Close Only Counts in Horseshoes . . .

I'm feeling lazy - you just need to know.  I recently learned how to make photo collages, and subsequently, my blog posts have taken on a more polished look (at least in my humble opinion).  This blog is not going to meet those standards.  Its just one long run-on picture- fest.  I therefore apologize to those of you who despise using the rolly-thingy on your mouse a lot.  I'll try to get my self back to my previous level of organization soon!  Meanwhile, I finally finished my St. Patrick's Day Wreath - yes, less than 1 week before the big day, I know!  But, in classic Cameron style, I didn't permanently attach the delineating embellishments, so I can at least take off these tiny horseshoes and add something more generically spring-y, if I want.

I started with a pool noodle and cut just about 6" off.  Stick the two ends together and you'll have yourself a wreath form.  I used kraft glue and tape to reinforce the seam.  This isn't my first rodeo, or my first wreath form - if you've always wanted to make a heart-shaped wreath form, just click here :)

 I'm using these great sheer curtains I got at Goodwill for $2.00 a piece.  I cut one in half along it's length after a test wrap revealed a full sheer would be too bulky and too short for my form.

 A little pleating helps everything lay flat, and of course, loads of hot glue keeps it all together.  As a reminder, do this in well-ventilated area or risk passing out from the fumes.  Wrap form with the kinda bunched up sheer, slightly overlapping each time.  I did not glue as I went, mostly because I am trying to keep my brain cells.

The first half only covered about 2/3 of the whole form, so this is the second half of my sheer.  Pleat again and glue down copiously to start, but then don't just start wrapping again!  (I put that in there for those of you who don't read all the directions before you start a project - I don't either, and it's super annoying when you mess up because of that trait.)

 Loop the sheer up and back through itself, then arrange over your newly glued down end, hiding it completely.  I tell ya, I'm a regular decor wizard.  Now, you can finish wrapping.  

 To finish, I pulled the end through my last loop.  Pull tight and make sure everything looks nice from the front.

 Glue ends down, then trim and pull top layer over, hiding the final seam, as well.  What I'd tell ya - pure magic!

 Can you believe this cost $3.29 to make (I had to count the glue sticks).  Pro-FESH-eh-NULL!

  To decorate my thrifty wreath, I decided to use burlap.  I have plenty - don't worry.  I made these beautiful little rosettes - I am sure there are about 43,320 tutorials on Pinterest.  I didn't reference any of those, swear - I already knew how to make these.  I cut strips about 1 1/2" wide across the width of my fabric (about 42" wide).  

 Fold it in half and roll a few times.  You may use glue to secure it as you go.  I will not be showing that, because it's all I can do to add a some glue and wrap this thing up without burning my face off.  Throw a camera in the mix and I'm likely to lose an eye.  And you know what they say, "It's all fun and games . . ."

 Now start twisting - you can twist toward the center or away from it.  Experiment - go crazy!  The beauty of these is that they don't have to be perfect (at least mine weren't).

 Once done, leave a bit of a tail to glue across the bottom of the flower - this helps keep all the layers together.  I started out making small flowers, so I stopped about 1/2 way through my strip.  I soon realized I was going to have to make like 65 of these tiny rosettes, so I switched to using the whole strip for a couple of ginormous flowers, and made some medium-sized ones, too!

 See how pretty these are :)

 I garnished my wreath with rosettes galore.  If you were an organized crafter, you'd probably set them on and see how they worked best.  I go with more of a free-style approach and just start gluing.  

 I found these amazing metal horseshoes at Michael's in the dollar bins.  Hanging from some cool textured yarn I knew they'd be just the right touch to make this into a lucky wreath.  At least, for 6 more days.  

 Ah, yes, see how I attached them - using two pins pushed in at opposite angles to (hopefully) prevent them from coming out before I'm ready to take them out, I pinned the horseshoes in the center of the wreath's interior.  I added a loop for hanging the same way.

Close to perfect (and close counts in horseshoes - and hand grenades, in case you were wondering)! This wreath will probably get to hang a little longer than a week since I can take the horseshoes out, but I sure love the little touch of luck they added!

 Coming later this week - creamy polenta - it's my go-to side dish right now.

I learned how to make the easiest pillow covers ever.  I'll show you, too!

 Sometimes, it is good to play with your food - 

especially if it means getting extra veggies in! 

I like to party here:

MONDAY:
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THURSDAY:
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FRIDAY:
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