Make Your Own Mint Wreath } St. Patrick's Day

I have to admit that I'm not real big on St. Patrick's Day.

True story, never have been!

This is a holiday that celebrates Irish heritage and I'm not Irish!

Here in Western NY there are plenty of Irish... and there is much celebration around this holiday.  Maybe it's wearing off on me... or maybe it's just that Valentines is over and there is a lull, plus 5 feet of snow outside, and I can't bring myself to put anything up that relates to spring!

Either way, this year I'm a little more motivated to at least decorate for St. Patty's.  

I love green, it should be fun right?

I went into the dollar store to find some inspiration, some things to create with.

I came out with, among other things, this foam wreath and wintergreen mints.

I didn't know at the time that they would be paired together, but what do you know... it works!

So, here is a tutorial for you.  How to make a quick St. Patty's wreath out of candy!

You will be amazed at how fast it goes... I think your tween would enjoy making one too!  Super easy!

You will need mints, a foam form, the square edges help in this case, hot glue and ribbon to hang it with.

The hardest part of this project is unwrapping all of the candy!

I started with a dry fit and determined the best way to place the mints is actually to line the inner circle, then the outer circle.  If you try to fit empty space you'll have overhang, then they won't fit etc.

You can see where I pulled a mint after I'd changed my mind!  I all too often rush into things w/o thinking through them!

I placed mints on the outside next, then went to the inside.  I used the imperfect pieces towards the back of the wreath, getting the most use out of my bag.

I did run out, you can see the space, but this is a great place to put my ribbon!

I used 2 bags of candy total.

I chose a sturdy grosgrain ribbon, this candy gets heavy!

I glued it to the wreath.  Normally I don't care if it moves, but the flaky floral foam bothers me, and it clings to everything... must cover that up!

I glued the ribbon.

Then cut another piece to make a faux knot at the top.  

I often do this trick and actually hang the wreath from the new knot so it faces out.

If you hang it from the loop it will turn a little.

Here it is, petite and sweet! 

I may spray a finish over it so it doesn't stick to anyone that touches it.  That would be a good idea.