If you have an abundance of acorns covering your yard or if you happen to know of someone who has a bumper crop that they want to get rid of, make a magnificent wreath with them this season. My friend Chris, created one of the most beautiful acorn wreaths that I've ever seen, and its symmetrical beauty, along with its rustic charm, is worthy of any home large or small. I asked Chris how he made the wreath from start to finish, because I wanted all of you to be inspired to create something wonderful to adorn your home for the holidays.
The instructions from Chris are straightforward and easy, so if you want to make your wreath just like the one gracing his beautiful Connecticut home, gather the tools and materials, and begin this weekend.
Acorn Wreath Tools & Materials
- 14" Tubular Styrofoam Wreath Form (solid)
- brown paint (spray or acrylic)
- matte lacquer spray
- hot glue gun (with sticks)
- Approximately 2-1/2 - 3 gallons of acorns
- craft paper (to cover work surface)
- baking sheets
- ribbon
- needle & thread
- Pick through your acorns and discard any that are blemished. Carefully wash all of the acorns in hot soapy water to remove any detritus; pat dry. Scatter acorns on clean baking sheets and place them in a preheated 300° F (150°C) oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. This helps dry the acorns and kill off any bugs or microbes.
- Paint the solid tubular wreath form in brown paint to hide the green wreath color, and let dry completely.
- Working on a surface covered in craft paper, begin gluing the acorns in a symmetrical pattern on one side of the wreath, filling in spaces as you go. Let the one side dry and set completely. Gently flip the wreath over and continue in the same pattern, until you have completed the wreath. Let the wreath set.
- Once it is complete, spray the entire wreath with a matte lacquer spray. This will act as a protective coating, but it will also even out the color of the acorns and give it a nice sheen, which Chris likes. Let this dry.
- To hang: loop a length of ribbon (Chris used a rustic, burlap ribbon) around the wreath to the desired length; depending on where you will hang it, this can get attached behind a mirror with a staple gun or tied around a picture nail). Attach the end of the looped ribbon to a surface and secure it.
- To finish: tie a beautiful bow using the same ribbon and stitch it to the vertical ribbon. Done!
Easy!
Chris says that it is important to have a very symmetrical wreath that is crafted on both sides if it is to be hung in front of a large mirror.
Stitching the beautiful bow onto the looped ribbon is ingenious!
Chris likes this mixed nut wreath in the shape of a star. Using a foamboard backing, the nuts are attached in a haphazard, yet harmonious manner.
With several holidays approaching in the weeks to come, it's nice to spruce up our homes with festive, decorative touches. Adding a wreath or two to one's surroundings is a great way to bring some warmth, festive cheer and color to any space. Making a nut wreath like this, which can get used for years to come, will undoubtedly be a great way to usher in any fall or winter holiday.
Happy Crafting,
David
We have several oak trees. Unfortunately, the deer have eaten the acorns. This wreath is absolutely beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteHa! Well, there is always next year. For some reason I think the oaks produced more acorns this year than in the past.
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
Chris did such an amazing job with this wreath. It's nothing short of stunning!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing, Kenn? He did a phenomenal job!
Delete