This project didn’t go exactly like I had planned it.

As a part of the ProFlowers All Year Wreath Project, I wanted to create a wreath that was beautiful and smelled amazing. My original idea was to make an herb wreath. I was off to a good start with a grapevine form and homegrown rosemary, mint, basil, dill and parsley. What I did not take into account was the weather. I harvested my herbs and started assembling the wreath. Within 5 minutes, it looked like this:

I hadn’t even finished and it was already wilted and gross! I guess 85 degree temperatures and super humidity are not conducive to herb wreath making. Lesson learned.

Well, I didn’t let that failure stop me. I attempted 3 other types of wreath that just didn’t give me that look I was going for either. At that point, I was about to give up. I had made 4 ugly wreaths and 0 good ones. Then, my brilliant husband suggested using hosta leaves. Genius!

Hosta plants aren’t exactly scarce around our home, so this was going to be as easy as pie.

To assemble this wreath, I took my grapevine form (you know, the same one I used for my lavender wreath and spring moss wreath) and started sticking the hosta leaves into it.

I figured out pretty quickly, that using the smaller leaves gave a better result. I went around the circle layering different color leaves on top one another to give some dimension.

I continued to do this until the entire form was covered.

Here you have it folks, my super duper awesome herb hosta wreath. Simple yet beautiful.

Even though it doesn’t have that terrific scent I hoped for, I still think it looks pretty good.

What type of wreaths do you use to decorate your home?

In April when Erin was visiting we went garbage picking together. That particular time, I got caught up in the moment and grabbed several large garbage bags full of cheap ugly baskets and vases. Erin made fun of me for taking these. Rightfully so. It really was just junk. But me being me, I decided to use this as motivation. I was determined to find at least one treasure in these sacks of rubbish. What can I say, I love a challenge!

First, I sifted through the rummage and found this wonderful gem and decided to paint it.

Next, it was time to choose the color. My love for chalkboards helped determined the fate of this little guy. As far as methods go spray painting this vase was the obvious choice here, but my can was too clogged to use. Instead, I used a paint brush to slap on a few coats of other chalkboard paint I already had. I am really diggin’ the texture left from the brush strokes.

Then, I primed the newly painted and dried surface with a piece of white chalk by rubbing it all over the vase. This was to prevent my first scribbles from being permanent art.

Finally, I planted a blue chalk succulent in the container to complete the look.

Too cute! I think this project was a success. (As you can see, I really enjoyed doodling on it with chalk. Maybe a bit too much.)

We’d love to hear how you challenge yourself. Leave us a comment, and let us know!