Where I live, Sumac is kind of a ditch weed. It's everywhere. So when looking for thrifty (ahem... free) materials to make an autumn wreath for my door, Sumac berries were a fabulous solution!
To make the wreath, start with some big, red, fresh cut Sumac seed heads. (FYI: Poison Sumac has white seeds, avoid that!)
We went for a short drive along some country roads and it didn't take long for me to fill a tote.
You'll also need a wire wreath form and some wire. I suggest working on this outdoors, the Sumac will shed some berries.
Start by wrapping one end of the wire around the wreath form to secure it.
Working with bunches of two or three seed heads at a time, wrap the wire firmly around the stems and the wreath form so that they are securely fastened together.
without cutting the wire, continue wrapping new bunches onto the wreath until you get back to where you started, being careful to cover as much stem and wreath form as possible. Don't worry about small gaps, they can be filled in later.
To fill in any little gaps, I used some pine cones I had because I was out of sumac. You could use anything to fill in gaps. (Wheat stalks would look great if you can find them!) Just wrap pieces of wire around an item and then push through the wreath and twist in back, like a twist-tie, to hold in place.
Try not to stress too much about perfection. It's a real wreath made with things found in nature, it will be a little imperfect in spots. I think that's part of it's beauty.
Except for the little drive in the country to collect supplies (which I hardly consider work!) the whole project took me about half an hour and cost me nothing. And now my front door makes me smile!
[This is day 3 in a 31 day series about celebrating autumn. Click here for more fall inspiration!]
I love the thrift and beauty of this project! I wonder what rich red plant grows around here in Sicily that I could turn into a wreath? Prickly pears are ripening now, but they don't quite cut it...
ReplyDeleteThe wreath looks so lovely :)
ReplyDeleteIeva
It's so pretty! I think we have sumac around here but I'm not sure...
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's just me that is allergic to it, but I thought I should mention that I believe sumac is poisonous...like the itchy variety...but I also think it doesn't affect every one the same.I think your wreath is beautiful-but the itchy I would experience is not so worth it. :-( I think I will see if my hand me down fall wreath can be revamped a bit.ithas fall colored sunflowers or something on it.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy! There is such a thing as "poison sumac" but it has white berries, not red.
Deleteoooohh!! thanks for sharing that! I had no clue. I wonder what is growing around my mailbox? Maybe I don't have to forgo getting mail when it gets bigger?
Deleteactually my husband said ours doesn't have berries...hmm. I wonder if its because we cut it down before it can grow berries?
DeleteSuper cute! The color is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!
ReplyDeleteLovely. I am curious what you are using as your hanger. I don't want to put a nail in my front door but haven't been able to find anything else that will hold the weight of a wreath. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Toni! It's a 3M Command hook. It's holding very well.
DeleteLOVE this! I think Im going to be making something similar now...you've inspired me. Ive been wanting to make a pretty wreath...Ill be going to Micheals today to get the supplies, and look around outside to add the pretty part :). Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAmanda.
When you are done with the wreath you can make Indian lemonade. My kids love it sweetened with honey.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing! Does it track inside? I know that some folks drink sumac tea, but I have never seen a wreath of it before. Way cool.
ReplyDeleteHi Vee! So glad you like the project. Some of the berries do end up on my entry mat when I open the door...but it's few enough that it doesn't make too much of a mess....and shaking out the entry mat once every few days is no big deal.
DeleteHow long will the berries stay red? Do they rot? Will you be able to reuse the wreath next season?
ReplyDelete