Before & after.

This:

+ this:

+ a little bit of greens = this:

Attended a great wreath-making party this afternoon.

Everybody brought a bunch of things to share and we all went to town creating. This was the first time I have ever made a wreath and it was so cool - we were all really glad that our friend Amy was there as our guide (she worked as a florist in another life) to get us all going in the right direction from the start. It seems to be all about the wire and the bunching .

I ended up making two - the one above and this one that's now hanging in the dining room.

Loved seeing how we all started with the same basic things to choose from and they all turned out so unique and beautiful. Next year I think I want to try incorporating some fruit (Amy put apples on hers and it was so cool). Maybe pomegranates.

My friend Shari (our fantastic hostess) also had these up on her wall - I love how she used photos on some of the boxes. So happy to see all kinds of interpretations on this - thanks again Martha for such a great idea:

Hoping to get lights up on the house tomorrow. Chris and Simon spent the day measuring how many lights we are really going to need for the festive look we imagine.

Merry. Merry.

Loving the new holiday compilation CD from Starbucks.

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31 thoughts

  1. Elizabeth says…
    11/25/2007

    Just lovely, Ali. The wreaths are so simple and yet, so elegant.
    Thank you for sharing. Since I'm on bedrest and can't decorate this year, I'm living vicariously through all my favorite crafty bloggers---but your blog is the one I check first! :0)

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  2. suetreiber says…
    11/25/2007

    lovely wreaths! I bet they smell like heaven.How many times did you poke yourself?

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  3. Lisa says…
    11/25/2007

    Great wreath project. Gives me lots of ideas. Nice touch by your friend who added the pictures to the little boxes on the wall. I'll have to keep that in mind for next year.

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  4. Sara says…
    11/25/2007

    You created two beautiful wreaths. A wreath-making party... sounds like fun! We put up our lights today... but not turning them on until Dec 1st. I wanna turn them on now LOL

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  5. Erin says…
    11/25/2007

    Merry Christmas, early! Your holidays projects are so timeless and beautiful.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Nicole says…
    11/25/2007

    Beautiful wreaths!!
    Now measuring? That's something I've never thought about.. I always end up guessing and then always having to go back for more, lol!!

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  7. Kim says…
    11/25/2007

    OH WOW! how fun!! love those wreaths! might just try it myself-NOT ;) I'd need some serious handholding!!! lol

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  8. Barb Stewart says…
    11/25/2007

    Very pretty, Ali!
    I don't have the traditional Holly available to me but I have a tree of the same family in my front yard that I just trimmed up this weekend...WOW, what great timing you have with your e-mails!! I would've never thought to do something like this! Hmmmm, this is going to be interesting...
    If it turns out good, I'll send you a pic!

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  9. Molly says…
    11/25/2007

    Looks fun and very rewarding! I've cut back my blog reading temporatily to finish some things, but can't seem to break away from yours:)
    - Molly

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  10. susan lyons says…
    11/25/2007

    I went to a wreath making party a few years ago and it was so fun and so rewarding. I LOVED my wreath. I wish we could do it again but my friend is still a florist and always so buys this time of year. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful day!

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  11. leslie says…
    11/26/2007

    wow. your wreath is amazing. amazing.
    i, too, love starbucks christmas cds. mine this year is waiting to be played. anxiously waiting.

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  12. ShellyJ says…
    11/26/2007

    WOW! you are really an inspiration for the holidays :) love seeing everything you have done!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Gretchyn says…
    11/26/2007

    Love the wreaths, Ali. Nice job! I am enjoying Christmas music myself today. I found a new Christmas cd from Joan Osborne this weekend at Borders. FANTASTIC. Love her voice. Also made a quick list of Christmas cd's that won't be coming home with me this year: Twisted Sister, Dr Demento, Sister Hazel to name a few. Enjoy your day-

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  14. O says…
    11/26/2007

    Such pretty wreaths & I'm lovin' your new blog header! Yummy! A wreath party sounds like so much fun. Never heard of one before but it'd be fun to have one (if only I knew someone to instruct! ;) ). Thanks for sharing your ideas here, Ali. The things I see here and in your new book (don't laugh) makes me want to weep because all of it speaks sooo loudly to my creative spirit but I feel so stifled for one reason or another. Thanks though for sharing the beauty of everyday life. :)

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  15. Kerri says…
    11/26/2007

    Love the wreaths! What kind of boxes did Shari use for that project? It is brilliant.

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  16. Lan says…
    11/26/2007

    Such pretty wreaths and I love your friend's advent boxes, so cool!

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  17. leah says…
    11/26/2007

    Lovely wreaths! I haven't commented much lately, but I've really been enjoying all you Christmas projects! As always, you do such beautiful work! :)

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  18. Julie Howard says…
    11/26/2007

    Love the wreaths! What a great idea to have a party to make them.
    The pics on the advent calendar boxes are great - our boxes are painted, and we will be finishing them up today.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. jamie says…
    11/26/2007

    as always continuing to inspire us all...
    some questions...
    first : did you use real or faux greens on your beautiful wreaths?
    second : was visiting your cafe press store...any thoughts on a really cool design for a commuter mug? all you creative artists have these great mugs, but it would be awesome to have a commuter mug in one of your designs.
    third : will you be adding any of your 'life artist' design to any of the cafe press products?
    fourth : when does a 2008 calendar become available?
    sorry to add to your day...curiosity overcame me and needed to ask.
    have an awesome day!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. PhotoCardDesigns says…
    11/26/2007

    I love the wreath and the calendar! Great craft ideas!!

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  21. Mandy Ford says…
    11/26/2007

    What a gorgeous wreath! So simple and festive. :)

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  22. Tanya says…
    11/26/2007

    Ali- looks like you had lots of fun.....Thanks for all of the inspiration.....Also I was wondering can you give us any hints on what your Album Track is going to be like at CKU?....please-Tanya

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Penny says…
    11/26/2007

    Ohhh, lovely. Love fresh wreaths, and trees, for Christmas.

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  24. Jill says…
    11/26/2007

    I've recently discovered your blog. It's really a fun place! Thanks.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Becky says…
    11/26/2007

    I just love all of your holiday crafts you have been posting. I can't wait to make my own versions.
    I have a question for you....how do you display all the holiday cards you get during the holidays? I am looking for a fun & new way to display them.
    Thanks!

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