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!