Decorator Wreath

Great decoration idea! This creative wreath is perfect for Christmas celebrations. MORE+ LESS-

small bright-red apples (such as Rome Beauty or Red Rome), 2 1/2 inches in diameter

Lemon juice or lemon-lime soda pop

Wire racks

Waxed paper

Spray varnish, if desired

cinnamon sticks, 10 inches long

Florist wire

Straw wreath, 10 inches in diameter

yards 3/4-inch ribbon

Hot-glue gun with glue sticks

cinnamon sticks, 3 1/2 inches long

Fresh bay leaves or silk leaves

Wire hanger, if desired

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1

Heat oven to 200º. Cut apples lengthwise from stem end through core into 1/4-inch slices. Dip apples into lemon juice to prevent browning; place on wire racks. Carefully place wire racks on oven rack. Bake 3 1/2 hours. Turn off oven; leave apples in oven 8 hours or overnight.
2

Place dried apples on waxed paper. Coat each side with 2 light coats of spray varnish, following manufacturer's directions.
3

Tie 10-inch cinnamon sticks together with florist wire. Attach to front of wreath with 6 inches of the ribbon. Glue dried apple slices and 3 1/2-inch cinnamon sticks to front and side of wreath, using glue gun. Attach leaves to ribbon on 10-inch cinnamon sticks. Make a bow with remaining ribbon, and attach to wreath. Attach wire hanger.

Personalize wreaths to represent your heritage, living locale or personal interests. Scan craft shops, garden stores and Grandma's attic to find unique items to enhance your wreath. You may want to use a glue gun found at craft stores to secure objects. Try these fun ideas: • Gilded leaves and pinecones • Strung beads and white feathers or seashells • Ornamental birds, pinecones • Tree ornaments, such as snowshoes, miniature bird houses and birch bark canoes • Miniature flags and ornaments of a specific country