Burlap Wreath (Tutorial)

If you didn't already know, I'm obsessed with all things burlap.  I love that I'm seeing more and more of it out in the home sections of stores like TJMaxx.

I made a bunch of these wreaths back in December for a craft show.  (I still have a few left over if you would like to order one from me, you can email me at TinaVanDeusen@Gmail.com)    

These are the supplies..... A foam wreath, burlap garland, small piece of burlap fabric off the bolt,  floral pins, scissors and a hot glue gun.   (all purchased at Michael's craft store)  

First I cut a strip of raw burlap to wrap around the foam wreath.  (Just so you don't see any of the green foam)  I secured it with a dab of hot glue.

Then I took the burlap garland and just started gathering it, pinning into the foam base with the floral pins as I went along.   There is not right or wrong way to do this.   I tried to not make it look so symmetrical, more free-flowing.  The good thing about using the pins is, you can remove them and move around the burlap if needed.  

Honestly, it's as simple as that....  Done!

You can add floral pics for any season, add a wooden or foam letter for a last name.  The possibilities are endless once you have the base done.

Sorry for the horrible quality of my pictures.   I need a good camera and some photography lessons.  

(It's on my "Bucket List")

My First Craft Show

Saturday I went to my hometown for my first ever craft show!

Let me take you back to the beginning.   Growing up in Somers, NY there was a huge craft show at my elementary school every year called Holiday Happiness.   I remember going as a little girl, a teenager in high school and even a couple times when Nicholas was little.  It is put on by the school's PTA as it's biggest fundraiser of the year.

Over the last 5 years I have thought about getting a table and selling some of my small crafts.   I never had the nerve, until this year!    I was super excited, went on the website printed out the registration form and sent in the money for my spot.
I had an idea of what I wanted to sell.   I knew I wanted to gear the majority of my crafts as "teacher gift ideas."   I thought everyone would enjoy getting something different for those poor teachers who get the same old mug every year!      I also would sell my burlap Christmas wreaths.  

All of last week I was busy crafting my little heart out.  (Yes, I waited til the last possible second)
I was a big ball of stress, nervousness and excitement that I was actually going to go through with something that scared the crap out of me.    

Somers, NY is about an hour and 15 minutes from my house.  So, the night before I went down and stayed at mom's house.  We had to be there bright and early, registration started at 7:30am.

This was my set up.  Can I tell you, sitting there in that chair next to my stuff, I felt like I was naked.
I wasn't expecting to have such an overwhelming feeling of being vulnerable.

I thought I had a good variety of gifts.  

• Decorated Square Glass Candle Holders (filled with rocks or marbles with a tea light) 
• Decorated Mason Jar (with matches inside and sandpaper on top to light them.) 
• Cork Mouse Pads (in 4 different fabrics) 
• Decorated Hand Soap Bottles 
• Decorated Purel Bottles
• Peppermint Foot Scrub
• Over-Sized Metal Snowflake Ornament/Decoration (could be personalized with stickers) 
• "Notes" Dry Erase Boards 
• Burlap Christmas Wreaths

Unfortunately, I only sold 2 of my wreaths and one of my friends stopped by to buy a few of the smaller things.  The show just doesn't get the crowd it used to.   I heard from some of the other vendors that it was set up a lot different then the previous years.       

It was a disappointment, I can't lie. I guess I just have to look at like, I have Christmas gifts all ready to give and that I put myself out there!