Natural Easter Eggs

03/13/2013

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NATURAL EASTER EGGS
M A R B L E I Z E D   W I T H   O N I O N   S K I N S

I never cared for traditional Easter eggs prepared with chemical dyes. The colors were too gaudy for my taste. So, I was delighted to find this simple way of dyeing eggs in my herb book. Boiling eggs wrapped in onion skins produces beautiful marbleized Easter eggs without the mess or expense of coloring kits.  Some eggs are so beautiful you'll wish to keep them forever. This method is totally organic, meaning you can eat the eggs, and the materials are free.  Try this project yourself or with your children or little grandchildren.
Mixing marbleized eggs and natural brown eggs in a basket of wild grasses is all you need for a beautiful spring centerpiece.
MARBLEIZED EGGS
Materials:
6 fresh eggs (I used brown eggs but may use white - not hard boiled)
Onion Skins
Olive Oil
Cheesecloth or pantyhose, or cotton cloth to wrap eggs
Rubber bands
Save the skins from yellow onions for several weeks.  I found plenty at the bottom of the onion bag for 6 eggs.
Wrap the onion skins around the fresh egg. A leaf pressed on the egg before wrapping in onion skins will create interesting imprints.  Tip: They will stick better if  the egg shell and onion skins are both wet.  
Cut six pieces of cheesecloth. Wrap each egg to cover the onion skins.  Secure with two rubber bands.
Fill a large pot with cold water and add the wrapped eggs. Cover and bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes.
Rinse the eggs under cold water and snip off the rubber bands to remove the cheesecloth.  Open the little gifts to see what beautiful designs have been created.  Each one will be different. Dry the eggs and polish with olive oil to add shine and deepen the color.
Have fun creating eggs that capture the essence of springtime!
Naturally yours,
Sally
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Entertaining Decor: Statement Pieces from the Wild

09/05/2012

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WOODLAND VINES & DRIED GOURDS
S T A T E M E N T   P I E C E S   F O R   E N T E R T A I N I N G 

Greenbriar is an obnoxious plant to many land owners.  Birds and wild turkeys spread its seeds causing tangled messes in groves of trees and forest areas.  This plant seems to grow in full sun or in thick shade.  A few years ago I began experimenting with its delicate vines and found it to be extremely flexible.  The berries and leaves dry very well by staying attached to the vine and keeping their color for a long time.  When Greenbriar eventually turns brown, spray it gold, and add some clear lights for the holidays.   These natural-vine spheres look very stylish inside or outside.  Put them on shephards hooks or hang them from high beams to add festivity to any gathering.  

Gathering Tip:  Wear leather gloves and long sleeves when working with Greenbriar to avoid cuts from thorns.  
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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

L e a r n   t o   C r e a t e   t h i s   D e s i g n   T o d a y !
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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!

H O L I D A Y   F E A T H E R   W H I S K

L e a r n   T o   M a k e   T h i s   B i r c h   W h i s k   D e s i g n   B y   V i s i t i n g 
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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
 

Reviving Old Wreaths

11/30/2011

 

GILDING OAK LEAVES FOR CHRISTMAS

Last week I demonstrated a simple wreath created from fallen oak leaves.  To give this wreath a festive look, simply spray it gold.  It's natural, easy, and unique.  My customers love the holiday wreaths made from forest materials instead of the typical pine and holly creations found at local markets.  

To gild, simply buy Gold Metallic Spray Paint (any brand) and apply a light coat of shimmer to the wreath.  I prefer some natural color emerging on the leaves but you could totally gild the whole wreath for a bold look.   Always spray paint outdoors or in a well vented garage.  
Allow the wreath to dry one hour before displaying on the  front door!
Sally