Decorating Idea – Wreaths with a Twist
by Lesley

Just because I'm traditional, doesn't mean I have to be boring, especially when it comes to my holiday decorations. Course, I'm no Martha, with an endless budget and time to string up five hundred cranberries. And on the other hand, I also hate the look of the cheaper decorations, all tinsel and plastic. Often times the nicer pre-made stuff – real evergreens or things laced with gold and silver – cost too much to be seasonal. But, fear not, my fellow holiday fanatics - for there is something we can do about it.

Let's take the good old door wreath, for example. Traditionally green and garnished with red ribbons or holly berries…if you want a cookie cutter door decoration just like everyone on your street. But I've found that with very little money and a lot of imagination you can easily turn that welcome circle into something personal and unique. Even better, your wreath can be so stylish it's a welcome sign for any season, not just the holidays.

It's true that in years past people knocking on my door might think me a bit odd – especially when they saw the Spice Girls wreath I'd created. Did I care? No, because those who knew me well appreciated the Girl Power message I was sharing for holidays. The wreath was very simple – I actually used a faux evergreen wreath (cause plastic is a-okay for the Spice Girls), laced it with a shimmer ribbon, attached some puffy Spice Girl stickers and a little spray on glitter. And in no time I had a very thrifty dec that celebrated my kick-ass female spirit.

This year I made a new creation – one that incorporates the Parisian flamboyance of the Moulin Rouge. My friends will not be surprised.

I concentrated on primary colors – Blue, Yellow, and of course Red. I've opted for a grapevine dried wreath, which cost about 4 bucks at my local craft store, and looks much more elegant than the fake one. Also at the craft store I purchased a few glittery touches – flowers, some sparkly balls with feathers (which was what set the idea in my mind), and yes, a few sprigs of holly berries (but they're sparkly!). All of these cost between 50 and 90 cents each.

Feathers, again in those same primary colors, are the bulk of the wreath. These feathers, purchased at the craft store for a few bucks a bag, are easily stuck into the crevaces of the wreath. I started with the feathers, then stuck in the various store-bought decorations evenly around the wreath. I did have to use wire cutters to cut off the ends of some of the longer pieces, but there was no glue or heavy artillery needed for attaching.

I finished off the wreath with some duplications of paintings and advertisements of the time period. I happened to already have these – either from postcards I'd purchased here and there or from some craft paper that I use for various decopauge projects. I copied each of these on my home color all-in-one printer, reducing the size so they were only a few square inches. I then attached them to foam, to make a harder backing, and sprayed the front with a clear matte finish so that the paper would not get warped by moisture. I hot-glued on some wire to the back of each piece and stuck them into the wreath where I wanted them.

The whole project assembly took me no more than an hour, and I can easily remove all the things and use the base wreath again for next year's wacky theme. Total estimated cost, including all materials, about 24 bucks. You'd spend at least that much on a pre-made wreath of the same caliber, and this one is so much more fun (and me!).

So put down that boring, old door wreath and join the revolution. And who says wreaths are only for winter – why not create a sunny design for your door in June, or any other month for that matter. Be inventive and unafraid to use non-traditional materials to create a new look, and show everyone who comes to your door how unique you are. Finally, assert these same ideals on your other holiday decorating ideas, and in no time you'll have the hippest house in the neighborhood.

Don't rule out the idea of making a customized wreath as a gift for a relative, friend or neighbor. Just as long as you know what their passions and tastes are. Sure, your friend may be a huge David Bowi fan, but do they love him enough to hang a Ziggy Stardust wreath on their door? Perhaps if they're anything like me they will. Hmmm…I think I can see next year's theme.