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DIY Fall Harvest Wreath with Tea Stained Flag {Picture Tutorial}

What better way to welcome Fall into our homes than with a handcrafted wreath?

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Inspired by a variety of beautiful wreaths, I incorporated elements from a few to make one of my own ~

A swag of country dried broom corn, wheat, tree berries, bakuli pods and raffia are surrounded by a swirl of burlap ribbon and accented with hand-painted barn stars and hand-sewn buttons.

A tea-stained American flag with red stitching detail adds old world charm and the finishing touch!

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Let’s get started!

Here is a list of materials you will need. Most of them can be found at your local craft store ~

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Natural grapevine wreath

A swag of assorted dried Fall items such as broom corn, bakuli pods, pip berries, wheat, etc.

American flag

6 Tea bags

Five-pointed paper mache barn star

Wooden appliqué barn stars

Non-toxic acrylic paints (I used shades of oxblood and metallic gold)

An eclectic mix of buttons

Burlap ribbon

Raffia/Indian corn husks

Jute twine

Bamboo skewer or popsicle stick

Needle and thread (to sew on buttons)

Sewing machine and red thread for flag (optional)

Hot glue gun and glue sticks to reattach flag (optional)

Paintbrush

Scissors

***

Preparation:

Sew border around flag with red thread (optional).

Steep 6 tea bags in a large bowl of water. Soak flag for 20-30 minutes to get desired amount of staining.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Remove and arrange as pictured to dry. This will give the flag a waved effect.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Paint stars and allow to dry.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Create two mini swags (trim, arrange, tie base with jute twine).

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Directions:

Using burlap ribbon, tie a loose knot around the bottom of the wreath.

Insert flag and swags into the knot and tighten.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Arrange remaining burlap ribbon in desired position.

Puncture the back of the paper mache barn star with a bamboo skewer or popsicle stick and insert into burlap ribbon.

Tuck applique stars under the twigs in different parts of the wreath.

Insert leftover dried pieces from the swags into the burlap ribbon.

Sew buttons onto the burlap ribbon.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Hang & Enjoy!

♥

Fun Eco Project: DIY Terrariums

Terrariums are wonderful, magical environments. They are fun to make and are a great opportunity for children to learn how ecosystems work. Terrariums are essentially miniature ecosystems that can sustain themselves for long periods of time, very similar to that in the real world. The glass lid creates a continuous rain cycle: Moisture evaporates from the soil and plant leaves, water gathers on the top and sides of the jars, and then it returns to the moisture-loving plants. This was a fun and educational eco project that my niece and I did together to celebrate the early days of spring.

Items You Will Need:

* A glass jar and lid (apothecary jar, mason jar, candy jar, repurposed food jar, etc). Make sure the opening is large enough.

* Small stones, pebbles or aquarium rocks

* Activated charcoal (found at your local garden center)

* Potting soil

* Moss

* Small live plants – Select plants that have similar environmental needs. Slow growing, low light varieties work well.

* Decorative objects – I used a miniature gnome and mushroom toadstool to add character to my whimsical woodland-themed terrarium.

Instructions:

1. Find a good spot to assemble your terrarium – it can be a little messy.

2. Clean your jar well to prevent bacteria from growing and so you can see all the wonderful things growing inside.

3. Place a layer of pebbles on the bottom of the jar to allow for proper drainage.

4. Add a small layer of charcoal on top of the pebbles to filter the water and keep the soil fresh.

5. Add a layer of moss on top of the charcoal to keep the soil out of the drainage area.

6. Add a layer of soil deep enough for proper root growth.

7. Add your plant selections. Be sure to loosen up the roots a bit and pack the soil tightly around the plants.

8. Add the decorative objects to their new habitat.

9. Mist with water to dampen. Place the lid on.

10. Place your terrarium where it will receive indirect sunlight.

With a little care, terrariums can last many years. The plants will need to be trimmed occasionally to keep the balance of the ecosystem, but most maintenance will be to mist or slightly water the terrarium about once a month. A little condensation is ideal but be careful not to over water. If it is too wet, simply remove the lid and it will evaporate.

Enjoy!