Re-working an Old Wreath
The front door to our home is original to the 1910s. At four feet, it is wider than most entry doors. With the side lights, the entire entrance is almost 8′ wide.
Getting a properly scaled wreath is a challenge. Most wreaths are 24″ to 28″ inches as measured by the outside tips of leaves or flowers. This size just look puny on my front door.
This weekend, I went to the French Bee, known for their arrangements and wreaths, but their prices were a bit shocking ($749 for a wreath…..whaaaaatttt???). Even with their 50% off sale, I couldn’t justify spending that amount of money (with 2 children in college and preparing for a third tuition).
I’ve been pondering what to do for Spring so I dug out an old (really old) wreath I found in the well tower. It was dusty, covered in spider webs (I obviously failed to store it properly) and was a bit less than round. The framework is made from grapevines and felt solid. The artificial flowers and leaves on it were rather skanky and faded.
Some of the raspberries were missing or chewed up and it was clear to me that this wreath needed a facelift.
Because it was so dirty, I washed it with a garden hose and left it in the sun to dry.
As always, the dogs want to help with any DIY project I tackle. So as I was standing back, enjoying the sun and looking at my clean wreath, my beagle, Sox, attempted to lift his leg on it. After scolding him, he did move on to do his business.
I removed all the yellowed plastic magnolia flowers, the broken raspberries and faded leaves.
Some of the underlying vines were in good shape, so I left those in place.
Using new artificial hydrangeas and lilac blooms, I added these to the wreath base.
I did not use a glue gun, but managed to tuck the stems into the grapevine~~which seemed to hold.
I debated whether to add a ribbon, but decided against it. With a red door, the contrast in color is simple and understated.
Recycling and repurposing materials you already have~~is so economical and efficient!
Will your front door have a wreath for Spring? If you are looking for a spring wreath, Balsam Hill has a beautiful selection (unfortunately they are too small for my front door). Some of their new spring designs were created by Courtney, one of my favorite bloggers, at French Country Cottage.
Whether you repurpose an old wreath or buy something new, happy Spring decorating!
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I also use to make some of my wreaths. Nowadays, with my arthritis, and surgery on my knee, it gets harder to do much of anything. I don’t have a front porch, but I’ve been wanting one for years, it just isn’t in the budget at this time. I enjoy all that you do. I use to love working in my yard and making wreaths using vines from my Kiwi bush. Since watching you I think next spring I will make myself a new spring wreath and send you some pictures. Plus I’ve been wanting to paint my front door a “Spanish Red” for years, I saw this color in a magazine years ago and it is really beautiful, not too bright. Keep on doing what you do.
Thank you
Mrs. Kathi, Winston, Georgia
Kathi, having medical issues is so challenging. I hope your knee improves quickly. I’ve had 3 surgeries on my left knee that I blew out skiing many years ago so I can empathize. I don’t know what a Kiwi bush is so I will look that up. Yes, please do send me pictures to [email protected]. We are currently in Charleston, SC and not sure how far you are from us. Will be heading back to Phoenix tomorrow. I love this part of the country. I love a red door too….it might be time to paint my front door again! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.
Yeah, $700 is way too much for a wreath! Yikes! I mean, even if I had the money to spend on a wreath, I think I would rather spend it elsewhere… but I love what you did with your old wreath. It looks great!
I’ve yet to decorate my front porch just because I can never decide on a wreath but now you’ve put me to the challenge. I don’t even have a wreath to start with so I will make sure I purchase one that has a sturdy base like this one with the grapevine base. I will also try to repurpose it instead of trying to purchase one for spring/summer and then another for fall/winter.
Thanks Mary! Your posts are always so helpful and I learn so many practical and encouraging things!!
I’m with you~~even if I had an endless supply of money, I would not spend $700 on a wreath! Since it was hard to initially find a larger diameter wreath, I tend to just repurpose them year to year. Please send me a picture of the wreath you create!!!