Circus Peanuts and Book Wreaths

When I was little, my friend Jason and I would walk to "Taylor's," a little store that was very close to my house, and buy a candy called "Circus Peanuts." They are orange and marshmallow-y and shaped like a very large peanut. My favorite color was orange and I really liked the movie Dumbo, so I think that's how I arrived at eating the Circus Peanuts. It can't be because of the way they taste. They are kind of yucky.

But despite their yucky-ness, I can't resist buying Circus Peanuts when I see them for sale anywhere. (They are not readily available these days...I can't imagine why.) When I eat that peanut shaped marshmallow, it makes me feel like I am a little girl rejoicing in the simple pleasures of summer and spending time with sweet friends.

Camp Take Me Away is like eating a giant Circus Peanut.

CTMA is a retreat for women who camped or worked at Camp Desoto in years gone by. For 5 days, they get to be campers and re-live the summers that they spent on the mountain. Many of the ladies are dear old friends and some are new faces, but they all have a common experience that binds them together.

Can you imagine how fun it would be to go to one of your favorite places with your favorite people?!

It is probably my favorite week to work at camp. Thank you, Camp Desoto, for letting me be a part of this retreat!

Now, let's get down to business. I taught crafts for Camp Take Me Away, and this year we made fun fancy wreaths. Just look at these Craft Mama's working their fingers to the bone!

The ladies made so many different and beautiful wreaths...I wish that I had a picture of each one to show you.

Here is an example wreath that I made. This one is wrapped in burlap and decorated with bright felt flowers...

The other example I made is covered with pages of an old book. How great would this be for a book club? It could be cool to use an old hymnal or music book for this project, as well. Love it!

What's that?

You want to know how to make your own book wreath?

Well, let's do it!

Book Wreath Tutorial

First you will need a straw wreath form and burlap cut into approximately 2 inch strips. For a 24 inch wreath, you will need about a half yard of burlap.

Wrap the burlap strips around your wreath. Secure ends with hot glue or straight pins.

Next, you will need an old book. You could just as easily use a new book, but the yellowed pages of an old book give the wreath more interest. Carefully cut, or gently tear, the pages from the book.

Roll each page into a little scroll and secure with hot glue.

Tie each scroll with twine. I mostly tied singular scrolls, but I also tied a dozen or so multiple bundles (2 or 3 scrolls tied together). It will take about 75 scrolls to cover a wreath.

Use strait pins or hot glue to secure the scrolls to the wreath. Here's a helpful hint...I glued my multiple scroll bundles (2's and 3's) to the wreath first in even increments (think of a clock- tie bundles at 12, 3, 6, and 9) and then filled in between those.

Glue a small loop of twine to the back of the wreath as a hanger.

Hang. Enjoy. Admire.

That's all there is to it! Easy Peasy.

Go find yourself some Circus Peanuts, pretend you're at Camp Take Me Away, and make a book wreath.

Lovin' ya.

Mel Dark