When it comes to decor, I prefer fresh touches whenever I can use them. Fresh pumpkins, fresh flowers, plants, evergreens, etc. It’s such an easy way to decorate, because fresh always looks classic and beautiful. Plus, you don’t have to store it later or feel bad trying a different look the next year.

When trying to decide what to do for my fall wreath this year, I decided to make a fresh corn stalk wreath for my Make It In Minutes Monday series that I share in my instagram stories (I’m @deliacreates over there). Almost every Monday, I share a quick and easy project to help jump start our week and get it off to a fun, successful start! 🙂

And this wreath really does take just minutes. After gathering supplies, I’d say it took around 10-15 minutes. Not bad for a wreath that should last beautifully through both Halloween and Thanksgiving seasons.

MATERIALS

• About 6 corn stalks 
• Scissors or pruners
• paddle floral wire
• grapevine wreath*
• wire cutters

*You may also use a floral wreath base. I prefer to use grapevine wreaths as a base because they require less material to make a full looking wreath. 

TUTORIAL

Step One: Remove leaves and tassels.

Strip the cornstalks of all the foliage. Remove and discard any moldy leaves or cobs. To remove the tassels, simply cut them about 4 inches below the start of the fringe.

Step Two: Bundle the corn stalk leaves.

You may need to cut some of the leaves in half, so that they are too long. Gather bundles, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick.

Step Three: Add leaves to wreath.

Wrap the paddle floral wire around the grapevine wreath and twist it in place to secure it. Add a bundle on top and wrap the floral wire around the base of the bundle twice. Do not cut the wire. You will use one long length of wire to wrap each bundle around the entire wreath.

Add another bundle staggered over only bottom of the first bundle and secure with two wraps of wire. Continue this process around the wreath. When you make it full circle to the first bundle, lift up the top of the first bundle and secure the bottom of the last bundle underneath the top of the first bundle. This will give the wreath a continuous look.

Step Four: Add corn tassels.

Using the existing wire wrappings, insert the corn tassels around the wreath, spacing them evenly.

That’s it! Place the wreath on your door and give it a good fluff or trim as needed. If the wreath looks a little unruly, try rotating it. Sometimes the tassels and leaves lie better when the wreath is turned just right.

Some shedding from the tassels is to be expected, as with any fresh wreath, but it should last you until your ready to switch the corn out for evergreen boughs. 🙂 When you’re done, simply unwrap the wire, toss the cornstalks in your compost pile, and use the grapevine wreath again!