Corncob Wreath

$15 - $20 (based on 2017 prices)

Makes one wreath

In my efforts to re-purpose the mass of farm-related items purchased for 2016’s haunt, I chose to break from the spooky props and fashion a fall-themed wreath to welcome the season. Although a little more artsy for my tastes, I was impressed with the finished product. Sadly, the wreath never made it to my door (my mother stole it for her own decorative schemes). For a more authentic appearance, replace the artificial corn with real dried cobs.

• One twelve-inch grapevine wreath
• Eight artificial corncobs
• One dried corn husk
• Two or three four-foot garlands of fall leaves (roughly thirty-six leaves per garland)
• Twelve artificial sunflowers
  

1. Glue the corncobs to the wreath. I used a hefty amount of hot glue to accomplish this; however, you could use superglue for a sturdier hold.

2. Take the empty husk from a piece of shucked corn, warp yarn or twine around its stem, and hang it in a warm, arid place to dry for a week or two. I made several of these to scatter throughout the haunt. For this project, though, you will only need one.

3. Tear apart the dried corn husk and glue the strands to the inner and outer curves of the wreath. For balance, space them evenly between the cobs. To create more impact, extend the leaves outward further than the cobs.

4. Separate the leaves from their garlands. Although you could do this while you glue them to the wreath, I found that performing this step beforehand makes the process easier. Plus, it gives you a clear idea of exactly how many leaves you have. Use hot glue to adhere the leaves to the wreath. For visual interest, build up layers and vary the color patterns so that leaves with the same hues and shapes are not concentrated in one area.

5. Adhere sunflowers to the wreath. To enhance the appearance of the prop, produce contrast by using flowers in different hues and sizes. Also, vary their positions.

6. Weave the husk strands in the center of the wreath through the flowers and the leaves to create additional depth.

7. If the wreath did not come with a hanging loop, you can fashion one with steel wire.