I have never been one to blindly follow trends or take public opinion into account when decorating. I think if you took a peek around my house, that would be evident. I live in a very old and very small 1920's cottage, I have laminate countertops in my kitchen that I adore and not a stitch of grey paint in any room.
I'm a super hard sell, you're never going to talk me into buying something I don't love, so your opinion, Mr. or Mrs. Salesperson is falling on deaf ears.
I'm a New Yorker and a Sicilian one at that.
In order for me to purchase something new, especially if it's trendy, I need to really love it, number one.
And number two it can't be everywhere. I'm not an everywhere kind of girl.
I like unique treasures. Always have. Whether it comes to clothes or decor, if it's on the top of the style pile, it's just not for me.
So, when the embroidery hoop or half wreath craze kicked in, I wasn't even remotely interested. Yes, some of them are very beautiful, but honestly, not my style. To me, they always look half finished and a little anemic.
I also wasn't really interested in having my front door dressed like everyone else's in the neighborhood.
It's a very popular look now. People are quite aware.
For example, when I found an oversized embroidery hoop at the thrift store for a buck, the volunteers there immediately said, Oh, you're making a wreath?
Telling them what I really planned on doing with it took too much effort, so I responded with, a smile and a vexing, I'm not sure, knowing full well the answer was No.Way.
Of course, there is one thing that can make me change my stubborn mind when it comes to popular items and that is money. Yup, cold hard cash...and if the price is low, low, low, I just might bite.
Happened this fall. I was in JoAnn Crafts and they were having a huge doorbuster sales. I walked by a bin full of wreaths for $7.00 and this one was included. Seven dollars. I couldn't even buy the flowers for that much, so I grabbed it.
Yes, I had the same reservations I've already stated, but like I said, $7.00.
When my husband entered the store, I showed him.
Look. Seven dollars.
No reaction.
Did you hear me? It was $29.99 and now it's only $7.
Why? Because half the flowers fell off?
No. That's the style. It's on clearance. What do you think?
I think it looks like half the flowers fell off.
No reaction.
Did you hear me? It was $29.99 and now it's only $7.
Why? Because half the flowers fell off?
No. That's the style. It's on clearance. What do you think?
I think it looks like half the flowers fell off.
Yeah. So did I...but my penchant for a bargain drove me onward. I began looking for items to embellish the wreath. To make it look fuller. To make it look...different.
I've done it before many times and after a quick lap around JoAnn's, I came up with a few ideas based on what was also on clearance.
I started with Halloween decor. It was about a week before the day and I thought, I might as well get my money's worth out of this wreath and use it all fall long.
And a .99 unfinished wooden Happy Halloween sign would do nicely. I took it home, painted it orange and was set to go.
Next, I set my sights on Thanksgiving and moved over to all things thankful. This wooden $2.00 Grateful sign was perfect.
I could hang it on my wreath and it would round out the other side. That would make it a little interesting and a little more finished.
Then I found a metal sign for less than a buck and figured that I could stretch a bit of ribbon across the empty space and fill it with words. I actually liked that one best and thought, ok, I have lots of sweet choices now.
I headed to the cashier with my hands full of bargains and then home to get to work on my pretty project.
And then, I put it on the door.
My beautiful, dramatic newly installed and painted black front door looked...well, boring. It just didn't have any punch. It seriously lacked a wow factor, which is no surprise since there was only half a wreath hanging on it.
Plus the wreath hanger showed and that is a giant no in my book.
I tried to like it, I tried hard. I wanted my $7.00 to be worth it, but alas, I was right back to where I was months ago.
This trend wasn't for me. Nope, not good.
Instead, I went inside, pulled one of my old full wreaths off the wall hung the Halloween sign on it and wow.
Now that's a wreath.
Full of flowers.
All the way around.
Is it trendy and up to date?
Probably not.
And that's just the way I like it.
***Oh and if you're wondering what happened to the other wreath? Well, I have very limited room in this tiny cottage and not a stitch of storage or wall space to spare. So I returned it. After all, $7.00 is still $7.00 and, as my mom would say, better off in my pocket than theirs.
I did keep the signs though. They were too cute to return.
Do you like this trend?
No one will ever accuse me of being a trendsetter either. I don't really 'get' the wreath trend so have never made one and likely never will, but you know what they say: 'never say never'. It was a good decision to swap out the wreath and take the other one back. It really pops on your black door.!
ReplyDeleteExactly, Sara, never say never...until you try it. Then you can say never again!! 😉
DeleteYou sound just like me, I don't like trends - I prefer unique!
ReplyDelete❤️ Unique all the way!!
DeleteAh, you crack me up! I like the wreath both ways. Like you, I wasn't too sure about the current trend at first but now I think it's time for me to try it.
ReplyDeleteLoved your writing today!
I say go for it, Stacey...and thank you for the pretty words about my writing. That's my true passion, as you know, so those comments always make me smile. ☺️
DeleteVery cute (from the girl working her way through her third gallon of gray wall paint). I am with you. I follow some trends, but only the ones that I really like, not because they are trendy but because I actually really like them. I do own one half wreath. One that I made maybe five years ago with a garden hose. Joann's has some pretty good deals. Your pieces are cute and it will be fun to see how you use them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorri...and I agree, if it's what you love, jump in with two feet and make it your own. And five years ago, huh? Sounds like you were a trend setter rather than a trend follower! Awesome.
DeleteI love the full and colorful wreath - tht's my jam...
ReplyDeleteMine, too... 😊
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI personally loved your $7 dollar wreath. What I love more is you know what you love and you stick with it. Trend is not for everyone. If you keep your decor with what you love then you will always be happy. Your wreath for fall on your door is so pretty. Have a week.
Hugs,
Kris
Kris, I agree with you, it is beautiful and if I had the tiniest bit of extra room around here I may have found a way to fatten up that blank space to make it work inside…but I know you know all too well the challenges of cottage living! So when it didn’t look right on the door, it went back. I probably should’ve had a giveaway with it…oh well, next time!
DeleteYour husband's comment made me laugh ('looks like half the flowers fell off'): that is *exactly* what mine would say, lol. I'm not a fan of 'trendy' in much of anything. However I don't mind the half wreath look on a more substantial base wreath that sort of already look good (like grapevine or barb wire wreaths). Good for you returning it and keeping that $7! The signs are cute, I would have kept them too. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Happy Thanksgiving you, too! And yes, gotta love this funny guys! Keeps me laughing on our outings and I always tell him he gives me great quotes for the blog. 😉
DeleteLove the full wreath! I especially love your story about how the full wreath ended up on your door. Joann's is a good place to find bargains. I would have kept the cute little signs too. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Donna! I love the little signs. I have them peppered around the house. JoAnn's is new in my neck of the woods. I used to be a Michael's girl, but I find the bargains are much better at JoAnn's. Fun...and a little dangerous! Enjoy the weekend!! 😊
DeleteHi Kim, oh I liked the half wreath with the ribbon and thankful added. The other wreath is pretty too. You were right to return the wreath if you don’t love it. Hope you have a good day and weekend. Happy Thanksgiving if I do not talk to you again.
ReplyDeleteJulie
I liked that look, too, Julie! It was a good way to fill that empty space. I did keep the signs so I can probably make it work on another wreath! And Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!! Stay warm!
DeleteOh this one cracked me up . . . especially the exchange between you and your husband. I'm impressed he came in the store. Mine waits in the truck!! I was waiting for you to try hanging the wreath with the flowers on top, though, after you said you didn't like the hanger showing. But those extra pieces you kept will all look beautiful on your full wreath.
ReplyDeleteOh Kathy, don't get me wrong, he retires to the truck pretty fast, too. And he comes into the craft store after he visits the music shop next door. That day he popped into JoAnn's just long enough for a wisecrack or two! Very helpful! 😉
DeleteKim you had me on the floor when your husband said it was on sale because half the flowers had fallen off. Haha! I think we should just do what we like and not worry about all those trends.
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty funny, Mary!! He’s a good shopping buddy...he provides the comic relief!
DeleteActually I kinda like it. I loved it with the thankful ribbon on it. :) Everything you do looks great anyway.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a very pretty wreath, Susan, there’s no doubt about that. It just wasn’t right for my door. 😊
DeleteI'm with you, Kim - if it's 'everywhere' I don't want it!! Oh sure, I can get sucked in looking at gorgeously decorated homes and think oh I need to update my house, but then I sit in my little chair next to the fire and look around at all my plants and my twinkly lights and know without a doubt those trendy rooms would not do a thing for me! My style is and always will be "COZY"! Love your whole wreath, it looks amazing on your black door!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, cozy is THE BEST decor of all, at least in my opinion and you my friend have an eye for it! Enjoy those toasty nights with your pups in front of that fire!! Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteUm, with 30 some years of floral design behind me, I can safely say, that half wreath was not a trend...LOL. I think it looks perfect hanging in the first photo, though--somewhere that doesn't need tons of color. I always told my customers---wreaths on the front door need to look fabulous from the car on the street, not just next standing at the door...so your 'old' abundant wreath fills that ticket. Fun post
ReplyDeleteSandi, I agree 100% and I'm glad to have some professional back up! I'm much happier with the full wreath on the front door. The other one just lacked that wow factor. So glad you enjoyed the post...Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteI am very hard to please and I do not follow trends either . I like something different . I really like your crafts . You have a great imagination. Keep up the good work! My husband would have responded the same way! LOL
ReplyDeleteClara, your whole comment just totally made my day!! Thank you so much for taking the time to drop me a note. It really means the world! 😊
DeleteI'm with you, I'm not a fan of those half wreaths either, but I love what you did with the whole wreaths!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mari! That wreath has been a favorite of mine for a long time.
DeleteI do like the half wreath, but not on the front door. In the hallway would have been nice. Your additions were helpful, too. It's always nice to have something you can change up when the mood strikes you. Alas, if you don't love it, take it back! Because you're smart like that - you don't take the tags off until you're sure about it! I bet you even keep the receipts where they can be found! I'd have to look through all the plastic bags stuffed in a corner, awaiting their turn to be the trash bag...
ReplyDeleteTrends? Nary a gray thing in my house, let alone gray walls! Hate them. (Although, I did like them in Kate Jackson's (aka Mrs. King's) dining room in the 80's. Very trendy then, too.
Hope your weather isn't too bad this week!
That wreath went back, Nancy...and yup, I'm pretty good about holding on to my receipts. They do come in handy sometimes. Of course, I have lost some very important ones over the years...but that $7 one, I did have!
DeleteNot into half or even three quarter wreaths! I made one once and found myself saying "what was I thinking?" The materials were expensive so I never did go back to get more to finish the other side :-( Your full wreath looks way better!
ReplyDeleteI crave drama and big pops in my decorating AnnMarie, so that half wreath was just not my stye. I needed more!!
DeleteNo half wreaths here either....
ReplyDeleteThe one I made for this season is actually stuffed with freebies from the yard as well as the few things I bought! (Have you found $$Tree for ribbon???? It's GREAT and only 1$)
Howsomever...I DID detect some red and white plates under your pumpkin....
Perfect!!
Blessings,
J
I love Dollar Tree ribbon, J!! They always have the prettiest patterns. I just have to get there early in the season though otherwise they're all gone!! And thanks! I do love my red plates.
DeleteI like the wreath each step of the way! Beautiful foliage on it! I've seen the half wreaths and wondered whether I liked them or they caught my attention simply because they're new. Since I have absolutely no storage here except for the attic, where I don't venture, my only wreaths are fresh Christmas ones that can be tossed. My husband just took a back seat full of Christmas decor to my daughter-in-law for her to sort through as I am realizing that this downsized house doesn't take so much to say Christmas as our old one did. I'm even wondering if some year in the future I might simply go out and buy some fresh blooming plants and do no Christmas decorating. And then I say, no way!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of fresh...and then tossing it, Dewena!! I have very, very limited storage here, too. And boy oh boy, is it a hassle to find a place for all these wreaths. I like to hang them on the walls, but once they go outside they get icky and I don't put them back on the wall...they are for outside use only...hence my storage issue. Oh well, they are pretty!!
DeleteFunny... I had no idea this was a trend, until you told me it was lol I'm not a fan either. The other wreath does look beautiful though :)
ReplyDeletelove to you,
rue
Thanks Rue!! Love you, too!! xo
DeleteI am not crazy about the half-wreaths either. They are okay in certain settings but my house is not one of them. I think what you have on your front door is just perfect...and it is really a show-off against the black backdrop.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Thanksgiving! xo Diana
Thanks Diana. I do love the new black door. I guess I just wanted a real wow stacked against it! Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful, too!!
DeleteWhen I think of all the pumpkin pies and other autumn treats this wreath denied itself so that it could look like half a wreath, only to be told that it lacked a wow factor and to be sent back to the store... you should have enjoyed yourself while you had the chance, little wreath.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I agree with you, Amalia...as I sit here stuffing myself with crackers and cheese. I don't think I will have the same problem! xo
DeleteKim, you crack me up. I have been seeing some half finished wreaths and, I must say, some look pretty cute, but like you, I had no interest in making or buying one. The comment from you hubby is classic!!! But, seriously, I did think yours looked really cute but I honestly do like your full one better. If I rummaged, do you think I could find the ones that fell off? I probably could add them to something in my hoard (o I mean stash)..Happy Thanksgiving..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteJudy, I love the idea of it and they look so pretty online. When I hung it up though, it just missed the mark. I guess I'm a boring wreath girl. I like tradition and flowers all around. And yes, a funny guy in the craft aisle helps, too! I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful...can you believe how far behind I am in answering comments? Yikes, tis the season I suppose!! xo
DeleteHA, love what the Mr. had to say. HA... still laughing.
ReplyDeleteAs always, well done and well said.
Love, Carla
Thank you, Carla!! He does keep me laughing...especially in the craft store!! Silly guy...xo
Delete