Naturally Beautiful Fall Wreaths

Crisp morns and golden light--it’s the time of year when back roads rule and discoveries are limited only by the setting sun. Why let a day’s memories fade? Make a wreath to celebrate a special find, as we did. Here are three that were inspired by a day trip to the mountains.

Barnstorming
Stacked with rolls of sweet-scented hay, the open-sided barn, big enough to host a dance, stirred our imagination. For a moment, we second-guessed city life. But instead, the country came home with us.

• Start with a length of barbed wire long enough to loop back on itself. Wearing gloves, fasten the ends by twisting with a pair of pliers.
• Form a base by securing leaves to the bottom one-third of the barbed wire with florist wire. Add berries such as pepper berry, cotoneaster, nandina, or pyracantha.
• Loop florist wire through the bottom of a bird’s nest, and then twist it around the wreath base. Tuck in dried hydrangea blossoms. Finish with quail eggs, either found or purchased from a crafts store.

Faded Glory
The Amish wagon sideboards were the color of red that only time and honest work reveal. The inscription of the previous owners’ names makes them even more special.

• Choose an oval grapevine wreath for your base. A round one will work too.
• Weave rose hips, cut from the garden or purchased from a florist, through the grapevine to secure. They should radiate out from the point where you will place the bow.
• Add the bow, just off center at the bottom, and then finish with pheasant feathers.