Autumn is hanging in the air... and on your front door -- behold the Harvest Wreath

In a sea of over the counter cookie cutter decorative offerings it is refreshing to see a little something (or in this case, not so little!) in the way of seasonal decoration.


This gorgeous wreath is peacock themed in all its glory.  It was fashioned by designer Marianne Raub of  Helen Olivia flowers.  Marianne recommends using an 18″ to 20″ wreath for most front doors.   Start with a white foam wreaths that you will then cover with sheet moss  (to be attached with 22 gage floral wire).  She suggests using silver, gold, or copper wire rather than standard green to give your wreath some sparkle.  


Next comes the all important ribbon bow... and speaking as one who has literally been trained in bow-tying, it is a skill... if not an art.


Once your majestic bow is in place you can begin adding the other decorative elements. The most popular locations for bow placement are at 11, 12, 1, 4, 5 & 6 o'clock respectively.  As with most design, odd numbers of elements tend to yield a more aesthetic and balanced finished product.

"The signature look of a Helen Olivia wreath is the placing of decorative and floral elements on the wreath in a crescent shape.  Meaning, the fullest part of the wreath elements are in the center and then, as you radiate from the center, there are fewer elements, finally tapering off before you reach the bottom of the wreath."

Play with your design and layout.  When you’re ready, attach everything with a hot glue gun.

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This wreath is a bit more organic and equally lovely.  With this sort of fresh fall look it is generally easiest to twist some vine together in a circle to use as your base.  If you want to go with a natural look use real leaves, no matter how uneven.. and spray them either with hairspray or just the slightest slightest metallic glitter for a sunsplashed glint.  From here anything goes, Add whatever you like (or find!) and don't  worry too much about symmetry.  That's half the fun... the other half is looking for the decorative bits! -- preferably on a hiking excursion or outdoor jaunt with loved ones on a cool crisp fall morn.  


This wreath most likely will not need more than wire to keep your decorative bits in place. But should any prove unruly, break out that glue gun again... just for good measure, and to safeguard against the elements that assault your front door.

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To wrap things up on a whimsical note, here is a link to a how-to on wreath-making.... this guy cracked me up and the video was so silly i just had to include it: At Home with Ben Scott - Fall Wreath Making


warmly,
Joy!