Fall Decor Upcycled from the Thrift Store

 OOPS, I did it again, I bought a thrift store wreath, deconstructed it, and upcycled it into fresh, fall decor!

I am sharing TWO projects I made for fall with thrift store finds. First off, let me tell you deconstructing these wreaths is messy business. If you can work outside, do. I sat down in the middle of my family room floor and did it. At lest the wood floor was easy to sweep. 

The first project I created was with this hammered copper pot. I think it is a hot cocoa pot missing its lid. But, I love copper for fall ad thought of a few different ways to use it. I decided for now to use it as a container for a fall centerpiece or arrangement.

I used the yellow and faded pink flowers, some sticks, and the straw from the wreath. 

Using both natural and faux elements gives the arrangement a more realistic look. I also used the fuzzy, stringy, vine things and a just a few of the burgundy eucalyptus leaves (I threw most of the eucalyptus leaves away--they were tired and dated). I did put a floral foam block in the copper pot to hold the stems.

A long, velvet ribbon tied to the handle finishes this piece.

This centerpiece is smaller so it looks great on a shelf, entry table, coffee table, or breakfast table.

For the next project, I completely cleaned up the wreath and added thrifted, fall stems.

I also used some of the yellow flowers that were originally on the wreath. TIP: cut apart bouquets to mix up fake flower bundles.

I put stems together , with more on the bottom half, wiring them with floral wire as I went.

I then hot glued some jute or rope around the middle of the bundle to hide the wire. 

I wired the stems onto the wreath and then made a "bow" with strands of velvet ribbon and jute twisted onto the fall florals and wreath with the wire.

The wreath is cleaner, neater, and fresher!

It is perfect for hanging on a door or a porch chair or on a hook in an entryway!

Keep your eyes open at the thrift store for wreaths and other fall foliage that yo can repurpose and upcycle into something new to you!