Since I’m hanging out on the east coast dodging Sandy’s wind and rain, I thought there might be a few more people out there looking for a little indoor crafty activity. I thought I would re-post this easy and inexpensive halloween wreath that I made last year for the Fall Pinterest Challenge. Enjoy!

Time for a pinspiration! You know how Katie and Sherry are always telling us we should “Stop Pinning and Start Doing”?, well, I had a Halloween project hanging out in my Project Ideas board and I decided to break out some materials and make it happen!

A While back I pinned this fun and crafty halloween wreath made of embroidery hoops and lace, Original Inspiration from the Thriftress (which is an awesome blog moniker, for the record). I liked how it fits the season but also shows that crafty people live here!

I liked the overall concept of it, but I wanted to simplify and modernize it a bit to make it not look quite so kitschy. First step in that was to simplify from a bunch of small embroidery hoops to one large 20″ hoop (Best of all the cost was actually less – only $3.99 for this huge guy!). Then, I removed the hardware and spray painted the wood a glossy black, making sure all sides were covered.

I had a hard time finding a lace at the fabric store that worked well – everything seemed to be floral (the store I was at didn’t have a huge selection). What they did have, though, was a wonderful gossamer mesh in the Halloween holiday section, and I actually liked that a bit more – real spooky spiderwebby.

Once I had all the materials prepped, the assembly on this guy is easy-peasy. Just lay your fabric over the hoop and cut down to an approximate size (make sure to leave at least 1.5″ on all sides to accommodate the depth of the embroidery hoop. Then, put the fabric in just as you would if you were using this to embroider, and tighten the hardware to get the taut look you desire.

After the fabric is taut and secure, trim the back side with fabric scissors

And place your creepy crawly friends. I kept it simple with 3 small spiders, but you could add a bat, raven, etc as desired.

Then hang it on the front door for a handmade crafty, yet modern, and ultimately spooky wreath!