Thursday, December 5, 2013

Old Leather Horse Harness Christmas Wreath

Last year I picked up this old leather horse harness at an estate auction
 from a farmhouse here in South Carolina.
 
(this is the back, I did not take a before pic)
 
I actually bid on it because it had a roll of old chicken wire with it. The wire was perfectly aged and rusty in spots and would work perfectly for so many projects I have on my list.
 
The harness got put in the attic of my workshop for a while, I even think it made it into the Goodwill donation box at least once before I decided to hang onto it.
 
Boy am I glad I kept it.
 
 
 
After a thorough cleaning and oiling the leather,
I drilled small holes on each side of the top.
I did this because the buckle was missing and I needed a way to hold the harness closed.
 

 
I ran a heavy gauge wire through the small holes on each side and twisted it together to close the harness and began decorating it with faux greenery and a burlap ribbon bow.
 
 
The horseshoes are probably my favorite part.
My neighbor is a farrier and he was kind enough to bring me a dozen old horseshoes.
They also needed a good cleaning and I sprayed them with a clear matte sealer.
The horseshoes are wired together and through the small holes I drilled in the harness.
 



I'm in love. If only I had a big red barn to hang it on.
 
 
I'm also thinking that it would be a great focal point for a rustic winter wedding.
What do you think?
Just add small signs with the name of the bride and the groom to each horseshoe?
 
 
 
'til next time,
post signature
 
 
Linking to:
52 Mantels
The Pin Junkie
Common Ground
My Repurposed Life
Funky Junk Interiors
The Newlywed Pilgrimage
Between Naps on the Porch

13 comments:

  1. Now that is recycling....and I love it! That is so creative, good job!

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  2. oh I love this! rustic country Christmas for sure! Do you come by Common Ground on Mondays for The Marketplace? if you haven't please come join in!

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    1. Hi Debra, thank you so much and I do come by Commom Ground on Mondays!

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  3. I am over from Brenda's WW today. Your wreath is very creative and oh so country! I love it!
    Hugs,Cindy

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Cindy! I love it too.

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  4. Hi Adina!
    I am over visiting and following from Cozy Little House. It is so fun to see what other people are doing creatively. I'll enjoy your blogs.
    -Ginene

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Ginene. I love to see everyone's creativity also. So many wonderfully talented people!

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  5. I have never seen such a unique farm style wreath...love it!! My mom would adore this, she rides hnter/jumper and has antique horse stuff here and there.

    Cool!

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  6. I have a friend that would love this! Thanks for sharing the idea!!!

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  7. Replies
    1. Thank you! This has got to be my favorite creation.

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