Thanksgiving/Harvest Wreath

Faux-Rust Oak Leaf Wreath
Rusted finishes add country flair to any craft project. Now, you can try this fabulously faux alternative at home on an easy-to-create harvest season wreath.
Designed by Kathleen George for The Dow Chemical Company

Crafting Time: 2-4 hours, plus drying time

Materials
PDF Pattern file: http://www.michaels.com/online/pdf/e06091.pdf

• STYROFOAM Brand Foam Sheet- 12" x 12" x 1/2"
  
• STYROFOAM Brand Foam 1” Balls- 12
  
• Wooden Skewer
  
• Wire-Edged Metallic Bronze Ribbon- 1/2" X 1/6 Yd.
  
• Metallic Bronze Thread
  
• Water-Based Acrylic Primer
  
• Water-Based Acrylic Sealer (Optional)
  
• Faux Finishes: Iron; Rust
  
• Fine-Line Black Permanent Marker
  
• Pencil with Dull Point
  
• Ruler
  
• Scissors
  
• Utility Knife and Several New Blades Or Serrated Knife
  
• Old Candle
  
• Craft Snips
  
• Disposable Palette
  
• Water Basin
  
• Paper Towels
  
• Stiff-Bristled Paintbrush
  
• Disposable Sponge Brush
  
• Thick, Clear-Drying Craft Glue

Instructions

Use marker to trace pattern outlines onto foam sheet; details will be added later. Wax knife blade with old candle. Carefully cut along traced lines with sharp utility knife or serrated knife. Note: When cutting around a tight curve, first make several cuts from traced line out to edge of foam sheet; continue cutting along curve, removing small foam sections one at a time.


Use pencil tip and medium pressure to indent veins in leaves. Use pencil eraser to gently indent foam in shaded pattern areas where leaves overlap.


To make acorns, use side of wooden skewer to gently indent a line around center of each foam ball. Use fingers to pinch lower half into a modest point; upper half will be acorn cap. For stems, use craft snips to cut twelve 1/2" sections from skewer. Glue stems into acorn caps at slight angle.


Set aside three acorns; glue remaining acorns to wreath as shown.


Use stiff brush to apply one coat primer to front and edges of wreath and acorns, and to entire surface of remaining acorns. Let dry.


Use disposable brush to apply two to three generous coats of iron finish to all primed surfaces. Follow manufacturer's instructions for drying time.


When dry, use disposable brush to apply one to three coats of rust finish over iron finish. More coats result in more "rust"; apply as many as needed to achieve desired effect. Follow manufacturer's instructions for drying time.


Use disposable brush to apply one coat sealer to wreath and acorns if desired. Let dry completely. Note: Sealer will change color of final finish; model pictured did not use sealer.


Knot ribbon ends and glue to top center back of wreath for hanger.


Cut three 6" lengths from metallic thread. Glue one end into top of each remaining acorn. Glue threads into bottom of wreath to suspend acorns at different lengths as shown.