September Wreath

This is our inspiration pic for the September wreath.  I must admit, I was motivated by a slight case of coveting.  Let me explain--I visited my sister's house right after she moved a few years ago and she had a similar wreath on her wall.  My coveting gene flared up, I just never thought I'd be able to reproduce something like it myself, and no idea where to get one since her neighbor had made it.  Then I got the idea to make a bunch of wreaths this year.  I'm not sure, but the whole wreath-every-month thing might have just been a big ploy to get to make this wreath.  Anyway, I have no intention of giving a how-to, mostly because this woman did an exceptional job.  And here's my version. 

Please ignore my otherwise bare walls.  I'm clearly not a decorator.

But, not to disappoint, I do have a wreath how-to for you.  I have a somewhat unhealthy obsession with school supplies, and since September is kind of a back-to-school month, I thought I'd inable my obsession celebrate with a school-themed wreath.  

Supplies

• Cardboard wreath  free
• 112 wooden pencils  $6
• ribbon
• sparkly fall leaves  $2
• Glue gun

Total  $8

1) Cut out a circle from a piece of cardboard.  Mine is not at all symmetric because I just eyeballed it.  You can use a bowl or a pencil on a string or something, but it does get all covered.

2) After trying a few different methods, I discovered it was easiest to group the pencils in threes and arrange them around the wreath.

3) Spread out the pencils so they are evenly distributed.  Glue them in place.

4) Fill in the gaps with another row of pencils.  I lined up the erasers of the second row with the metal of the first so they'd be even.  And glued them in place.  I also sharpened the pencils--about 56--by hand.  My fingers were black and my thumb really hurt.  I do not recommend doing this.  It's fine if you have an electric pencil sharpener, or some help, but it's really not fun alone.  

5) Add a bow and some leaves for a little pop and hang on your door to enjoy.