It's That Time Again, Part 2

Boo!

Halloween crafts, part deux!  I finally got the burlap I ordered from my new BFF Amazon so I could finish my second Halloween project.  I found a fun burlap wreath how-to online last year, but I didn't get around to doing it last Halloween.  I'll give you a little rundown of what I did, and you can check out the tutorial that inspired me here.

I kind of made my own version of it by making a different Trick or Treat sign and using some whimsical Halloween ornaments I already had instead of the crow from the sample wreath.  The Halloween ornaments are from Pier 1, and I just love busting them out every October.  How can those pseudo-scary faces not make you happy?  I'm a little bit of a Pier 1 junkie.  Well, I guess I used to be when I had easy access to the store & didn't have to worry about outrageous shipping costs.  Lower Forty-Eight:  1.  Alaska:  0.

Anyway, for the wreath form, I used foam plumbing pipe liner from the hardware store.  You could also use a pool noodle, but since Kodiak is a little short on pool supply stores, I opted for the plumbing foam.  Just cut it to the size you want and tape it together with some duct tape and you're ready to go.  You could also use a pre-made wreath form, but this worked better for me since the materials were easier to get.

Once you have your wreath form ready, you'll want to cut the burlap into strips, about 1 inch by 18 inches, give or take a few inches.  Then tie each strip around the foam until you fill the length of the wreath.  You may want more or longer burlap strips for a fuller wreath, and you can adjust it as you go.  Just a little FYI:  when you're working with burlap, it tends to shed a little bit.  So, don't be surprised if you have little pieces of black lint to vacuum up after you're done.

When I first started working on this project, I didn't realize I would need so much burlap.  Like I mentioned earlier, I ran out when I was about halfway around the wreath and had to order more online. - Because apparently people in Kodiak don't need to have easy access to burlap on the island.  Lower Forty-Eight:  2.   Alaska:  0.

After the wreath was all filled in, I hung the sign & attached the ornaments to finish it off.  For the sign, I just cut a cardboard box into the shape I wanted, & I glued a print out of "Trick or Treat" onto the cardboard backing.  I used dafont.com for the lettering.  If you're into unique fonts, I recommend checking it out.  Most of the fonts are free, and there are lots of designs to choose from - it's a terrific resource.  The pumpkin and bat pictures are just clip art from google images.

I also put a coat of Mod Podge on the sign to seal it, and used some black string I already had to create the border.  I almost wish I made the sign with wood instead of cardboard so it would be more durable, but I think it'll work fine for now.  I love how the finished product turned out! 

I realized after I finished why a more rigid wreath form would be a better choice for this project.  It's kind of sagging a little bit, and I think it would maintain its round shape better with a more rigid frame.  Maybe next time I'll use wire or flexible PVC pipe on the inside of the foam to give it the stability and structure it needs.  Oh well - hindsight is 20/20, right?  Hopefully it lasts through Halloween!

It's hard to pick because I love all of them, but I think my favorite little guy might be the mummy.  Or the vampire.  Or maybe the devil.  Oh fine, they're all my favorite.  Between mini-vampire pumpkins and a burlap wreath, I think I can call it a wrap on crafty Halloween decorating for this year. - Hope you get inspired to try something Halloweeny yourself!

Ta-ta for now.