Back to School Wreath Tutorial and Decor

Yeah, yeah.  I know. This post is completely premature for 90% of you, but then there's the 5% who go back super early like I do (I start in-service next week!) and the 5% who are on their a-game and crafting now for the start of school :)

The start of school is super exciting for me.  It always has been.  I love summer and have made the most of every minute (well.... most of the minutes... there have been a few meltdowns and such that I didn't make the most of. hahaha), but I love the fresh start that comes with the beginning of a new school year.  The new supplies, the routine and me being able to make all things apple spice without getting too much of the side eye ;)

Before we left for Colorado I packed up all of our patriotic decor and switched it out for some fun "Back to School" items.  I want to build up some anticipation before we start back the first week in August and since Mason will be joining me and Luke at MCA this year it's EXTRA special.

Last year I made a fun apple to hang over my stove, but when I went up in the attic I couldn't find it.  That's more than likely because it's buried under my gobs and gobs of Halloween boxes, but nevertheless, I needed something above the stove and so I whipped up a wreath using supplies I had on hand.

There's a tutorial on how I made it at the end of the post :)

My kitchen window is always my favorite spot to spruce up for holidays.  The banner I made in photoshop and had printed at Sam's club.

I kept the apothecary jars simple, crayons, peanut butter filled pretzels and faux apples from Hobby Lobby.

You can find the Hip Hip Hooray sign HERE, my lamp is from WalMart (base - shade) and the vintage globe I found at a thrift store years ago.

I found this wire stand at HomeGoods before Christmas and the only thing I really ever change up on is what is in the glass jar.  I filled it with mini faux apples from Hobby Lobby.

The boxwood is also from HomeGoods.

I've always wanted a big, vintage map above my mantle for back to school, but I haven't found one that I've loved in my budget, so I improvised and picked up a $12 cork board from Hobby Lobby and a $5 map.  Voila!

The chalkboard I found on Craigslist - sorry that doesn't help much!

These little globes I found at HomeGoods.  They're THE CUTEST!  I mixed the globes, some mini apples and pencils in with a cheap garland and done!

I don't love the scale of this framed photo, but it will work for now.  I found it at an antique store years and years ago and loved it.  Dave and I met in marching band and I LOVE vintage photos.

So... for the wreath, here's what I used...

I'm a total craft supply hoarder, and will pick things up when they're on sale and most of the time if an idea strikes me I have what I need on hand to get it done.  I like my burlap wreaths super full, so on this large wire frame I used 6 of the burlap rolls and only 2 of the striped twill.

These kinds of wreaths can look intimidating, but you really can't mess them up.  I started with a little tail and then just wove the burlap over and under and back and forth through the frame.

I try to keep my loops about the same size, but it's not super crucial.

One of the burlap rolls does two of the sections on the frame.

I moved the project to the floor of the living room and I weaved while I watched Real Housewives.  One episode = One wreath :)

For the striped twill, I left a little tail and then wove it through every 8" or so.  Easy!

To attach the little chalkboard, I used a BUNCH of hot glue and some jewelry wire...

Then I hot glued the yellow burlap flower and little apple to the corner and tied it on using the wire. 

I love that it's simple, but still festive.  Next week I'll probably change the chalkboard to a back to school countdown for the boys.

Hope you enjoyed our few festive touches and that you are SAVORING the last bit(s) of summer!