Sandi Reinke, from Loose Ends, uses dried fruit and gourds, vines and vegetables to create a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving cornucopia. She also works with burlap and other unusual materials.
Materials:
30" x 12" chicken wire
aluminum foil
12-15 pieces of burlap (place mat size)
autumn leaves or leaf rubber stamps
white glue
water
gloves
Steps:
1. While wearing gloves, begin to shape the chicken wire into a cornucopia form (figure A). It helps to make a cone shape, then twist the smaller end up a little.
2. Cover the wire form with aluminum foil (figure B).
3. Stamp the burlap with a harvest design such as autumn leaves (figure C). Let paint dry completely.
4. Next dip the burlap pieces into a mixture of 70 percent glue and 30 percent water. Ring out excess glue and place on the cornucopia shape (figure D). Continue layering the burlap pieces until the entire cornucopia is covered.
5. Let the form dry overnight. The glue mixture will not stick to the aluminum foil, so after the cornucopia is dry, cut out the foil and chicken wire from the burlap.
6. Add decorative elements, such as dried vegetables, fruits, cinnamon sticks and greenery.