Sunday, September 19, 2010

Frugal Fall Wreath

It’s happening… I’m getting the itch to decorate for the holidays, and it’s technically still summer! I just had way too much fun decorating last winter, and I keep thinking of all the things I bought on sale after Christmas that I haven’t even used yet! I know Hobby Lobby already has all their Christmas stuff out for this year, but even I have to admit it’s a little early to be decking the halls just yet.

When it comes down to it, I really just like the look of a wreath on our front door, and it makes our barren porch feel a little more welcoming.


Then I thought to myself, Why do I need to wait until Christmas to hang a wreath? What about fall, you idiot? Yes, autumn – with it’s cool weather and beautiful colors – is almost upon us. The perfect excuse for some seasonal decorating.

Hob Lob knows this, too. With several aisles dedicated to fall/Halloween decor (at 50% off!), I knew I would be able to find the wreath I was looking for. And I certainly did find plenty of lovely, leafy wreaths… for $99.99. (Hellooo, sticker shock!) Even at the half-off price of $50, I’ll pass, thankyouverymuch. What makes a wreath so freakin’ expensive anyway?

Not to be deterred, I picked my jaw up off the floor and put my eyeballs back in their sockets. I knew I’d just have to channel my crafty side if I wanted a wreath on a cheapskate budget. On a new mission, I headed over to the floral/dried department and found a plain wreath made of branches for $5 (original price). Then I returned to the fall section and picked out a simple leaf garland for $9.99 (original price).

 As you can probably guess, all I did was wrap the garland around the wreath several times, tucking the ends into the branches to secure them. Easy peasy. But the cheap plastic used to string all the leaves together was still showing in places, so some skillful leaf-fluffing ensued. Then I pulled some leaves off the back side and wove them into the front to make it look a little fuller. 
WARNING: The wreath makes a mess because all the little twigs that fall off of it, so I'd recommend doing this outside or on a floor that's easy to sweep up.



Overall, I admit it's not too terribly crafty or creative. But by golly, it’s cheap and it does the trick! I'm kind of fond of the simple, understated look. If I wanted to add some of the bells and whistles like those $50 pre-made wreaths have, all I’d need to do is hot glue some accents (like mini pine cones, berries, or pumpkins) around it to dress it up.

Branch wreath - $2.99 (with 40% off coupon)
Leaf garland - $4.99 (50% off)
Grand total - $7.98

So there you have it – my frugal fall wreath at a price that’s much easier to stomach.

Is fall fever inspiring you to decorate yet?




I'm linking this project up to:

15 comments:

Marleah said...

I love the simplicity! If Hays got a Hobby Lobby, payday would be dangerous for me. But I still want one.

Danielle and Clint said...

This really looks great with the color of your front door! LOL! I love how you called it "Hob Lob!" I think I will have to use that now.

Amanda @ Little House on the Corner said...

marleah - Hays is missing out!! But yes, you would be in trouble if they had one. :)

Danielle - thanks! I can't take credit for "Hob Lob" though... I saw it first on other blogs. :)

Life in Rehab said...

We have full on Fall Fever over here, and your wreath is really cute. Nifty price tag too.

micah said...

I think the crafty gene skipped right over me...

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

I love the wreath. It looks lovely. I've been feeling mighty fallish, but the weather turned back to 90 today. Yuck.

Amanda @ Little House on the Corner said...

Life in Rehab - Thanks for the comment! I'm headed over to check out your fall fever now. :)

Oh c'mon Micah, you can be crafty...

Kim - Thanks! It has been 90+ for the past couple of days here, too. I'm tired of it!

Dolores said...

The wreath looks great and the fall colors match perfectly with your door. Oh and the price is definitely right! I hope to see more thrifty tips & tricks from you! :)

Katie @ consumerkatiescomments said...

Great Job!! Simple is always great! I actually decorated my living room just the other day for the fall...I'm definitly ready for it this year!

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

Nice ... I love the way it fits in the arch at the top of your door.

Sara @ Russet Street Reno said...

That is really pretty, Amanda! Love it!

Kim's Treasures said...

The colors compliment your brick and door perfectly. I love how full the wreath looks!

Chelsea@ThisFreshFossil said...

Yeesh! $50? For a wreath? It would kill me to pay $20!

On another note - your wreath is beautiful! Simple and understated - I like it. And the colors look great against your door!

Thanks for stopping by This Fresh Fossil and leaving a comment - but I'm sorry to hear that your fake leaves leak dye when wet! :( It's still pretty, though. ;)

~Chelsea

Oleander said...

ooo, nice, how did you get it to stay on your door?

Amanda @ Little House on the Corner said...

Hi Oleander - I forgot to include that part! I just used one of those clear suction cup wreath holders... I think I found it at Wal-Mart last Christmas. It does the job and stays nicely hidden!

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