Crafts: Nut Wreath

• Photo/Art by Webb Chappell/Wonderful Machine

  http://www.yankeemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy_cms_images/11482.jpg
  

Nature’s autumn harvest is on elegant display when you craft a simple yet beautiful nut wreath. Here’s how, in four easy steps.

From ancient times, nuts have symbolized hospitality and plenty in cultures around the world. Now our simple project lets you greet your guests and celebrate the season with nature’s own bounty. Start with an assortment of nuts from your local market and your own backyard; hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, pecans, and acorns should all be easy to find. Then pick up a wreath form at your local craft store, such as Michaels or A.C. Moore (choose wood or grapevine, as foam deteriorates too easily). Apply glue and you’ll soon transform it into a festive adornment for your front door–or any room in your home.

–Bridget Samburg

You’ll Need:
assorted nuts, in shell, about 4 pounds
glue & hot-glue gun
16″ wreath form (wood or grapevine)
ribbon (broad or medium width)
wreath hanger or picture hook

Step One:
Loosely group nuts according to size.

Step Two:
Glue the larger nuts to the wreath form first. Leave some spaces along the way, creating patterns and gaps where you’ll layer on the other nut varieties.

Step Three:
Add the smaller nuts around the entire wreath. Be sure to cover gaps in between the larger nuts, and cover the wreath’s inner and outer edges, too (so that the form won’t show when you hang it).

Step Four:
Tie a bow around the top or bottom of your wreath, and hang it on your door or wall as a tasteful accent piece.