There’s just something about the fall. The colors. The smells. The break in temperatures that, for the last 3 months, have been beating down like a blast furnace.
Nothing signals the onset of fall like bright oranges, reds, and yellows in a beautiful wreath on your front door. (Well, maybe the annual arrival of Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks™, but that’s a different post on a different blog.) But those store bought wreaths always look so…store bought. So why not make your own? There are several options available to help you do just that.
Wreath-Making Class
This time of year, craft stores like Michael’s and Ben Franklin will schedule wreath-making classes. These classes are typically free, but if there is a fee, it’s usually just enough to cover the cost of materials you’ll use to make the wreath you’ll take home with you.
Wreath kits
You may want to try one of the many wreath-making kits available from your local craft store. However, if you enjoy crafting in general, there’s a good chance you may already have many of the materials (or more) that you would get in one of these kits. Common wreath making materials include:
- Wreath wire
- Wire snips
- Floral wire
- Floral tape
- Hot glue gun
- Glue sticks for the gun
- Hanging hardware
- Ribbon
- Fishing line
- Floral pins
Whether you purchase a kit or assemble your own, you’ll have all the basics at the ready when it comes time to assemble your wreath.
What to put on your wreath
The real beauty of any decoration comes from the personal touch you give it. Perhaps you want the vibrant colors of fall splashed against your front door. Maybe you have evergreens in your yard and a pine cone wreath seems like the perfect way to usher in the cooler temperatures. The choices are endless. But there are a couple of tips to keep in mind when you decide.
- Those fall colors are fleeting; consider using high-quality silk plants
- If you’re using pine cones, take the time to collect enough that are uniform in size
- Consider accents like a contrasting ribbon or a spray of lavender on a cone wreath
Get the family in on the fun
Making a wreath can be a creative way to spend a rainy or chilly afternoon inside with the kids. Plus, there are so many ways to make them that it’s hard to make a mistake, so the kids can have fun and everyone will have a sense of pride in the final product. Just start thinking about what might look best on your front door, then make it happen – and when you do, post a picture or two on our facebook page, we’d love to see them!