Thursday, July 23, 2015

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!

79 comments :

  1. I am in complete denial that we start school in exactly one month and one day!

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    1. It's going to be GREAT!!! Because school starting means Fall is coming! :)

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  2. The black and white on that wreath looks so good!!! Love all the back to school decor! Can't wait to see it in person!

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  3. Andrea, I love the quote on the chalk board above the mantle! It's especially great for sending off the little ones to school. My oldest starts preK in September and I may need to steal that one for him. Thanks for sharing all your great back to school decor!

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  4. Andrea, Andrea, Andrea, Andrea, A-N-D-R-E-A! I love it when your house is decorated for back to school!! Everything is perfection friend!!

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    1. Thanks, girly! Now come over and lets eat apple spice cupcakes in our PJs :)

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  5. That wreath makes me ooooooh and ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! I love it!!!!!

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  6. Love your decorations!!! I left my patriotic stuff up...I decided it would work til Labor Day and then I am going straight to fall!!! 😉 we go back to school next week, too! Hope you'll do your fun classroom posts again this year! Or!!! Do a link up with teachers rooms! 😄

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    1. Patriotic will TOTALLY work through Labor Day! And I loooove the classroom linkup idea!!! That's FABULOUS and I'm jotting it down for September. THANK YOU!

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  7. That wreath is precious!! I always love your back to school decorations!! :)

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  8. I can smell the crayons now. Not too early for me. Im on it.

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  9. Super cute! I can't believe it's time for y'all to start back to school...we don't go back until the 24th. Happy last (full) week of summer!

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    1. Thanks, girly!!! We're excited to enjoy our last few days together!

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  10. I love that wreath and your mantle decor and the mini apples in jars! We don't go back to school here in NY until September but I will be picking up the supplies to make all these things asap!! Good luck next week!!

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  11. I love burlap and so it's only natural that I would love burlap wreathes! I can't wait to make this- thanks for the tutorial!!!!

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  12. I love that chalk sign, you did an amazing job! Also that wreath is adorable!

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  13. Would you be willing to do a video tutorial on wreath making?

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    1. Yes please, I second what Megan said!

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    2. EEEK! I always feel super awkward on video, but I would totally do one for you guys. Maybe a Halloween wreath???

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  14. This is really cute! I have yet to tackle any wreath DIYs.

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    1. They're so easy!!! You should definitely try one ASAP!

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  15. Whenever I see photos of your home and your little touches, I always think what a happy home it is for your kids:) What a blessing!

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  16. I've made approximately one billion burlap wreaths and never once used that kind of wreath form...it always seemed so scary. I use the one with the little twisty tie spikes on it, but this one looks much fluffier! And I'm right there with you on in-service next week. I'm equal parts excited and tired!

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    1. I've never even seen the one with the twisty tie spikes!!!

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  17. LOVE the wreath. And the garland!!! You have the best decorations always!!

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  18. Love your decorations! I think I need to try a burlap wreath for my door. I hope you're telling the truth when you say you can't mess it up! LOL! :)

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    1. You really can't! I promise! Email me if you have any questions :)

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  19. Your back to school decorations are always my FAV!! I love love love that you included a picture of you & Dave in band together!! How FUN! And all the apples, gloves, etc...the list goes on & on...but the wreath is my absolute FAV!! I want to try to make one of these, & you make it look so easy!! Love it all, friend!!

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  20. Hi Andrea! I don't have any littles at home -- going off to school-- but I love your home and your sweet decorating touches! I may have to make a wreath just for my porch !!!! Cute ideas!

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    1. It would be great for your porch! Thanks so much for reading, Kim!

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  21. Love your back to school decorations!! That wreath is adorable. I think I may give it a whirl! :)

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  22. You always amaze me with your decor for every holiday! You are super woman!!!

    Your window area behind the sink is always my favorite. What a great space.

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  23. Hi Andrea! What a great wreath, I may have to try something like that! :) I teach at a Christian school too, and students come back in just three weeks from today! The back-to-school buzz is real. Last year was my first year teaching and it was exhausting! However, reading your blog inspired me to push through and get out and do things after school anyway! (Caffeine had a lot to do with it, too.) On my first day with students I commented on your blog saying that I was a first year teacher about to begin my school year. Your comment back to me was so encouraging (though now I don't even remember what it was), so I just wanted to thank you. I enjoy your blog daily and am glad to follow along with someone who feels the same way at the beginning of the school year. Enjoy your year!

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    1. Thank you so much for telling me that!!! I'm so glad that you had a great first year and are excited about starting back - best of luck! :)

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  24. Love them - and your decorations are tip-toeing into fall just a bit!! We have two weeks and then it's back to school for us too!

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  25. Quick, silly question- How do you hang your wreath?! You've probably been asked and answered but I need a good way to hang some! Thanks!

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    1. Not silly at all! There are actually little hooks at the bottom of my cabinets.... if you look closely you can kind of see them in the pictures. But I bet Command Hooks would work as well :)

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  26. Love all the fun back to school decor! I wanted to comment about you trying to find a big map. We homeschool and a few years ago I really wanted a big framed world map to hang for my kids to reference when we study geography. Well I ended up getting a $7 map from office depot (I think you can find them lots of places) and used modge podge to attach it to a thin piece of wood and then my husband made a frame for it. But you could easily use the same idea and mount it to a thicker piece of wood and wrap it around the sides and it would look more like a canvas. Just wanted to share! Have a great day! :)

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    1. AWESOME!!!! I can't wait to check them out. THANK YOU!

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  27. love this wreath, I actually have those supplies on hand, might have to make something for the front door...thanks!

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    1. You're so welcome! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  28. I love the wreath and the globes are really cute!

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  29. We don't even finish for the Summer until tomorrow!

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  30. Cavallini and Co. sells the most gorgeous vintage maps (and everything else!!!) for super cheap! I bought one and mod podged it to a canvas - but they just came out with a new style of poster mounts/hangers.

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  31. Cavallini & Co. World Map Decorative Wrapping Paper 20x28 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1619920514/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_KHvSvbF1B4Z6B

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  32. You are so crafty! this is awesome

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  33. Hey Andrea! Your house is seriously beautiful! Lucky kiddos... Since your my parenting role model I was wondering... When griffin cries/throws tantrums over super dumb silly things, do you get mad (for unnecessary crying) or do you just comfort her? Help! Xoxo

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    1. Oh gosh! Parenting role model... that's a lot of pressure! hahaha
      When GG is pitching a fit, we typically try to ignore her. Once she calms down we comfort and such, but in the throes of a tantrum and such we try not to give her any attention for it. We try not to reward the behavior with snuggles and such, but also try not to get angry, because she is just a toddler. There are definitely times when that plan goes awry, but in general that's how we handle it.

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    2. Thanks so much girl! You rock :)

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    3. Any time! Also - you can totally email me if you have other questions! dave-and-andrea@hotmail.com I am soooooo not an expert AT ALL, but I can share what has worked/not worked for our family.

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  34. You truly go all out! Come to NC and do over my classroom this year??????

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    1. I lived in Raleigh and LOVE NC! I'll be there in a heartbeat! :)

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  35. Great wreath! You make such a warm, cozy, inviting home for your family:) I can't believe you start back so soon! We homeschool and we'll be starting in a little over three weeks. I'm sort of looking forward to it;).

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    1. The beginning of the school year is always so exciting :) And thank you for your kind words!

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  36. I just got back from Hobby Lobby with supplies to attempt a wreath for the front door. I've made tons of wreaths but never a burlap one! I love having a back to school wreath for first day of school pics! And we start here in TWO WEEKS... I'm definitely
    In the 5%.... I miss Texas schools!

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  37. Those mini globes are ADORABLE! Love the wreath too of course!

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  38. I'm so behind on reading your blog! Super excited to get into bed and start catching up on your blog! I always love seeing your house and the fun decor you add for holidays and events! I've been wanting a burlap wreath and I just might be able to make one, thanks for this super cute post!!

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  39. So cute! I swear no matter how many times I look at tutorials for those burlap wreaths mine always end up sucking..haha. Love all your decorations and your perspective on back to school. I always love it because it was like a fresh beginning, fall is around the corner and all the things I love like friday night football, my birthday and fall clothes!

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  40. I pinned this a while ago and now I'm just coming back to it to make one for Thanksgiving! Do you know how long and wide your rolls of burlap are if you don't mind me asking? And the size of the wreath frame? Thank you!

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