This wreath really couldn’t be easier! I’ve always loved fresh flowers – especially from Trader Joe’s who always has a good selection and reasonable prices! I was particularly inspired by an Instagram friend who turned them into a fresh wreath.

I headed to Trader Joe’s and found these mini roses which immediately captured my heart, along with plenty of seeded eucalyptus. Then I went home and dug around in my basement for a grapevine wreath to repurpose and got to work. It only took about 15 minutes!

How to Make the Easy Wreath:

It couldn’t be simpler – just cut your stems so that there are only a few inches remaining, then stick them directly into your grapevine wreath form! That easy! I kept my foliage and flowers toward the bottom but you can certainly do any configuration you like!

A Note on Drying

If you’d like to continue using your wreath you’ll want to lay it flat to dry. This will prevent your roses from all pointing their little heads forever downward.

Once you see your flowers start to droop (probably after a day or so), simply lay the wreath flat, adjust your flower heads so that they point in varying directions, and let it dry. Once it’s completely dry you can hang it back up.

My wreath is hanging in-between the double windows in my kitchen. It adds a delightful pop of freshness and color to the space!

I hope you give this a try and that you love it as much as I do!

Blessings,
Melissa

Want more wreath ideas?
Check out this wildflower wreath or this easy lemon wreath!

1. Buy your fresh Christmas wreath from a store that has handled it properly.

Any store that sells fresh Christmas wreaths should have them in a cool location, either outside or in a cool indoor spot. Don’t buy one that’s been hanging indoors next to a heating vent where it has most likely been drying out. Check your wreath before purchasing. It should feel flexible and fresh, not at all brittle or crispy, and should smell pleasant and fresh.

I have purchased fresh wreaths from both Trader Joe’s and Costco with good success. The one pictured here is from Trader Joe’s.

2. Immediately soak it in the tub.

As soon as you get your fresh Christmas wreath home from the store, place it in the bathtub (or large container) and fill with enough cold water that the greenery is covered. Be sure to use cold water, not warm! Soak for at least a few hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum effect. Drip dry before hanging.

3. Continued care for your fresh Christmas wreath

To keep your wreath looking its best, mist the back of the wreath with cool water every 2 days or so using a spray bottle.

Decorating a Fresh Christmas Wreath

A fresh Christmas wreath is lovely just as it is, but if you’re looking to dress it up even more, consider wiring in some of the following elements:

• Pinecones
• Dried citrus (oranges, lemons, limes)
• Cinnamon sticks, bundled
• Feathers
• Star anise pods
• Berries such as cranberries or juniper berries
• Velvet or satin ribbon
• Brass bells

I hope you get the opportunity to experience a fresh Christmas wreath this year! The beauty, elegance, and fresh aroma cannot be beat!

Want more Christmas and Winter inspiration? Check out my seasonal page here!

Blessings,
Melissa

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A few weeks ago I had a friend ask me if I would be willing to make her a new Spring wreath. Her favorite one was deteriorating after a few years of use. I agreed, and when I got the chance the girls and I stopped by Michael’s Craft Store one morning while my son was at school. Lo and behold, all their Spring florals were 50% off! Woohoo!

My goal was to create a wreath that played on the same themes as my friends’ old favorite:

Lots of small, delicate flowers in a variety of textures and colors mixed together on a bed of foliage.

Almost sounds like a salad recipe now that I read that – ha!

There is really no one way to make a wreath – a lot of it comes down to personal preference and making it work for your style and space. However, I’ll share the supplies and technique I used to build this one, as well as a few tips for putting together your own wildflower wreath.

Also, thanks to McGlynn Farm for gifting me this cute wildflower t-shirt! You can find this sweet shirt here, along with many other lovely finds for your home! (Sorry about the spots – it was raining on me!)

Supplies needed for a wildflower wreath:

• A grapevine wreath form (the one I used was 18 inches in diameter)
• A variety of faux florals and foliage
• Scissors for cutting off tags
• Wire cutters (I like these by Husky)
• Optional floral wire

I tried to be super organized and proactive and saved all my floral tags so that I could link the specific florals I used in this wildflower wreath for you, but unfortunately I could only find one of them on the Michael’s website. Ugh! Any similar flowers will do, though. Here are a few to consider:

How to build a wildflower wreath:

There are many ways to attach stems to a wreath form. Personally, I’m comfortable with just trimming my floral stems (still leaving them semi-long) and sticking them directly into the grapevine wreath form. They will definitely stay this way as long as no one is intentionally pulling them out. I’ve seen people hot glue their stems in, but this does not appeal to me as I like the flexibility of taking flowers out and rearranging them while building my wreath. I’m a design-as-I-go type of person.

You can also secure them with floral wire if you so desire. It’s definitely more work, but will ensure that your flowers will stay put for a long time. (You can see that demonstrated in my YouTube video below.)

That being said, I do still lay out all my flowers at the beginning to get an idea of what I would like to do.

In keeping with the style of my friend’s previous wreath, I decided to do blocks of color. If you’d like a more mixed look, by all means feel free to mix your flowers together! I’m really partial to the color block look, though.

While there is no one right way to put together a wreath, here are a few tips:

• Keep all your florals and foliage “flowing” in the same direction, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. This will help keep it from feeling too chaotic.
• Be sure to place your stems toward the “outside” and “inside” of your wreath circle – not just a straight line around the wreath form – this will help give it fullness and depth.
• Be sure to overlap your stems, meaning the flowers/leaves of one bunch cover the stem of the preceding bunch.
• Don’t forget that you can modify faux florals to fit your needs. Too many leaves on that flower? Slide them off or cut them off to keep your wreath from looking too bushy!

There you have it – a simple wildflower wreath that will serve you Spring through Summer!

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Thanks for reading!

Blessings,

Melissa

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I enjoy making my own wreaths – I love the creative process, the one of a kind result, and the fact that it often saves money over buying pre-made. With two little kids and being quite pregnant with my third, however, I don’t have a ton of time or energy to put into making a wreath right now. I love how quick and easy this one was to make! It is just 4 layers and 3 steps – it took under 30 minutes to put together!

From what I have read, tones like deep greens, creamy whites, and earthy browns are trending this Fall, along with mixing textures and plaids/checks in neutral tones. While I don’t purposely jump on trends (I tend to go with whatever I like) I guess this wreath happens to be right on target for this coming Fall season!

I found all the materials for this wreath at Hobby Lobby, so I’ll link those specifically below, but I will also link some pretty variations you might like as well!

Let’s make a wreath!

Supplies

• 1 “Whispy” Grapevine Wreath Form – mine is approximately 24″ (similar one from Joann Fabric or this one from Michael’s)
• 2 Eucalyptus Stems (similar from Amazon or similar from Michael’s – but you’d need more of them I think)
• 2 White Foxtail Berry Bushes (alternatively, you could use something like this dried pampas grass)
• 1 Cream Peony Bush (similar idea from Amazon – or these coffee colored ones would also be beautiful!)
• Black and White Buffalo Check Ribbon (similar from Amazon)
• Wire cutters
• Scissors
• Floral wire (optional)

Tutorial

Start with the wreath form as your base.

I find it helpful to turn the wreath form different ways before starting and figure out which side would make the best top. Also determine which areas are lacking body and may need to be filled in a bit more with layers.

First Wreath Layer – Eucalyptus.

Eucalyptus is such a beautiful, neutral foliage and works for pretty much any wreath! Snip your eucalyptus branches into smaller sections and simply stick them into the wreath form. For added durability, or for pieces that don’t have anywhere to hang on, use floral wire to secure.

Do not make the eucalyptus leaves go all the way to the tips of the wreath form – keep them more to the center ring, otherwise the eucalyptus will hide too much of the “wispiness” of the wreath. Be sure to keep your eucalyptus branches bending in the same direction as the wreath form – in my case it is all bending in a clockwise direction.

Second Wreath Layer – Foxtails

As in the previous step, trim your foxtails into smaller sections and stick them into the wreath form, keeping the bend of the branches in the same direction as the previous layers. Use floral wire to secure as necessary.

In this case, do let the foxtails extend out to the tips of the wreath form in some places. This helps fill out the wreath and draw the eye outward. Be sure to work some of the foxtails close to the inner ring as well!

Final Wreath Layer – Creamy Fall Flowers

Although I usually associate peonies with Springtime, these cream colored flowers are also perfectly fitting for Fall! Trim the flowers into individual stems and arrange them in groupings of odd numbers – I chose 2 groupings of 3 flowers each. Try to mix the size of the flowers for visual interest.

Done! Now let’s hang your wreath with ribbon!

To hang my wreath on my front door, I attached an upside-down command adhesive hook to the interior of my door. I looped the ribbon through the wreath, measuring (eye-balling) how much length I needed, then tied a knot at the end and hung it from the hook. No bulky wreath hanger needed!

I hope you have enjoyed this simple little Fall wreath tutorial and are inspired to try one of your own! Remember, the beauty of making something yourself is that everyone’s will be a little different – there is no one right way to make a wreath!

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Only two days until Christmas!

I’ve been excited but also a little frazzled this season because I finished gift shopping and wrapping much later than I usually do! I’m not so sure wrapping far in advance would’ve done me much good this year anyway, though – we’ve had to block off the tree with a baby gate because baby girl is determined to pull off every ornament and strand of ribbon that she can. She also likes to tear up paper and eat it, so one can imagine what she would do to wrapped gifts…

Side note – one time during a trip to Target, I was trying to keep her happy, so I let her see a stuffed animal as we walked around the store. By the time we got to the checkout I realized she had eaten a piece of the cardboard tag!! Mom fail. I felt it was only right to purchase the toy at that point [insert face palm here]. Thankfully it was one of those dollar spot items!

Seeing as Christmas is upon us, I’d thought I’d share a few glimpses of Christmas decor around our house. I don’t decorate every single room – I simply don’t have the time and resources for that. I pretty much keep it to our main living spaces.

A little greenery over the window, some wreaths on the cabinets, and a few Christmasy touches on the counters…Found that fresh greenery at Trader Joe’s for only $7.99! (You can find the curtain tutorial here.)

Wreaths – World Market
Greenery – Trader Joe’s
Sign – Michael’s
Rug – HomeGoods

My little tiered-tray winter village… Back when I was pregnant with my first child, I would come home from work every day around Christmastime and work on making these little pine cone people. (That was back when my evenings were so carefree! Ha!) I made about 20 total, and gave them as gifts in groups of 3 to family members.

I found inspiration for these on Pinterest, but didn’t follow any kind of pattern – I just made my own little pattern on paper and went from there! I love making homemade gifts – anything from crafts to fresh bread from the bread maker! I’d love to hear about any homemade gifts you make! Leave me a comment below!

Tiered tray – Marshall’s
Houses – Hobby Lobby

I love how red pops against this white pew. It’s going to be hard to beat that vibrant, cheery contrast once Christmas is over! And doesn’t that green vintage ladder lend itself to star ornaments? I found that 20-ft fresh greenery also at Trader Joe’s for only $9.99(!) and topped it with some dried oranges and homemade salt dough hearts. Instant cozy.

Big wreath – World Market
Baskets & little houses – Joann Fabric
Pew Paint – Rustoleum “Chalked” in Linen White
Striped Blanket – Michael’s
Pillows – HomeGoods
Wall Color – “Urban Raincoat” by Behr
Curtain fabric – by Lush Fabric (curtain tutorial here)

Our dining area sideboard… This decor is extra special, as those wood slices under the houses came from our beloved tree we had to have taken down back in August. We were so sorry to see the tree go – it was big, beautiful, and original to the house, but we were at least able to preserve its memory in this way.

Flocked Trees – At Home Stores
Sign, Runner, Large House, & Beaded Garland – Hobby Lobby
Small Houses – World Market
Bottle Brush Trees – Pier1

Have you ever watched “Christmas in Connecticut?” It’s a great classic Christmas movie and I highly recommend watching it if you haven’t! Well, the main character, Elizabeth Reed, is a writer who has a home-making column in the newspaper. She is extremely popular for her stories about her farm, all her fancy recipes, and so on. The only problem? She doesn’t have a farm and she can’t cook. I won’t spoil it for you, but sometimes I feel just a bit like Elizabeth Reed – not because what I post is false, but because what you see is not necessarily how we live every day. That’s probably pretty typical of most bloggers – most don’t show you the bottle drying rack on the kitchen counter…though some will.

Well, that was totally the case with this table setting. I set this all up with absolutely no plans to actually use it, knowing that I would have to take it down immediately after its photo shoot. Why? Because it’s our only table – we eat 3 meals a day here – and fancy linen runners and toddlers don’t exactly mix well!

So why did I even bother? Because I enjoy creating pretty things and sharing ideas and inspiration with you. It makes me happy. Big thanks to my husband who watched the kids while I took photos and didn’t roll his eyes too much when I made him eat lunch standing at the kitchen counter!

Bottle Brush Trees & Window Wreath – Pier1
Table Runner – HomeGoods
Chargers & Napkins – Hobby Lobby
Plate wreaths – Joann Fabric
Candlesticks – Vintage
Table Paint – Fusion Mineral Paint in “Lamp White”
Table Stain – Minwax Gel Stain in “Coffee” (table makeover here)
Curtains – Ikea “Vivan”
Wall Color – “Urban Raincoat” by Behr

Winter printables and rustic touches create a cozy vibe that can last beyond Christmas! I like to make the “base layer” of my Christmas decor just plain wintery so that I can strip away the overtly “Christmasy” stuff and still be set through January!

It helps ease that awkward period between Christmas and springtime!

Printables – click here
Frames – HomeGoods
Bench – Facebook Marketplace (see makeover here)
Throw – At Home Stores
Milk Can – GoodWill
Flocked Pine – Home Depot
Star – Local shop
Wall Color – “Urban Raincoat” by Behr

It’s amazing how one photo can have so many memories in it: the Christmas tree we had so much fun finding at a tree farm (in spite of it being bitterly cold!)…our family’s ornaments, both old and new…the vintage tree skirt and star sewn by my husband’s grandma…my beloved piano that I’ve had since I started playing at age 7, which my grandmother helped purchase in spite of having very little money, because she wanted me to have a quality instrument…

Christmas brings forth so many memories – both joyful and difficult ones. The same grandmother who helped buy my piano passed away the very next year shortly after Christmas. I was 8 years old. I miss her dearly and think of her often, but I take comfort in the fact that I will see her again one day.

I pray that whatever memories and feelings you are having this season that you may find peace, comfort, and joy in the true reason for Christmas – our Savior, Jesus Christ.

A very Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours!

~ Soli Deo Gloria ~

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Have you ever done a project that was totally not even on your radar until *bam* inspiration struck, you immediately did it, and you loved the result? That is the best kind of project!

After playing for church one Sunday, I ran over to Michael’s craft store to make a quick return on my way home. (Let’s be honest here – is a trip to a craft store ever actually quick?) I happened to notice that their Spring and Summer floral was 60% off and made my way over to that corner. Maybe it’s the summer heat and humidity making me crave something refreshing, but I’ve been a bit obsessed with lemons lately: I put some vintagey lemon prints in our family room and bought a new coffee cup with lemons all over it. So as I was wandering the floral section, it suddenly hit me: “I’m going to turn my plain old boxwood wreath into a lemon wreath!” While the kids were napping that afternoon, I did just that, and it took all of about 20 minutes!

A while back I had purchased a boxwood wreath from Hobby Lobby when they had their wreaths 50% off, and I hung it in the kitchen on the door to our garage. While it did add some color to the space, it had the potential to be so much more.

I really didn’t have a plan…

…but I bought some supplies anyway (dangerous, I know!). And you know what? I think it all worked out!

Easy DIY Lemon Wreath Tutorial

Supplies:

• 1 Boxwood Wreath approx. 18-20″ in diameter. I got mine at Hobby Lobby, but it looks like they no longer have it online (check an actual Hobby Lobby store & make sure to use a coupon!) Or Amazon has this one and this one, which are similar to mine.
• 1 5ft. Lemon & Summer Berry Garland. I found mine at Michael’s, but unfortunately it looks like they no longer have it. This one and this one are both similar. Any 5ft. mini garland with some blossoms would look nice.
• 1 Artificial Lemon “Bush” (7 lemons). These are the ones I used.
• 1 Spool Navy & White Striped Ribbon. I used this. It is unwired, but you could certainly use wired as well.
• Wire Cutters
• Scissors
• Optional: Floral Wire. I didn’t use any and feel like my wreath is fine, but if you want to make the whole thing really secure, feel free to use some.

Let me preface all this by saying there is no one “right way” to do this – just play around with it and have fun! Your wreath will probably turn out a little differently than anyone else’s and that’s okay!

Want to know a little secret? My wreath is not actually hanging from the ribbon – it is hanging from a command adhesive by a metal loop on the back of the wreath. The ribbon is just for show. Want to know a bigger secret? The end of the ribbon is scotch-taped on the top edge of my door. I’m really classy like that. Feel free to secure the end with a command hook!

Hang on your door and enjoy!

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