my costco wreath makeover

this year, i decided i wanted a

natural look for my outdoor decor.

i love to have a fresh wreath on my door, 

so i started with a basic wreath from costco that i purchased for $14.99

*** 

to makeover this wreath i used:

about 20 nuts 

(walnuts, hazelnuts. brazil nuts, and almonds 

purchased in the bulk bin at walmart.

5 limes

some crystals from an old chandelier

small gold ball ornaments

pine cone clusters

(already on the wreath, i just repositioned them)

i removed the three "berry" clusters and 

the three pine cone clusters from the wreath. 

i drilled holes trough the bottom portion of the nuts, and wired them as shown.

as soon as i had a grouping of nuts, i wired the

"stems together to make a cluster.

(*warning*--it is very difficult to drill a hole in 

a nut...especially the walnuts! i have several 

battle scars on my hands and fingers...

i'm just saying--be careful!)

i took 3-4 small chandelier crystals

and wired them as well,

and added them to the nut clusters.

to attach the limes, i poked each one with a

wooden skewer, and then put floral wire through them.

(floral wire is available in most craft stores in 

the floral section. i bought a bag of about 15,

in 12" lengths for about $2)

to attach each item to the wreath,

i used the wire "stems", 

and also wrapped them with additional wire 

for more security.

i like the contrast of

all the natural elements and the crystals!

i am thrilled with the way it turned out.

it makes me smile every time 

i walk in my front door.

oh, i also made a garland out of

nuts and

chandelier crystals

and some chain

to adorn the fresh cedar garland that

i have around my front door!

 i will be posting pictures

and a tutorial tomorrow.