Today I'm joining in with some talented blogger friends to bring you our monthly
Dose of DIY! This month's theme? Why, wreaths, of course!
Isn't it funny how our decorating tastes can change so drastically over time? When I
look back on some of my Christmas decorating in years past all I can say to myself is
"WHAT was I thinking?" That actually happens more often than I care to admit. But
I guess that's a good thing, because it means we're growing and changing as a result
of all that great decorating inspiration we're seeing out there in blogland! At least that's
what I'm telling myself.
Today I want to share with you one of our Christmas decorations that has evolved over time,
and that's the pine cone wreath. I bought two of them on clearance at Restoration Hardware
in Kansas City a number of years ago. We haven't lived in Kansas for 12 years so I know
they're at least that old. I remember that their original price was something ungodly, and the
sale price was ridiculously low. Hence the purchase. They were quite large, heavy and
chock-full of pine cones.
they're at least that old. I remember that their original price was something ungodly, and the
sale price was ridiculously low. Hence the purchase. They were quite large, heavy and
chock-full of pine cones.
While I haven't used them every year, they have cropped up from time to time at Christmas.
Usually I just place a red plaid bow on them, stick in a few berry picks and leave it at that.
But this year I wanted to go beyond that. I've been greatly inspired by the many deer antler
wreaths I've seen out there in blogland, as well as in my favorite catalogs. I was particularly
inspired by Ballard Designs. I've included screenshots of their online catalog so I could
show you what I mean.
They sell these antler wreaths individually for $59 (12") or $89 (18"). As you can see in the
pictures, they recommend topping a regular evergreen wreath with one of their antler wreaths.
I kind of like how that looks, but my pocketbook doesn't. So I got crafty.
Last year I stumbled across these antler ornaments at Wal-Mart. I picked up two of them and was quite happy with my purchase. (Each ornament is actually two individual antlers attached together.) But after I got home I was kicking myself for not buying more. Fast forward to Christmas 2015. Lo and behold, Wal-Mart had the antler ornaments again! So of course I stocked up.
When I purchased the antlers this time I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them.
All I did was place the antlers on the wreath where I wanted them, and then I used very thin picture
hanging wire to attach them.
This shows the placement of the antlers before attaching them. I moved them around
quite a bit at first until I got them right where I wanted them. I purposefully did not
hot glue them. Knowing my proclivity for changing taste in decor, I'm sure by next
year I'll be ready for a change. The good news is that I can still use them as ornaments!
I can see them placed upon a tree with a rustic/woodland theme....or maybe even painted
white.....but that's a blog post for another day.
Here is one of them to the left of the fireplace. I'm not very good at taking pictures
of our family room so I apologize for the photo quality. Part of the problem is bad
lighting no matter the time of day, and the fact that the room has really high ceilings
and a HUGE mantel. The brick goes all the way up the ceiling, making decorating
this wall above the fireplace a real challenge. I actually placed one wreath on each
side of the mantel, I just could not get a good picture of both at the same time.
I do think the wreaths fit in nicely with my simple, rustic mantel. This year it's all about
simplicity. I used my estate sale vintage minnow buckets to hold burlap-wrapped
mini-Christmas trees with lights, and then I just added some pine cone candlesticks
and a reindeer silhouette plate. I put mini battery-operated fairy lights in the "trees" and
LED candles in the candlesticks. Together they create a lovely ambiance at night.
simplicity. I used my estate sale vintage minnow buckets to hold burlap-wrapped
mini-Christmas trees with lights, and then I just added some pine cone candlesticks
and a reindeer silhouette plate. I put mini battery-operated fairy lights in the "trees" and
LED candles in the candlesticks. Together they create a lovely ambiance at night.
Here's the final product paired with one of my vintage-inspired Santas.
Isn't he darling? I think it makes for a cute vignette. What do you think?
Isn't he darling? I think it makes for a cute vignette. What do you think?
I can't believe that Christmas is almost upon us! And I still have one or two more projects up my sleeve so be sure to stop back and check them out. It's the most wonderful time of the year!
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Kathleen
Leave a Comment!
CUTE! I love it! Great use of the wreath you already had and an awesome way to dress it up :)
Kathleen, I love this wreath - so pretty and I love that it is recycled each year. I saw those same antlers and now could kick myself for not picking some up. Maybe they still have some, lol. Cathy
Love your wreath and the fact that you've had it for a while and reinvented it into to a great rustic wreath. I picked up a few of the antler ornaments at Walmart last year for a project that never happened. I need to find them and put them to good use. sb
I love it!! I actually got a pinecone wreath at the thrift store last year and couldn't believe someone would give it up!! I have it front and center on my mantel this year. Why does everyone's wal-mart seem to carry amazing stuff but ours?! I love the ornaments and what a score that it is a PAIR of antlers and not just one?! And those jingle bells? CUTE! Thank you for such wonderful inspiration!!
Your wreath looks great, Kathleen! What a great way to tweek what you already have! Thanks for sharing!
Perfect upcycle Kathleen and great deal on the antlers! Hugs, Cecilia
Love your wreath the antlers are a perfect touch to your wreath
Never have seen a pine cone wreath and yours is fantastic, with the addition of antlers it really has that rustic country feel...very pretty!!! Best ~ Mickie.
Very clever idea! I'm going to look for a pine cone wreath. I've not had one for many years, and they are perfect for going on through the winter season. Love the addition of the mini antlers. Thanks for sharing the idea. Merry Christmas!
Hello Kathleen! Your antler wreath is awesome and love your creativity. Walmart has great ornaments and you came up with a wonderful plan for these. The fireplace looks all set for the holidays and so very pretty!
JoanMarie
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