adding a new photo above of one I added pumpkins to.
The leaves look great, this is one area that I fall short. I AM NOT CRAFTY...oh yeah I manage and my friends laugh because they see what I can whip up, but it is really put together with a lick and a prayer. NOT MY DAUGHTER IS AMAZING, I say who did she take after and everyone says HER MOTHER, Uh, Uh I tell them I cannot even draw stick figures.
Great job and you had to have patience to soak hundreds
Phyllis Pafumi
Kathleen, What a beautiful wreath you created. Do you think even the 'craft challenged" like me could get it done?
Ginger
I know you could "git er done" Ginger!! Give it a try.
Bella could help.
The pumkins added an extra touch! Wow that is beautiful! This would sale for $50 or more at a craft fair!
Carla Cullum
KW Dallas/Ft.Worth
Carla - Maybe I will start making wreaths for a living instead of staging. Actually, around the Holidays I do give clients who do a full staging one with a Fall or later a Winter theme.
Maybe I'll make an AR one for Winter to copy.