Burlap Fall Wreath

I absolutely love fall.  I love the cooler weather, the new warm clothes, the falling leaves, the scary stories, the pumpkins, and the smell of freshly sharpened pencils.  Yes, that last bit was from You've Got Mail.  I even love movies in which characters talk about what they love about fall!  Every year, I struggle to patiently wait for fall to arrive.  By the time August rolls around, I'm already wishing that I can put on my new pair of jeans and head to Starbucks for a hot Chai Latte. 

Funny thing, though, it always feels like summer in Florida.  Ever since we moved to Florida, I have felt the need to decorate every square inch of our apartment, in order to compensate for the warmer weather.  Even if it doesn't feel like fall, it sure is going to look like it!  This fall, I decided to make a burlap wreath.

This project was inspired by an absolutely lovely fall wreath I saw on my friend Chelsea's blog called Life With My Littles last year.  The picture below is a link to her adorable tutorial on her adorable website full of crafts and mommy tips.  I trust you see the resemblance to my wreath.

She offers quite a bit of advice on how to make a burlap wreath, flowers, and bows.  Her pictures of the process make everything easy!  I won't go over how to make the decorations in detail, since she has already done so.  I just have some words of advice on what to buy, working with the burlap, and hanging the wreath. 

1.  Shopping List 
I always have a bit of anxiety at the craft store when I'm figuring out what I need.  I'm never sure if I've purchased the correct amount of a product, and I usually have the nagging feeling that I've forgotten something.  If you are anything like me, here is a list to ease your mind.

You will need:

• Wire wreath (I used a 15" diameter wreath)
• 30ft burlap (Minimum)
• Felt (Each piece of felt will make 1-2 flowers.)
• Ribbon
• Floral Wire or string

2.  Wrapping the Burlap
Essentially, all you need to do to make the burlap wreath itself is to wrap the burlap around the wire frame.  For some reason, wrapping the burlap around the wire wreath in a way that looked attractive was challenging for me.  It seems like a relatively simple thing to do, and it was simple, once I got started.  However, it look me a few minutes to figure out. 

Begin by folding a few inches of the burlap ribbon into thirds.  Folding the burlap simply makes it easier to weave through the wreath for the first time.  To weave the burlap, start at the outer edge of the wreath and go over the first wire, under the second, over the third, and under the fourth.  Secure burlap to the wire wreath frame with a bit of string or floral wire.  I used a piece of string that fell off of the piece of burlap I was using.  It was like it knew I was going to need some string.  Tying this end of the burlap to the wire wreath will prevent the burlap from unraveling as you continue to weave.

Pull out the burlap over the third wire to create an approximately 2" high loop.  Every time you go over a wire from now on, you need to leave a 2" loop to give the wreath it's thick and fluffy appearance.

Next, bring the other end of the burlap under the outermost wire to create another 2" loop.  Wrap the burlap over the second wire, leave the 2" loop, wrap under the third, and wrap over the forth.

Reverse direction.  Bring the burlap under the innermost wire, then over, then under, and over the outermost wire. 

Repeat the process of bringing the burlap back and forth through the wire wreath, and switch off going under and over each individual wire.  After a few passes back and forth your wreath should start to look something like this.  Don't worry if it doesn't look perfect as you are wrapping the burlap.  You can always make minor adjustments after you have finished.

3. Hanging the Wreath

There are a many different methods to hang a wreath, but some will cause damage to your door, while others will not support the wreath adequately.  The method I used will inflict minimal damage to your door and will securely fasten the wreath to the door.  It is also extremely easy.

Simply wrap a ribbon at least 1" wide around a wire at the back of the wreath, and fasten the ribbon to the top of the door.  Use a finishing nail or a thumb tack to secure the ribbon to the top of the door frame.  I used a finishing nail because I have them around the house.  No one will ever see the top of your door to find that you put a miniscule hole in it. 

From a distance, the ribbon attaching the wreath to the door will look something like this.  I think it looks seamless.

I'm so happy with my fall wreath, and I'm sure that you will be too.  I'd love to see pictures of your wreaths and learn how you customized them.  Thanks to my friend Chelsea for the lovely idea!