AN AUTUMN WREATH

Nothing announces the change of seasons than a wreath on your door. And Fall, the season with such dramatic change! Crisp temperatures, changing colors, raking leaves, snugly sweaters are some of the happiest thoughts of Fall. Gathering a few things found in nature (or purchased) can compose the warmest greeting to your door. So simple to construct. Look around with a new eye and see what you can find to create your very own Autumn Wreath, and add that to your list of your happy fall memories. A warm welcome to your door.

This is what you will need-

Fresh Vines

Fresh Bittersweet Branches

Pheasant Feathers, Purchase here…link

Faux Mini Pumpkin

Fall Ribbon

Scissors

Floral Wire

Hot Glue Gun

Bittersweet is a deciduous perennial vine that grows naturally in most North America regions. It is a little early this season here to find the red/orange berries, so I purchased mine from my local florist. The bright colors are the colors of Fall. My favorite for Fall decorating. You can substitute faux bittersweet too, if you like. I love the contrast of the reds and oranges next to the browns of the dried vines.

The path that leads to a nearby lake, is covered year round in foliage. But as the seasons move on, there are some intrusive vines that overcome the natural plants. Easily snipped, the removed vines make a fabulous base for a wreath. Any vine will do, honeysuckle, grapevine, to name a few.

I love the texture of the twists.

Let dry a few days. When the leaves start to dry and turn, they are easily removed by running your hand over the vines. I like to leave a few leaves on the vine.

Gather the vines and form a circle. Because they are still fairly fresh, the vines bend easily.

Wrap one section of the vines with floral wire to secure.

Add one or two lengths of Bittersweet to both sides of the wire and secure.

Add two or more Pheasant feathers alongside the Bittersweet. They can be tucked into the twists of the vines.

Cut a 10" length of floral wire and twist around the ribbon. Silk ribbons are my favorite, the texture and soft shine are so beautiful. 

Tie a bow. Wired ribbons make pretty bows.

Center and secure bow.

Add a drop or two of hot glue to a mini pumpkin and attach to wreath, holding for a few seconds.

Now your wreath is ready to hang.

So take a brisk walk, sip your pumpkin spice latte and let the Fall season begin. Warm up your entryway and add to your happy autumn memories.