DIY Wreath for Under $5

I went to the Dollar Tree to grab a few last minute things for Faith's birthday two weeks back and browsed the floral arts & crafts area.  They have 12" wreaths and a great assortment of faux silk flowers.  I grabbed a set of Gerbera Daisies, cattails with grass, and dahlias.  From my previous DIY efforts, I already had floral wire, floral tape, and wired burlap ribbon.

THINGS NEEDED

1.  12" GRAPEVINE WREATH

I like using the grapevine wreaths; they're sturdy and somewhat easy to manipulate to pull through the wiring on the flowers and wrap into place.  Since this is a smaller wreath, I decided to use this for indoor seasonal decor.  It's recommended that wreaths should be 18-20" in diameter for the front door.  My first DIY spring wreath project was 20" wreath I purchased at A.C. Moore.

Dollar Tree wreath, Joann 12" wreath

2.  FAUX SILK FLOWERS

Since the Gerbera daisies were large, I was able to cover the majority of the wreath.  If I wanted to cover the full wreath, I could have added in a fourth flower set.  Each set of flowers came with a total of five separate blooms.

3.  FLORAL WIRE & TAPE

For my next wreath project, I'm going to invest in brown floral tape - it would blend in better with the wreath.

Dollar Tree floral wire (24 gauge) & tape,  Jo-Ann brown floral tape, floral wire (24 gauge)

I included links to Jo-Ann's products since you have to buy things in bulk from Dollar Tree.  Jo-Ann is having special - 25% off + $2.99 shipping.  It won't be as cheap if you can't make it to your local dollar store, but probably under $10 for the supplies not including the flowers.

DIY STEPS

1.  CUT OFF INDIVIDUAL FLOWERS & WRAP W/ WIRE

I cut off each of the individual blooms and left about 6" of stem.  After cutting off the stem, I took the petals from the cut off piece and pushed it underneath the flower bloom to add some dimension.  It also helps to anchor the floral wire.  You need 24" pieces of floral wire for each bloom.  Refer to my instructions here for wiring the flowers.

2.  WRAP FLORAL TAPE AROUND WIRE

Once the wire has been completed twister, wrap each twisted length in floral tape.  I rotate the flower and leave the tape on the roll rather than cutting one long strip that could get tangled.  As I rotate the wired stem, I ocassionally press the tape into the stem so it's firmly on there and not as bulky.

3.  ARRANGE FLOWERS IN WREATH

I knew I wanted to cluster all of the cattails together.  After I got those in place and contrasted the cattails with the cream dahlias, I just randomly arranged the rest of the flowers.  Once you push the taped stem through and get it situated in place, wrap the stem around one of the grapevines that allows it to stay in the arranged spot.

FINAL PRODUCT

WRAP UP

Next I need to tackle finishing up my dining room table centerpiece now that I've changed my table linens over (reveal in a future post) and do something with my fireplace mantel.  I've seen some great posts on other blogs with their fall decor updates so there's plenty of inspiration out there.  Do you focus on fall or go straight into Halloween mode?  I'm thinking my mantel is going to be a combination of the two - some Fall mixed in with some Halloween elements. 

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FRIDAY FEELING - KIDS EDITION

TGIF!  Do you remember that line up in 90s with Full House, Step by Step, and Boy Meets World - so, so good.  Everytime I see or here TGIF, my mind is drawn back to that magical time of Friday nights, watching my favorite shows in my pre-teens after finishing dance class and enjoying pizza.  I think I'm getting nolstagic because my little girl just turned 4, my son is now 16 months old, and in less than two weeks I'm turning 35!  35!  I can't believe it.  #FridayFeeling

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links and may result in me getting a commission at no cost to you.  This has no impact on my style choices or opinions.

1.  FAITH IS 4

Faith turned 4 this past Tuesday.  When she came downstairs, I said "Happy Birthday" and she replied, "Does this mean I'm finally 4".  I said "Yes" and she shouted "YAAAY" and jumped up and down.  That kid cracks me up with her enthusiasm for everything.  This year we're doing gymnastics, dance, and giving sports a try with soccer (so far, I'd say that's 50/50 - a bit of a love hate).  I'm excited to see what this year brings and what Faith learns at her new school.  

2.  DEAN IS 16 MO

Dean definitely keeps me on my toes (as discussed in this post) and I'm grateful we invested in our safety measures (my picks here).  The climbing has extended to his high chair, the trash insert, and the dining room chairs.  He has also taken a shine to Faith's Micro Mini Kick Scooter and started to figure out how to ride around on it.  Recently, I found some great deals on shoes at our local Marshalls.  I found a pair of gray velcro Converse seankers and velcro strap Timberland boots for $45 for Dean and while I was there I grabbed a pair of Nike sneakers for Faith at $25.

Below is a round up of some great shoe options that you could buy for your littles.  I can't begin to tell you how great it is to have velcro strap shoes.

3. RAINBOW THEME FOR THE PARTY

Here are some purchases we made to round out decorations for the party room at Faith's birthday celebration tomorrow.

I bought 36 unfrosted cucpakes from Stop n Shop for under $20 - what a deal!  I'm going to buy white frosting, mix it with food coloring, and create something similar to below.

Image via Yum Food and Fun For Kids

We bought the birthday banner and napkins from Target for handing out the cupcakes.  We didn't need to buy any of the other party supplies since they're provided by the venue.

Some Dollar Tree purchases - red, yellow, and blue pom-pom garlands to represent Rainbow Dash's cutey mark and Skittles fun size packs.

4.  RAINBOW DRESS FOR BIRTHDAY GIRL

I'm thinking for Faith's birthday celebration, she could wear something fun and fitting with the theme.  If you've thought about putting together a rainbow themed party or have a nut for rainbows like my daughter, below are some really cute options.  I need to stop by Target today and I'm hoping I can that cute striped number.  If I were closer to a Nordstrom, I wold totally go for Boden dress.

5. ANTI-AGING CREAM

Due to my impending milestone bday, I've been really thinking about trying out an anti-aging cream and see if it helps with my crows feet and forehead lines. Here are a few that are affordable and on the top ten best drugstore retinol creams.

I hope all of you are having a great Friday and an even better weekend!

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