I took the boys to Dollar Tree last week and we just went wild picking up all sorts of Fall and Halloween decorations. I love splurging at Dollar Tree because I always walk away thinking I got a deal 🙂 I decided to give wreath-making a try and since I had never attempted one before, I figured if I totally failed, it wouldn’t cost me too much {other than my pride!}. I ended up making three because I was having so much fun and sent my mother-in-law home with the materials to make one for herself. She texted me the next day with a picture and hers turned out great too! So the one I’m sharing with you today cost me $4.
Four.
Dollars.
Dang! I totally impressed myself! For this wreath I used one of the smaller, darker wreaths. {The other two are 18 inches}. Here are my supplies:
2 picks {1 leaves; 1 berries}, 1 roll of ribbon, 1 wreath and hot glue:
So the first thing I did was remove all the leaves and berries from the picks. The plastic stem pieces can just be thrown away {or maybe you are super creative and you have a great idea on what to do with them???}
I was surprised at the amount of leaves on the pick and when I started laying them out I could see what I wanted it to look like…eventually. I glued all the leaves down. I put a fair amount of hot glue on each stem and shoved it into the wreath wherever I wanted to put it. These leaves are great because they give a lot of dimension to the wreath. I already love it!
Next come the berries. I did the same thing with the berries gluing them into place, nestled prettily inside the leaves. Check out this fantastic shot I got trying to show where I was applying the glue… {insert sarcasm here!}
Berries and leaves are happily glued to the wreath at this point and I am happy too!
Now for the bow! I am in no way a bow-making expert, this being my first one and all 🙂 Let me try to explain what I did. I folded the ribbon back and forth, back and forth, leaving enough ribbon on each end for a tail.
I pinched the center together and then, failing to locate my floral wire that I bought ages ago for who knows what reason, I used a pipe cleaner {hey – I have kids!} to twist around the center of the ribbon to keep it in place. Don’t worry! I used a white one and then wrapped one end of the ribbon around the center to cover it up and make the bow look all nice and pretty. The ribbon I used was wire-edged which made it relatively painless to fluff it up and twist and turn the loops to fill up the space. I really love the gold trim on the ribbon – it reflects light beautifully up on my mantel.
I had a few sprigs of berries left over so I glued them to the center and then of course realized that all that work I did covering up my white pipe cleaner just went to waste. Oh well! I’m learning 🙂
And that was that!
Here she sits on my mantel looking so beautiful with lots more goodies from Dollar Tree!
Here’s a few up-close-and-personal shots:
The good news? Anyone can make this! This was my very first wreath and I whipped this out in about 10 minutes {plus another 5 pulling off all those pesky glue strings…} and it was so inexpensive! Perfect for a mantel, shelf, desk, or any other area that could use a little Fall decor. I just love it!
Tessa says
Hey from tessacotton! Love your creation. I would be so thrilled if you would link up to my new, halloween themed linky party, live today!
http://tessacotton.blogspot.com/2012/10/halloween-link-party.html
Monica says
Dollar tree is the best! I just made a ‘wreath’ for Halloween for next to nothing after shopping at Dollar tree. Your wreath is beautiful.:)
http://mommysordinarymagic.blogspot.com
Nonny says
It turned out very nice! And what a bargain!!
Thanks for sharing!
Rose, Happy Home Decorating says
Great wreath! So good,I’d love if you would come and link it up at our party at http://www.finecraftguild.com/party/
steph @ Three Loud Kids says
FOUR DOLLARS?! I never would have guessed! It turned out wonderful!
Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says
Trish… such a pretty wreath! I loving the price, too! Have a nice weekend!
Take care,
Trish
april@gingerbread says
Hey girl!!!! You won my giveaway for the most viewed link! Congrats….shoot me an email with your address…xoxo
Alisha @ Crafty Brooklyn Army Wife says
That came out great for $4…awesome. TFS! Stopping by from Cheerios & Lattes Saturday Show and Tell linky party.
Here is what I shared: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.ca/2012/09/another-fur-baby-coat.html
Anonymous says
Looks great!!!
Here’s a tip: Aim your blow dryer on the wreath (briefly!!) to make those glue gun “spider webs” disappear!!!
~ Karen
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Wow, great job for $4! I just updated some of our decor with leaves and berries and I’m loving it. Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!
V Perkins says
Love the wreath. Thanks for sharing.