Mum Fall Wreaths

$15 - $20 (based on 2017 prices)

Makes two wreaths

 

The Dia de Los Muertos portion of 2017’s haunted house required dozens of wreaths and flowers for an intricate funeral scene. To prevent myself from using the same design for each prop, I did variations. For this version, I chose to utilize the oranges, yellows, and reds of autumn to fashion a fall-themed rendition which could be repurposed after the haunting season.

• Two twelve-inch grapevine wreaths
• An assortment of artificial flowers is multiple colors and sizes (e.g. dahlias, mums, sunflowers)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Four yards of burlap ribbon (at least two inches in width)
• Two small decorative sunflower medallions

1. Separate the flowers and leaves from their stems. Although you could do this while you glue them to the wreaths, I found that performing this step beforehand made the following process much easier. Plus, it gives you a clear idea of exactly how many of each item you have.

2. Evenly divide the flowers and hot glue them to the wreaths. For visual interest, build up layers and vary the color patterns so that blooms with the same hues and shapes are not concentrated in one area. You may want to play with the arrangements first before gluing them in place.

3. Repeat the methods in step two with the leaves, gluing them around the outer circumference of the wreaths and, to enhance their appearance, ensuring you create contrast by using different hues and sizes in various positions.

4. To create the bows which will adorn the wreaths, begin by cutting the burlap into four eighteen-inch sections, two fifteen-inch sections, and two four-inch sections. This will create two bows that are nine inches long and have nine-inch tails. For smaller or larger versions, you can always adjust the measurements. To prevent the burlap from unraveling, spread a light layer of glue along the edges and allow it to fully dry before moving on to step five.

5. Fold two of the eighteen-inch sections and the two fifteen-inch sections so their ends touch and form a loop. Then, fold the second pair of eighteen-inch sections in half, letting the ends dangle. Nest all three on top of each other and use the four-inch sections to bind them together in the center. This will create two bows with a seven-inch loop resting atop a nine-inch loop. Once the bows are assembled, glue the sunflower medallions to their centers for additional embellishments.

6. Adhere the bows to the wreaths. I elected to place them on the left for visual interest; however, their final placement can be altered to cater the prop to your desired aesthetic.

7. If the wreaths did not come with hanging loops, you can create some by either using leftover portions of the burlap ribbon or fabricating sturdier versions with steel wire.