Wreaths Are Expensive for a Reason

Each week when I sit down to write this column, I fear that it’s going to come across like that Friends episode where Phoebe makes Gladys the painting and tries to give it to Monica. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, there’s a clip attached to this story.

I set out to make a wreath this week because there are few things that make me happier than coming home after a long day to my home with my wreath and my doormat.  The only thing is that they’re so expensive. To get a quality wreath, you’re looking at spending upwards of $50.

I made two and learned a few lessons:

1. Keep it simple. I made one football wreath that I designed on my own that turned out fine. I made another fall wreath that was elaborate and from a tutorial and it turned out a little gaudy.
2. Buy wired ribbon. A multitude of mistakes can be covered with a big bow. I bought $1 ribbon at and it just wasn’t as pretty.
3. Check out for wreath bases. I got one of mine for $8 at a store and another for $3 at Goodwill in Hickory Flat. It took a second to remove the decorations, but it was just as good. The second-hand ones are less messy, because all of the loose pieces have already fallen off.
4. Look for items you can use to decorate it. Workers at Michael’s wouldn’t sell me the last elephant cut out, so I bought a football stress ball to glue on.

If you like the idea of putting a frame on the wreath, make sure you have something to put in the frame. Personally, I get overwhelmed in the scrapbooking section of stores, so I got a notecard with my initial to frame. It’s OK, but I’m not crazy about it.

You can save money by making your own. A few flowers, a big bow and you’re done. I spent about $20 on the football wreath:

• $8 for the base
• $3 for the letters at Walmart
• $1 for red paint from Michael’s
• $6 for ribbon from Michael’s

Note: Don't be mad if you're not an Alabama fan. You can change those letters and colors for any team. 

I spent about $10 on the fall wreath:

• $3 for the base at Goodwill
• 97 cents for the flowers at Goodwill
• $2 for the bead things at Michael’s
• $3 for the ribbon at Michael’s
• $1 for the frame
• $1 for the note cards
• 50 cents for the background paper

I used hot glue to put them together. There are very few things a hot glue gun won’t fix. 

If you do decide to make your own wreath, be sure to send us photos and tips. Upload your creative ideas to this story or send them to us.