Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Fun Fall Wreath Project

With temps still in the 80's, and the calendar saying it's still summer, it seems a bit strange to think of fall.
While I don't look forward to less day light, I do long for cooler days, crisp nights, and the beginning of nesting season!
So today I thought I'd share with you my latest fall inspired creation, which I completed for DecoArt.
This challenge required creating outdoor fall decor.  With no other stipulations (other than to use DecoArt products, of course), what to do?
So I headed on over to Pinterest for some inspiration, and came up with this fun project...........
 I had so much fun during my little photo shoot today that I got a bit carried away!  So you have been officially warned that there are lots of photos to come!!
Here she is on our front door, below.
 I started out with a large laser cut wooden frame, found at Hobby Lobby.  I have also spotted similar frames at Michael's. They usually come in all shapes and size.
Actually I purchased most of the supplies for this project from HL.
 I began by painting the frame a pretty purple, called "eggplant".  Once dry, I distressed a bit with fine grit sand paper.  Since I wanted a bit more of a muted color, to feel more "fall-ish", I created a glaze by mixing both black and rust colored acrylic paints, which I watered down a bit.
I then brushed it over the entire frame, quickly wiping off any excess.  The aged effect was just what I was going for!
 This was my first attempt at working with a laser cut frame, and I just loved it!  I can't wait to come up with more ideas using these frames!
They are very affordable, even more so when you use your 40% off coupons!
 I also picked up several fall floral picks, and decided just for fun to paint a few of the pumpkins.  I layered and layered many different colors on them, til I achieved an effect that I was happy with.  I didn't have a set plan, I just played around with various colors.  Don't be afraid to experiment!

 For a fun addition, I decided to make this cute wooden tag.
 I started with an oval shaped balsa wood cut out (purchased in a multi pack at Hobby Lobby).
I painted it this pretty green, called "inchworm".
 Again, I wanted to tone it down, so once dry, I went over it with some of the reserved watered down brown glaze.
 Be sure to wipe off the excess quickly with a paper towel or rag, before it dries.
Instant aging!
 Since I'm not good at hand painting letters (I sure wish I was, and envy those who can!!), I bought some rub on letters.
Happy Fall, Y'All!!!
 Ooop, my pictures are a bit out of order here, sorry!
Here I am painting another pumpkin.
 Using wide wire edged burlap ribbon, as well as narrow contrasting ribbon, cut both several inches longer than your frame.
Glue to the back side, using a hot glue gun.
Note that my narrow ribbon is nice and glittery!  You know my obsession with glitter!!
 I used a combination of floral wire and hot glue to attach the floral picks.
 I made a cute little bow with the narrow ribbon, and secured it with wire, then hot glued into place.
Oh, I almost forgot the "W" (our last name begins with a W)!  
I picked it up in the unfinished wood dept. at Hobby Lobby, and painted it black, then distressed a bit around the edges.  Just use some hot glue to attach to your ribbon.
Then hot glue the wooden tag into place.  Add some of the narrow ribbon to the top to hang, and.............

 Viola!!!
Ok, I am not being paid by Hobby Lobby (but it sure would be nice if they took notice!!!),
but thought I would mention this neat suction cup wreath holder that I picked up there this week.  I was a bit apprehensive if it would work or not.  But, since it's not only made in the USA, and a bargain at 40% off the already low price of $2.99, I thought it was worth a try!
So far, it works like a charm!

 My wreath had fun during her modeling shoot on my faux stone patio!

 It was such a fun project, and I love the rich fall colors. Definitely a change from my usual creams, whites, and pastels! 
 Hope this inspires you to create your own wreath!
 Be sure to let me know if you do!

14 comments:

Okio B Designs said...

Super cute! Love the colors you used.

Jeanine

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a cute wreath. Love the square cut out frame and the colors are really nice! You make me want to craft something for fall!
hugs,
Linda

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, this is darling and I love how your frame wreath turned out with Happy Fall Ya'll. The colors are wonderful and I love the shape. Painting some of the pumpkins was perfect. Great antiquing process too. DecorArt is going to love this. Thanks for sharing and your inspiration.
Hugs, cm

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Now Donna this wreath is ever so clever and fun. I like the paint techniques and how you added the painted Pumpkins. Really cute -Ya'll.
Hugs,
Vera

EL RINCON DE CHELO said...

Un trabajo precioso y original!!!!

Debbie said...

I LOVE this, Donna!! It looks super cute on your front door! Maybe you should send a photo to HL for a little inspiration...lol.
Great job!
Debbie
xo

Musings from Kim K. said...

I just love the color palate. This is another fantastic "Donna" Project!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh Donna, your wreath looks beautiful and you really did a wonderful job on it. Thanks for the DIY instructions - you are sure one talented lady.
I can hardly wait for Fall to arrive in SO CA. I am sick sick sick of HOT weather.
Have a great last weekend of summer.
Hugs,
Mary

Japolina said...

So gorgeous!!!

Susie said...

Donna, Crazy fall colors and I love it. You make old fall décor look boring. LOL. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

BeachGypsy said...

that is absolutely adorable!! I love it! I want one! Think I may try my hand at making this.......your instructions make it look do-able! Love the colors you used. Great job!

handmade by amalia said...

So pretty. I love all the purple accents.
Amalia
xo

Tete said...

That is so cute! Remember me? Been awhile...but I am back again! Love all your projects...trying to get caught up on all the blogs this afternoon!

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

You're SO creative Donna!