Monday, August 15, 2011

Natural Poof Wreath Tutorial

I hope everyone had a great weekend with family and a restful start back to school! I must admit, I have felt very bittersweet today knowing I wasn't heading into my own classroom to teach sweet, eager faces. But I have overwhelmingly felt such a peace about being home full time.  I know it is the right decision for our family in this season, however long it may last. I still feel challenged and inspired and joyful. And the one pupil I tend to full time owns my heart in a big way {and is a genuis! My work is done!}

Today I hung a new wreath that I thought I would share with you. I by no means can claim to have "invented" this design as it has been around the block for a few years now. But, I know many of you {especially family members} don't visit many decorating type blogs, so this may be a first for you to see this wreath made. Since it is fun and cheap, I know if you tried it, you would love it and find a new home for it easily.  : )

Materials:
Foam wreath {I used a flat back wreath so it would hang nicely}
Several packages of natural coffee filters {I used three packages to complete the project}
scissors, hot glue {and lots of it!}, and a strip of fabric
I also used blue painters tape to secure my wreath after hanging


Start by folding each filter into quarters and snipping the end off to remove the point.



Hot glue each filter onto the wreath, nestling them close together. The hot glue will burn a hole into the wreath, but this is fine and will actually create a little "bed" for your wreath to sit upon.



Keep filling in the spots, focusing only on one side {the top}


This is a tip that works well for this wreath- because the filters need a firm hand to support them as they dry, I simply scooted my glue gun over and let it do the hard work of holding each new filter. While it dried, I cut a few more tips off and readied new pieces.


Once your top side is full and fabulous, start working on the side. This is tricky as it is hard to hold and you worry that you are smashing the filters as you work your way around the side. You're not. Don't fret. They will look fine.  : ) Ignore the crease and simply apply them right on the side. I did trim these a bit shorter that the top layer.



Once you have the top and side finished, add a third layer into the open crease to finish the look off.



At this point, I looked for filters that stood out as being too tall and gave them a little trim with my scissors. For the center, instead of adding more folded filters {which you could!}, I just cut several in strips and hot glued them right on to keep the interior smooth.


With this house being close to 90 years old, we have several gorgeous solid wood doors, but I opted to hang this one upstairs on the landing.

So, head on up! 



We have a really nice, large landing at the top of the stairs. There is a baby gate that locks to keep Harbor safely inside so I can fold laundry, get ready in the mornings, take a shower..

The bench under the painting is actually an old tutorial I posted about years and years ago. It is our old kitchen table {David cut the legs down and took out the leaf} and I covered it with foam and a shower curtain. It has been perfect since it is a type of fabric that repels water. We sit there almost every morning and put on our shoes, dry off from baths, put on pajamas, say our prayers. The landing is a central upstairs gathering place.


I purposely have kept the landing simple and clean and white. We "live" up there. We "gather" up there. It needed to be serene and quiet and simple. It just feels right to keep it that way.


I used a piece of fabric and hung it to the backside with my painter's tape.





It adds a little texture to the painting, I think.


And while I snapped pictures in peace and quiet alone, Harbor enjoyed breakfast and The Little Einsteins downstairs.


Have you made this wreath before? Where did you hang it?  : )

8 comments:

  1. That is so pretty and full! I love it! Great job!!
    Your home is so lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have not made this wreath, but I think I may be very soon! It looks like dried flowers from afar!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gorgeous! I need to make this! I love how you hung it over the picture ;. I live in a 100 plus year old house, too. In Carroll, IA.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've made two of these. One for the front door, which eventually went in the guest bedroom, and one for the master bedroom. I made a square and a round. I like the square better. Mine are smaller than yours. I thought I would NEVER finish.....they are so pretty and frilly. =) I love yours! Bradyn loves "Little Einsteins". I love the music aspect of the show and how it's not all get up and go LOUD. =) Very calming. Hope you're having a good week!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have made one! I made mine one Christmas. I also sprayed it lightly with some spray glue and added brown glitter dust to it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. love it! thanks for the tutorial!

    the first few years it felt weird for me too not being in the back to school activities. I always love that time of year.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Super cute wreath Miss Jessica. I don't think I'll ever make one, I hate to use HOT GLUE, I always BURN myself. Where is your big brown shag rug that was on the top landing? I liked it there,Ha!!! I'm remembering how the house looked when I left to come back home. Which feels a very long time ago but its only been 2 1/2 months ago. I'm so happy for you that you are able to be home with Harbor, he will grow up so very fast & once these years are gone you will never be able to get them back.Just ask any mother that has had a child, the time will pass so very fast. Give Harbor a kiss & hug from Poppy & Gigi. We love you all, MOM

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the wreath! It is super and added so much texture to the painting!

    ReplyDelete