Festival of Trees 2015, Pt 2: Wreaths!

You've seen my favorite trees from this year's Festival, so now it's time to check out the wreaths!

The first thing I noticed in the gallery this year: lots of wreaths hung on or in elaborate gold frames.

And I approve. 

Such a great way to jazz up an otherwise lackluster wreath, or to highlight a showstopper! 

Granted, ornate frames aren't cheap, but even a simple one like this can make a big impact:

There are little colorful butterflies on this one - if you can't see them, just click to embiggen.

Some warm floral numbers:

And sweet snowy owls:

This seashell wreath has a rustic mermaid silhouette in the middle:

And here's one made entirely of retro-kitsch ornaments:

So fun!

A copper-licious mini tree:

And a pretty as a peacock wreath:

Here's a great idea for a mini tree base:

A big gift box!

I was surprised I didn't see any box or basket stands on the larger trees this year, since that's a hot new trend right now. Boxes or baskets are much cleaner looking than tree skirts, they don't look empty without presents on them, AND they help keep pets away. Win-win-WIN.

In fact, John and I are busy making a steampunk-themed box for our back tree - so you'll see that later.

Moving on, here's a classical art themed wreath:

I like the miniature frames.

I'm a little torn on this next one, because I kind of love it:

... even though I'm not usually a fan of faux taxidermy (or real taxidermy, of course). This bear looks like he's poking his head through the wreath, though, as opposed to hung on the wall. So s'all good. :)

I also love that twiggy bow under his chin, and all the woodsy elements.

Another fairy tale mini-tree:

Neat idea using that bit of Deco Mesh for a tree skirt.

Oh! Now here's something you MUST do if you're into cycling:

It's a wreath made out of a bike wheel! And the retro vibe is PERFECT, with the aluminum tinsel and cute painted bike gears in the middle - not to mention the colorful beads on the spokes!

So clever. Srsly.

I always like it when a wreath frames something big in the middle, like this:

You could use everything from stuffed animals to lightweight statues in there, and make your own little vignette.

OR - you could stick a rustic advent calendar in it:

Cool, right? This could work in vintage industrial styles, shabby chic, country - you name it.

Always happy to see some geek style representing:

And that's another example of raiding the toy box for decorations. Wrapping the letters in comic book pages is clever! You could spell out JOY or your last name... lots of options, really.

A classic black-and-white masquerade design:

There was something white just behind the eye hole, so it looks like the wreath is staring at us. 0.O Other than that, though... pretty!

And speaking of pretty, LOOK AT THIS TUTU TREE SKIRT:

I... I love it.

It's so soft and sweet and forget everything I said about tree boxes go put tutus on all your trees immediately.

Unless you have cats, of course. Because we all know how THAT would go. Heh.

Now... hedgehog wreath!

See? Told ya you can stick stuffed animals in there. 

A beach-themed mini-tree:

Which I mostly photographed for this iridescent glass bubble garland:

Although I'm digging the faux coral stalks in there, too.

Here's a classic black-and-white checkerboard with lots of red and green:

I've always liked this style; very regal.

And finally, a few non-wreath ideas I spotted in the Festival's cafe:

Simple glittery wings inside a gold frame = PERFECTION. 

You could make your own wings from craft foam or card stock, so if you already have an empty frame, that's almost a no-cost craft!

I also thought this was a cool idea:

The bells are all hung with clear fishing line, which is attached on the back side of the frame's top edge. You could do the same thing with ornaments or letters - maybe hang mini ornaments in the shape of a Christmas tree?

And finally, if you're really ambitious:

I believe there's cork under the fabric, since all the ornaments and mirrors and such are hanging from nails or pins. (I've seen this done on a smaller scale with vintage jewelry, which is also fun.)

This is a cool alternative for small spaces where you can't fit a tree; just piece together cork tiles onto a big sheet of Masonite you can lean/hang on the wall, cover it all with fabric, and start pinning!

That concludes this year's batch of Festival goodies! Hope you guys enjoyed, and found a few new ideas to try!