Make the Perfect Autumn Wreath

I know it’s only the beginning of August but I’m already looking forward to the colors and cooler temperatures of fall, when the air turns crisp and the leaves change to multiple shades of red, yellow, orange and brown. I’m ready to start thinking about some interesting seasonal decorations for the house.

I have to confess. The Halloween decorations don’t stay up very long. Generally, they are up for the big party and then get immediately replaced with something a bit less ghoulish like an autumn wreath. In addition to the cornucopia for the dining room table and a freshly-baked pumpkin pie for the windowsill, a handmade wreath can be both fun to make and very attractive on the front door.

Hopefully you live in an area where the leaves actually turn color (If you live in Miami, you may just need to just order a holiday wreath online or get creative with palm fronds. You will need to start by collecting a nice bunch of dried leaves in all the colors of the season. Ideally you should get about 40 leaves. Not all may be used, but you will have a good group from which to pick and choose your favorites.

Easy Autumn Wreath

Supplies Needed:

• 40-50 dried leaves in brown, red, yellow and orange
• One sheet of cardboard or chipboard at least 20 inches square
• One large round dinner plate from your kitchen
• One pen or marker
• Glue (Elmers is fine) or a Glue Gun (No glue guns for kids)
• Clear spray coating
• Scissors

Start by placing the dinner plate in the center of the cardboard and tracing the edge with the marker to get a perfect circle. Next, remove the plate and draw a bigger circle by hand around the perfect circle. The bigger circle doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be about 3 inches bigger on all sides. Cut along both circle lines with your scissors such that you end up with a big cardboard donut that is about 3 inches wide. This will be the base of your wreath.

Next, lay out your leaves in a creative pattern, covering all the cardboard and extending off the cardboard both inside and outside of the circle. Leaves should overlap. Don’t glue them down just yet. Experiment with patterns of differently-colored leaves or try a random mix of colors. There’s no wrong design. Use whatever you prefer. Once you have the leaves displayed as you like, start gluing them to the cardboard backing. Make sure no cardboard shows through. Allow to dry.

Once the wreath is dry, take it outside to a well-ventilated spot and spray with the clear sealant. This will help preserve and protect it. At this point, it’s ready to hang. Optionally, you can add fun things like little ornaments, fresh leaves, flowers or anything you like. Experiment and have fun.