An all natural fall wreath from gathered pieces

Years ago, when my son was working at the Renfest, he planted a magic wand tree in my yard for future projects.  It’s about as tall as I am now, and since he is no longer making wands, I decided to harvest a few of its curly branches.

Aren’t they cool?  

Great curves and twirls!

My husband went for a walk in the woods and clipped the other vines for me, then helped as I wound them up together and twisted them into a wreath.

Usually, I cover my bluebird and rose topiary painting for Christmas time, since the picture is so springy.  This year, I thought I’d get an early start and give it a fall treatment with burlap and a wreath.

The frame of the painting is half of a Victorian door, and is so heavy, it has been bolted to the wall.  The only way I can change up the look is to insert a piece of covered foam core board over the glass.  I like having the option to change things up for the season, and this has worked out pretty good for me.

The heavy mirror is also bolted down, so I hang items over it, for now a bird print.

This year might have sucked for many, many reasons, but 2020 has had a couple bright spots.

One is that it has been the year of hydrangeas that I always dreamed of!  I’ve gathered and dried armloads.  Some got tucked into the vines of the wreath along with feathers from a wild turkey, shot by my friend, Karen Hillman (she also treated me to some of the juicy, turkey breast and it was just the best).

With all the puppy activity around here, it was relaxing to have a quick redo to work on.  The wreath itself was simple as can be, just twisting and tucking, no wire or glue.

I might take the dried blooms and feathers out for Christmas and add ornaments when the time comes.  This wreath will be very versatile since nothing is permanently attached. 

And now that I think about it, that magic wand tree is going to be good to have around too.  Maybe I should craft some witchy wands for Halloween.

 

Comments

[Marilee McKelvey]

Love the wreath! It takes me back -- when my son was one (1985) I wanted to stay home, not go out to a job, but I needed to make some money, so I started decorating grapevine wreaths with dried flowers and ribbons. Eventually I discovered French wired ribbon and birdhouses and boxes and topiaries...it was a fabulous time making crafts, selling them to local shops. I kept it up thru the birth of my daughter, and into elementary school. I have some wonderful pics of them sitting on my craft table surrounded by dried natural bits. Thanks for reminding me of a fun time. Can't wait to see the witchy wands you make!

[Ellen D. Bailey]

Beautifully creative, as always!