Simple steps create festive Halloween wreath

Monday, October 30th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Get in a festive spirit of Halloween with this whimsical easy-to-make wreath . Even the most un-crafty among us can make this project, adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Halloween - 101 Frightfully Fun Ideas ($15.95, Meredith Publishing).

There's no gluing or fancy techniques involved. Kids can help, too.

You'll need:

Old newspapers

18 or 24-inch plain grapevine wreath , found at local craft and hobby stores

1 12-oz. can of black high-gloss spray paint

Chenille stems (pipe cleaners) in orange, silver and black

A pencil

Scissors or wire cutters

White pony beads, available at local craft and hobby stores

1 yard of 2-inch-wide silver wired-edge ribbon

How to do it:

In a well-ventilated area, cover the work surface with newspapers. Lay the wreath on the papers and spray paint one side of the wreath , working from different angles to insure good coverage. (Follow directions on the can for more tips on technique.) Let dry thoroughly (about one hour, but time may vary according to type of paint) and turn over, spraying the other side. Again, let dry.

While the paint dries, shape several orange and silver chenille stems into coils or S-shapes as shown in the photo. To shape long spirals, wrap an orange chenille stem around a pencil, then remove the pencil. Cut several black chenille stems into 2- to 3-inch pieces, and thread one white pony bead onto the center of each.

When the wreath is dry, arrange the coils, S-shapes and spirals on top of the wreath in the pattern of your choice. Secure them to the wreath by wrapping one end of each chenille stem around a vine on the wreath . Intersperse the black beaded chenille stems among the other decorations and twist and tie around the vines to secure.

Decide where the bow will be placed and slip the ribbon under some of the vines at the desired location. Tie the ribbon into a bow. Trim ribbon ends as needed. If desired, thread a leftover black chenille stem onto the back and twist into a loop for a wreath hanger.

Patricia Long Allbee is a Dallas free-lance writer.