Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Southern Summer Wreath

Last week I started looking for ideas for a summer wreath for my front door.
I really don't like to spend a lot of money on faux flowers since my door is in full sun for half the day. The flowers fade so badly that I usually only get one season or so from the wreath.

 I wanted to do a summery "southern style", but the only things I had in the house were some magnolia branches I bought last year at GW and an old grape vine wreath. 

I wanted to use something different, but what?

As I stood there staring at the bare wreath I remembered the plate I had found at GW a while back. Just ignore the place mats.



Hmmm. Maybe I could attach the plate to the wreath...


I wanted to write "welcome" on the plate and decided to use a permanent marker. Pre-printed letters would probably look nicer, but I didn't know if they would stay on in the humidity and rain.
Please excuse the quality of the writing... I didn't get the "calligraphy gene" either. :)




After the marker dried, I tied the plate to the wreath with waxed string. We've had the roll of string  forever...and I don't know where we got it-- but you could use wire...or hot glue if the plate isn't too heavy.



I glued Spanish moss behind the plate and a couple of faux flowers. The ribbon came with the plate to hang it, but I decided to tie it on the bottom.



For Independence Day, I added two small flags.


Happy Summer and Happy 4th of July!

I'm hurrying to join Kim@SavvySouthernStyle for Wow Us Wednesday. See you there.

And also visiting Sherry@NoMinimalistHere for Open House Party ThursdaysPhotobucketNo Minimalist Here

Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to check out my giveaway seen HERE.
Hugs, Babs

23 comments:

Kathy said...

What a beautiful wreath! Great idea to add the plate - just the right touch!
Kathy

A Brit in Tennessee said...

What a creative way to display the plate, and it makes a beautiful summer wreath !
You are so smart :)
Lovely...
~Jo

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love your wreath. That is such a great idea, and I love the use of the plate. I think the welcome looks fabulous. I sure need to do something to my front door. Love yours. Hugs, marty

On Crooked Creek said...

Babs,
Gorgeous! I adore your creativity!!! The addition of the American Flags is stunning! Beautiful wreath!
Fondly,
Pat

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Babs, that looks great. Your writing looks fine to me. Thanks for linking this up.

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Babs,
Your wreath is so pretty. What a great use of the plate to welcome your guests. Love the addition of the flags, too.

Haven said...

What a clever idea! Oh, my...now I'm following another blog all because of this beautiful wreath. Thanks for having me!

Stacey said...

Your wreath is so pretty! It has all the perfect elements for this time of year. :)

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

What a creative way..the wreath is so pretty! Great use of beautiful plates:)Thanks for sharing this great idea. Hope to see you on my blog:)
Happy 4th of July!

Blondie's Journal said...

I love it! You are clever and creative. Now I want to make one!!

XO,
Janie

Savannah Granny said...

What an awesome idea. I can't think of another look that would have been better. I love the plate and I would say that your "calligraphy gene" is alive and well. The flags are just the perfect touch. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Ginger

Emreen said...

Wow ! Lovely wreath - so simple and beautiful .. !! And the plate is a lovely addition to it ...!!

Miss Char said...

Great wreath for your front door, I think you hit the perfect combination of decor with a less is more idea rather than a lot of flowers. Thanks for sharing.

A Few Pennies said...

Gorgeous wreath--fresh and lovely on your door.

the cape on the corner said...

that looks great! definitely special and southern. is the plate not too heavy?

LindyLouMac said...

It is good to be back at last catching up with your blogging activities. I love the summer door wreath and Congratulations on the birth of your latest grandchild.

Debbie said...

Fantastic! You have just given me such inspiration for using some plates that I have here.

(And the writing is perfectly fine!)

Low Tide High Style said...

Your wreath is so creative and beautiful, and I think your writing looks wonderful!

Kat :)

Pat said...

Well, I think you started something new! Your wreath is so unique and beautiful, I bet everybody ....... oh, sorry I was busy thinking how I could copy it too. Immitation is the best form of flattery, right?

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Babs! Thank you for sharing this beautiful wreath at my party this week. I love that you added the plate and I think your writing looks wondrful. Happy 4th to you!
xo,
Sherry

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Oh my gosh what a great idea! We'll be seeing plate wreaths all over blogland soon...the flags are perfect too. Hope your July 4th is great and not too hot!

JudyBug said...

Glad I came back to visit after your sweet comment on my last post! Love this wreath.

LOL...you KNOW I didn't make the cake and petit fours. That faux food sure does come in handy when doing tablescapes.

Designs on 47th Street said...

This silk plant lady does not have a wreath on her door!! Can you believe it??? Yours is lovely and I love the flags inserted.. Have a great 4th! :)
Donna