Homemade Thanksgiving Decorations Courtesy of Mother Nature

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

20 Nov 2008 03:33 PM

Don't break the bank buying a slew of Thanksgiving decorations this year. Rather, take a walk around your yard or stroll through a local park. That's where you'll be able to pick up materials needed to make your own festive holiday decor... for free.

Take a look:

NATURE-MADE THANKSGIVNG WREATH

Let your creativity flow when making this wreath. You are only limited by the amount and variety of natural materials that you're able to gather. In addition to being an extremely affordable craft, this natural wreath is also a breeze to make. If you organize your materials ahead of time you can have your wreath done in less than 30 minutes.

Materials:

10-inch straw wreath (You can find these for less than $1 at various crafts stores and larger discount stores.)

Nuts

Pinecones

Bright fall leaves

Dried flowers

Acorns

3 to 4 sticks about 5-inches long

Ribbon in autumnal colors (orange, yellow, gold, brown, rust, red, etc.)

Hot glue gun

Spray-on acrylic

Directions:

Spread newspaper on work surface, making sure you thoroughly cover entire surface.

Open windows for ventilation and place sticks on newspaper. Spray sticks with acrylic. Allow to dry and re-apply spray, making sure you coat both sides liberally. Let sticks dry completely.

Glue sticks together.

Tie the ribbon around the sticks, leaving the long ends of the ribbon to dangle down. Set aside.

Hot glue leaves around the straw wreath, leaving about an inch of space between each leaf. Then, take more leaves and glue them in the spaces making sure the leaves overlap.

Hot glue acorns and other nuts, along with the pinecones, dried flowers, and other natural embellishments.

Continue gluing on materials until you are satisfied with the result.

Check for loose items. Apply more glue if an item is not on firmly.

Place wreath onto newspapers. Liberally spray acrylic onto the wreath, making sure all parts of the wreath are well coated.

Hot glue ribbon-tied sticks onto bottom of wreath.

Hang wreath on your front door or another place where guests will be able to admire it.

Related Articles:

Fun Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Thanksgiving

Keeping Kids Busy on Thanksgiving

More Easy Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crafts

Thoughtful Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crafts for Kids

Fall Art Projects Featuring Squash

Decorations Using Acorn Squash

Fall Fun for Kids: Acorn Art Projects

Fun Fall Crafts for Preschoolers: Homemade Trees

More Ways to Have Fun with Fall Leaves

Autumn Crafts for Kids: Fun with Leaves

How to Make a Unique Fall Wreath with Your Kids

Seasonal Decorating-Getting Your Home Ready For Fall

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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