Make a wreath

Bunches of Chinese pistache leaves cover an 8-inch-diameter straw wreath base (about $10 at craft stores) to make this festive wreath.

It takes slightly longer to assemble than the other projects, but the method is easy. If you wish, substitute other fall leaves, such as pin oak, or blend together several kinds.

HOW-TO: After you have collected clippings of the leaves you wish to use, gather stems into bunches of four or five. Pin the first bunch to the wreath base with a U-shaped floral pin (available at craft stores) as shown below, with leaf tips facing clockwise.

Place a second bunch on the base, overlapping the first slightly to cover the pins. Continue, working counterclockwise, until the base is covered.