MAKING FALL WREATHS

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7. Take three orange marigolds and two strawflowers and arrange them so the color is distributed evenly. Glue them down.

8. Add any nuts, seeds, and wasp's nests you might want to use.

9. Now stand back and take a look at what you've done thus far. (You shouldn't be able to see any shape problems or holes when you're right on top of the wreath. Standing back for a minute and getting a good perspective is important in producing a professional-looking wreath.) Queen Anne's lace is a super filler, so-still staying in one section-fill any holes, even up the inner or outer sides, and add another piece of color if needed. Now stand back again and you should have your one section full and finished.

10. For your second moss section, follow the exact same procedures as you did with the first (steps 5 through 9).

11. Take the Queen Anne's lace, oats, and yarrow you set aside and fill in between the milkweed flowers.

12. Stand back and look. The entire decorated side of your wreath should have an evenness to it. You may find a need to fill in here or there or a need for more color in places. Trust your own judgment and add whatever is needed.

13. The final touch is a raffia bow. Raffia looks super with all natural work. Taking all your raffia strands with one hand, find the midway point. Make a loop to one side; then take the bow and wrap it around the loop and pull it through the knot. Even out the loops and trim the raffia ends so they are also even. Glue your bow securely to the middle of the exposed base of the vines.

14. Lightly spray the dried-flower sections with clear acrylic.

Congratulations on completing your wreath! I'll bet you did a lot better than you thought you would. You probably even surprised yourself by how beautiful it looks.

I'm also sure you have more creative ideas on other natural wreaths you want to make. It's time to take another walk, cut some different vines, and go out looking for more unique natural materials. Maybe try tying the bow on the bottom or the top of the wreath next time; even no bow at all looks great sometimes. Plan to cover the entire wreath base next time and use it as a centerpiece. This is particularly beautiful when combined with seasonal, freshcut flowers.

I'm always making two wreaths in my mind as I'm finishing up one. But that's hardly a problem, because these lovingly made natural wreaths make unique gifts all year round. Your friends will really appreciate a present that comes from your own two hands (with a little help from Mother Earth).

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