Posted by Suzanne McMinn on July 5, 2007 @ 5:48 am
Boonies
Grapevine twisting around a tree on our farm.
My latest endeavor–learning how to make wreaths from wild grapevines. They look so creepy-cool in trees.
When I was a kid, grapevines were for swinging over the river. Now I think–wreaths! I love those grapevine wreaths you get at primitive craft stores for sometimes $50 and more. What the heck, my farm is draped in them. Time to learn to make my own! So I grabbed some pruning shears and took off up the hill…….
I have a lot to learn, though….
First, I took vines that were mostly too thick. I need to get the thinner vines. Instead of being lazy and grabbing what’s handy, I need to get more adventurous and get the ones that are healthier, still growing, and pliable. But, I managed okay. I soaked the vines I gathered in a wash tub to soften them up, shaped them, and fastened them with floral wire. I used fresh greenery at hand, including some apple tree branches complete with fruit, along with some flowers, to decorate it–just for practice since dried decor would last longer. I need to work on my drying techniques, too, but for now, this was my fledgling effort. And it was fun!
Tried anything new lately?
5:55
am
I think you did a pretty good job with the wreath Suzanne. If you had a crafts store I would buy one off you. I love those places too but like you said, sometimes it hurts your wallet to go into those places, especially when you say to yourself, “you know what, I could probably make that myself for next to nothing”.
Hope everyone had a happy 4th.
LeAnne
6:48
am
I think you did a great job, too!
Beats me how you find the time to try, with writing deadlines, children and fur kids. I’m impressed!
-Kim, who has the time but does not have the patience for crafting
6:57
am
LeAnne is so right in her comment. I go into those places, see the prices, and think “I could make that for next to nothing!
7:16
am
I’ve never been very good at artsy-craftsy things, so hats off to the people who can!
9:06
am
The wreath looks great.
9:26
am
Suzanne, you did great!
Living in a rural area many of the older people love to teach the younger ones to use the things around us in crafts. 
9:32
am
i think it’s pretty! And I see you’re reading Twelve Sharp … I just started Lean Mean Thirteen and that was a mistake because now I don’t want to write, I just want to read.
10:27
am
You did a great job, Suzanne! It sure looks professional to me.
10:29
am
You have floral wire sitting around the house?
11:55
am
Those vines are definitely creepy-cool.
I love the wreath too - you did a really nice job. Since I’m not crafty, I would probably pay those exhorbatant prices to buy one instead.
5:24
pm
Those are very nice! Mine would look like grape-vine craziness!
5:37
pm
It looks good….
5:50
pm
You did a great job! I try to be crafty and then lose interest.
12:45
am
How cool! I wish I was crafty enough for that.
Hey! You should give those away as your next contest prize. (psst… pick me!)
10:39
am
WOW that was cool! I’ve been reading on how to make wine…need to for research for my Deadly Gifts ms but I’m finding I can’t wait to actually try it myself!
Cole
11:17
am
That’s beautiful! And no, I haven’t tried anything new lately…guess I should!