Patriotic Book-Inspired Wreath

I loved my mini book wreath so much, I had to make another one.  I thought I'd take the opportunity to add this to my Four Weeks of July 4th series.  This time I used scrapbook paper!  I cut the pieces the same size as my genuine book wreath.  The measurements for each mini page is 3" x 2 1/4".  For this wreath you will need three 12"x12" scrapbook papers (you'll have some left over).  I used my slice cutter to cut the pieces.  Unfortunately, the papers I found were cardstock, so I didn't even try ripping them.  Since the cardstock was so stiff, I used a pencil to get them curled.  I used my low-temp glue gun to secure everything.  (It uses mini glue sticks, so it was easier to control.)  The wreath template I used, was a traced rim of a drinking cup--approximately 3 1/2" in diameter.

After I finished assembling the wreath, I used raw umber glaze with a paint brush and lightly went over the pieces.
I love using smaller items like this to do what I like to call Stealth Decorating.  What do I mean by that?  With this sized wreath you can make one, two, three or more and strategically place them (or move one around) to get the decorating effect you want.

SET in a hutch.

Casually MIX in a trencher with summer-time seashells to enjoy...

 ...while you're sipping sweet tea and "dishing" with a bestie.

ADD to a Sunday brunch place setting.

TOSS it with the foyer decor mix for an entryway welcome.

TIE ONE ON a knob or handle. 

See what I mean?

Sneaky.  

Stealthy.  Smart.  

For more smarty-pants, discount decorating check out my new hutch addition...  Chippy {heart}

An oval frame.  The chippy paint?  All original chippy goodness.  I purchased this during one of my GW excursions, it contained glass and a matted and framed poem.  And, yeppers, Ms. Engelbreit comes to the rescue again.  I muted this picture down with the same raw umber glaze.  Carefully.  This is a light-weight cardstock.

(My red, white, and blue hutch made it's appearance in Week 1, Patriotic Eggs post.)

I took the frame apart, of course--I'd guess by looking at the wood that it's from the 70s.

I taped it with handy-dandy masking tape.  This project took no more than five minutes, I had the print, and the frame set me back three whopping dollars.  I'm linking with these lovely ladies' parties:






To see the rest of Four Weeks of July 4th:
Week 1:  Patriotic Eggs
Week 2:  Strawberry Pretzel Jello
Week 4:  A Bakerella Treat!