Custom Made for You

Today, I jokingly posted a status on my facebook about being in the wreath-making mood and asked if anyone would let me make a wreath with their funding. Yes, they could have the finished product. You see, I don't have to make a wreath to keep it- just making one is good for my heart. In fact, it's even better for my heart if I DO make it for someone else. It's therapeutic, and it's something I've been needing to do for a while... I just couldn't justify the expense.

It did not take long before I got a response in favor of my request. I must admit, I was a little surprised to see that my MOM... the queen of artsy things... wanted ME to make HER fall wreath. Yes, that sentence needed all of that emphasis. I am no where near qualified enough for such a task. I, however, readily agreed.

I asked her what she had in mind, and I was NOT surprised at her response. The wreath she explained is the EXACT wreath I've been wanting to create. Sometimes I truly believe we have the same brain. Regardless, I was ecstatic!

First, I searched Hobby Lobby's website for their weekly deals. I was in luck!

They had a coupon for 40% off a single originally priced item! This was sure to help! Moreover, their floral stems were 50% off. This was going to be a breeze!

So, I wrote down the specifications from Mom...

Leaves

Berries

Pumpkins

Burnt Orange

Deep Gold

Burgundy

Fall Green

... and no more than $25.

Ok, I'm on it!

Oh, how I LOVE Hobby Lobby!!!

I came back with my loot. I got 10 stems of floral beauty and a grapevine wreath for the low cost of $22.74!! Am I good or what?! I got $50 worth of wreath making goodies for less than $25!!

Here's a closer look at all that I found...

Berries

Leaves and berries mixed

Picks filled with pumpkins, berries, and leaves

Beautifully round grapevine wreath

Now it was time to get to work! So...

I set up my workstation. I LOVE having a raised counter for this purpose! I made sure to have the wreath, floral stems, hot glue gun with a metal plate to catch the runny glue, extra glue sticks, and my heavy duty wire cutters.

After making sure that everything was ready to go, I started to play around with design ideas. I began with the most important item... the pumpkins.

When I had it mostly figured out, I began to secure everything with the glue. I start with one item and continuing layering with each different item until I've included all of the items selected.

Ah! Finally finished!! Or so I thought... When I looked at this picture on my computer, I did not like the placement of the berries and leaves at the base of the wreath. So...

I made a couple of snips and viola! Finished product!

I must admit, this wreath stressed me for a bit tonight, but only because I wanted it to be perfect for my momma! I love the finished product, and in person, the richness of the colors are stunning. The pumpkins are much deeper in color than the picture suggests, but it gives you a pretty good idea of what it looks like.

It's going to be hard to give this one up, but I can't pick a better person for it to go to! I have another order on my plate, and I'm so excited to create another unique wreath!

With all of this business, I need to develop a way to make a small profit! I've tossed around the idea of selling them, but if I get custom orders, that would be even better! My thoughts at this point are... $20 for the supplies (on average, that's what it cost) and $10 for my time. Does that sound fair? Opinions are very much welcome!