Natural Designs Studio

 

A Rustic Honeysuckle Sphere

12/21/2011

 

THE WONDERS OF HONEYSUCKLE 

A walk around the property yields plenty of natural material for decorating.  Honeysuckle vine is a wonderful resource for making wreath bases.  Its smooth texture and delicate leaves are perfect for harvesting almost anytime of year making it an ideal material for every season.  Try to pick longer "runners" three to four feet long so they can be wrapped easily into designs.  

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This rustic sphere is the perfect winter arrangement to hang on the shepherds hooks used for hanging planters during the summer.  This simple design requires several long Honeysuckle runners,  Arborvitae greens, and Barberry sprigs.

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How To Make A Red Velvet Bow

12/13/2011

 

A CLASSIC VELVET BOW

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LEARN TO CREATE THIS WREATH BY VISITING PROJECTS. Click Picture To Create!

Making a bow takes practice.  Most beginners have great success with wire ribbon, but few attempt to work with silk or velvet ribbon.  A  "puffed center" red velvet bow is my favorite (pictured above).  Once the technique is accomplished, you'll be making bows to your heart's content.  Forget buying those pre-assembled things from Walmart or Lowes- your homemade bows will make any commercial product pale in comparison.  Practice by making a bow using the same ribbon over and over until you have mastered the craft.  Keep in mind that a little practice goes a long way when learning a skill.  Try making one this evening while watching a Christmas movie.  Instructions are as follows  

THE BOW MAKING COURSE

Materials
Velvet Ribbon (For a Medium-Sized Bow: I use 3 yards of 3 inch-wide ribbon per bow)
Scissors
22 Gage Florist Wire (15 inches)
Wire Cutters

Begin by cutting a piece of 15 inch wire and 3 yards of ribbon.  Take the ribbon in hand.  Leave about 18 inches
of ribbon for one tail then begin to make the center puff by scrunching the ribbon.  
Next, take another 4 inches of ribbon and scrunch again to make a puffy loop.  Twist ribbon to keep the velvet 
side on top (This requires a slight turn and some experimentation to make the ribbon lay so the wire will be able to 
hold the puff in place). 

When puff is achieved, hold ribbon together with thumb and index finger so one hand is free to begin making loops 
(see photos below).

Fold ribbon to make a large loop and place to left and right of the center puff clasping each layer between 
the thumb and fingers.  Make 3 loops on either side of center puff while keeping the velvet side on top. 
Take the piece of cut wire and run it through the center puff making sure to go under all layers of ribbon.
Carefully turn bow to the back side and twist wire tightly. It is important to scrunch ribbon tightly when twisting 
wire to help create puffy loops. 
To finished, pull and fluff the loops to look the same on both sides of the center puff.  
This takes a little extra time but makes a big difference in the bow appearance.  

Congratulations!  You have completed The Bow Making Course. 

 

A Winter's Delight

12/12/2011

 

BERRIES FOR CHRISTMAS

It's a winter's delight to stumble upon bright red berries emerging through a fence row.  They're the crowning jewels of any Christmas arrangement.  I prefer using wild berries in my designs.   Fresh wild berries do not drop as quickly as commercial ones.  It is imperative to wear leather gloves when clipping berries to protect against sharp thorns.  Two of my favorite wild shrubs are the Barberry and Multiflora Rose.  These plants, once promoted as wildlife cover and soil conservation,  grow freely in pasture fields and other untilled areas.  The Multiflora Rose has served as a living fence on farms and ranches since the early 1800's.  Many states designate these plants as noxious weeds due to the rapid spread of their seeds from birds.   Regardless, the beauty of finding a red berry against the white backdrop of winter is inspiring.

Barberry

Multiflora Rose Hips

 Rose Hips

After writing this post I can't help but ponder: Why do berries have thorns?  Is it natures way of deterring small animals to provide for the birds?   What do you think? 

Gathering Thoughts,
Sally

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HONEYSUCKLE SPHERE

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How To Make A Birch Whisk

12/06/2011

 

GATHERING BIRCH 

Birch branches add new dimension to winter arrangements.  My favorite type is Mountain Birch, native to Pennsylvania.  Its smooth brown bark and tiny buds are the perfect texture for wreaths and bases.  Birch has a pleasant fragrance, and remains very flexible weeks after harvesting.  Add birch twigs to swags and centerpieces as a filler, or bend it into forms for the perfect base (see below to learn how to make one of my signature birch designs for the holidays).  

Just clip a few birch branches and fold together.  Tie the bundle where the twigs cross with wire.  Now you have a simple base!

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The Birch Tree has a long history as a craft medium, and provides many useful possibilities.  It was once the main component in constructing bark canoes, trapping baskets, and rustic twig tables.  Some people still chew the bark to maintain dental health.  You may even find it in your local convenience store disguised as Birch Beer.  

Sally