GardenMama

.: Bittersweet & Pinecone Crafting :.

.: The colors of autumn growing all around us! :.

We are taking in every last bit of autumn and so on this last day of November I would like to share with you some of the gathering and creating we have been up to in these last days before December-- inspired of course by family walks in the woods!

.:Pinecones and Bittersweet berries were gathered during our walk in the woods!:.

Pinecones were gathered in gathering baskets to join bittersweet wreaths and to incorporate into many crafting projects throughout the winter months ahead.

Bittersweet grows wild all around our home, with each walk and visit outdoors we have enjoyed gathering it up by the armful!

.: My son clips away each leaf to prepare the vines for weaving! :.

My oldest son began the wreath by clipping off each and every leaf that grew on the bittersweet vines.  The leaves will dry and crumble, but the bittersweet berries will slowly open, sharing both a brilliant orange and yellow. If stored properly they will join us on our door next autumn as well!

.: These small woven vines soon turn into a full wreath! :.

We began sorting out the vines and started to weave them in and around,  securing them only by twisting one vine around the next.  I continued weaving each vine until the wreath became very full.

.: Pinecones wrapped with wire and secured to the bittersweet vine :.

Some of the pinecones we gathered also made their way onto the bittersweet wreath.  Thin green floral wire was wrapped around the center of the pinecone, joined in the back, and then twisted onto the vines.

.: The finished wreath is a daily reminder of our time spent in the woods! :.

The completed wreath hangs next to the front door.  In a few days the yellow berries begin to open and soon transform into a beautiful orange. I appreciate how the the colors of the pinecones complement the brightness of the berries and remind us of our special walks in the woods!

.: Nature-Inspired Seasonal Banner Tutorial :.

.: "Give Thanks" written on pressed leaves with a sharpie paint pen :.

I couldn't resist sharing the nature-inspired leaf banner my family and I created for Thanksgiving day!

.: Simple materials were used to create this nature-inspired seasonal banner :.

Materials used in creating this nature-inspired banner include:

Pressed leaves,   Finger knit cord,   Beeswax,   Sharpie Paint Pen,   Hot glue.

.:With a sharpie paint pen the words 'Give Thanks' are written on pressed leaves:.

We chose colorful autumn leaves that were pressed earlier in the homemade leaf press to create the banner.  With a paint marker we carefully inscribed each letter that would compose the message on the leaves...

.: Each leaf was dipped into beeswax to create a beautiful scent as well to preserve the leaves :.

We decided to use this banner for Thanksgiving day and wrote the words "Give Thanks."

.: In a double-boiler we began warming the beeswax that our leaves were dipped into :.

When the lettering of the leaves was complete, we placed a block of  beeswax into a double boiler until the entire house was filled with the sweet scent of honey. Now it was time to dip the leaves!

In addition to preserving this banner for Thanksgiving celebrations in the future, I also chose to dip each leaf to infuse our day with an unforgettable natural scent!

.: Our oldest cat found a cozy place to nap while the kitten enjoyed a knitting lesson! :.

We chose to attach each leaf to a finger-knit cord. My eldest son and daughter have been busy finger-knitting lately as the days turn cold and we find ourselves feeling cozy indoors.

.: Completed finger-knit cording for the seasonal leaf banner :.

With a dot of hot glue we secured each leaf to the (back) of the finger knit cording so that it would not show through on the front of the banner.

I wish you warm memories while you create with your family this holiday season!

.: Beeswax & Walnut Shell Centerpiece :.

.: The floating walnut shell beeswax candles created a lovely glow to our dinner and a beautiful reflection on the water :.

Each year on Thanksgiving day my family and I enjoy going outdoors in the morning to gather  treasures from nature that will create the Thanksgiving table centerpiece. 

This year we wove a little bittersweet wreath and tucked in some of the colorful leaves we had pressed earlier in the season.  Little pinecones and small gourds also made their way in and around the wreath centerpiece.

.: We enjoyed the process of cracking open the walnut shells! :.

We knew that the Thanksgiving table would not be complete without the warming glow of candlelight. Once inspired we set out to create a very special set of floating candles created from beeswax and walnut shells. 

.: The beeswax was warming on the stove while we set out the candlewicks :.

Immediately upon setting beeswax on top of the stove in a double boiler,  the sweet scent of honey quickly filled the air and we began cracking open walnuts to serve as a vessel for the wax.

.: Making sure to set in the wicks upright so the candles will burn evenly :.

We used candle wick that had already been cut to size and placed them into the walnut shells so that they sat upright, waiting for the melted beeswax to be poured around them.

.: Sweet little floating candles wait to be lit for the Thanksgiving day celebration! :.

After the wax had cooled we set the sweet walnut candles afloat in water, enjoying their lovely glow along with the reflection and movement on the water.

.: These candles also make lovely winter celebration gifts and add coziness to any home! It is such a simple project with a very meaningful process and end result for both littles and grown-ups alike! :.