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?
Posted by Suzanne McMinn on July 5, 2007 @ 5:48 am
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!