Natural Designs Studio

EDIBLE LANDSCAPES

The bluebirds have come for a winter feast of holly berries.  Their feathers are vibrant against the green leaves and white snow.  Last fall, I planted several holly bushes in view of my kitchen window in hopes of inviting more birds to our front porch.   These little visitors are nervous about coming close to the house and detect the slightest movement from any angle.  With patience and determination, I was able to snap some photos to share with you. 

Making sure the coast is clear!

Do you see me?

Berries for Breakfast

FORCING BLOOMS INDOORS

The Forsythia bloomed in fourteen days. 

Forsythia and Pussy Willow are some of the easiest shrubs to force bloom.  In Pennsylvania, January is usually cold but the mild temperatures this season are causing the buds to swell early.  I was curious to know if these buds could be forced to bloom.  So, on a warm afternoon, I snipped several branches and placed them in a jar of water.  Within two weeks I had great results.  A spring bouquet graces the kitchen table as snow is falling today.  I must admit, it brings me JOY to see these sunny blooms! Why not try your own experiment?  Just break off a small branch of Forsythia or Pussy Willow and put in water.  Watch the buds opening and experience a breath of spring in your home or office.  If you don't have these shrubs growing, ask a neighbor or friend for a clipping.  This is a fun activity to share with children as it helps them discover the first signs of spring and embrace the wonderful world of nature.

The Pussy Willow began to bloom in thirteen days.

The Firethorn bush showed a promising start but died within the first week. 

Winter without flowers is like summer without sunshine.
-copied-

  FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING

Firethorn Bush

Take heart - the promise of spring is near.  Shrubs begin to swell with red buds in anticipation of warmer temperatures during the late months of winter.  I defied winter's grip by clipping a few stems and placing them in water to force blooms indoors.   The buds should burst into colorful flowers in about four to five weeks announcing the promise of spring.  This is a perfect way to chase away winter blues.  The stems I choose are pictured below.

Pussy Willow

Forsythia

THE WONDERS OF HONEYSUCKLE 

H O L I D A Y   H O N E Y S U C K L E   S P H E R E

F o r   D e t a i l e d   I n s t r u c t i o n s
VISIT PROJECTS

A CLASSIC VELVET BOW

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

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

Congratulations!  You have completed The Bow Making Course. 

BERRIES FOR CHRISTMAS

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

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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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 
PROJECTS 

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

GILDING OAK LEAVES FOR CHRISTMAS

Last week I demonstrated a simple wreath created from fallen oak leaves.  To give this wreath a festive look for Christmas, 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

CREATING WITH OAK LEAVES

This time of year fallen limbs from strong winds and early snow storms provide abundant clusters 
of oak leaves.  I gather them for holiday arrangements and wreaths.  The leaves are flexible and range from olive green to deep red.  I like to collect different colors for a nice contrast between tones.  Below is a picture of leaf clusters found in the forest behind my home.

You can gather enough clusters from one fallen tree branch to create a wreath.  This is easier than collecting single leaves.  Oak trees are everywhere. Ask permission before taking from your local park or neighborhood street.  Most businesses and homeowners are more than happy to let you clean up their leaves. All types of oak leaves are suitable for drying.  

Store leaves upright in a wooden crate until you find time to use them.  The crate keeps the leaves from curling and allows good air circulation for drying. This prevents mold. (above photo). 

I made a Thanksgiving wreath with my stash of leaves  (natural color is pictured above).  Carry it through the holiday season by spraying it gold.  This wreath looks glamorous in metallic colors.  Learn to make this design here.

I'd love to see your finished wreaths!  
Happy Creating,
Sally

HEDGE APPLES

The Osage Orange or Hedge Apple is gaining popularity in decorating designs with its lime green color and texture.  I especially like the fresh citrus scent.  It is a natural air freshener and known to repel spiders.  I tested the spider theory last fall by putting a dozen balls around the basement, and found very few cobwebs the following spring (see our previous post Remedies for Creepy Crawlies).  It made a believer out of me.  This fall I gathered a bushel of these apples to use in decorating and putting in the basement as a repellant.

Hedge Apple trees are native to many states across the nation. There are plenty of websites, like eBay, where you can purchase them, and read people's praises about this weird fruit.  If you are lucky enough to have access to a tree, gather a few Hedge Apples for your pantry.  Pick apples as soon as they drop before they have a chance to blacken from laying on the ground (which is usually late October).   For a recent corporate event, I added them to the centerpieces to give a little twist to fall decor.  The room was filled with a pleasant fragrance. I love designing with a purpose beyond beauty.  Add them to your holiday centerpieces with gourds or autumn leaves for a festive punch!