GardenMama

.: 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! :.

.: Life Aquatic :.

.:The shore is lined with beautifully tumbled stones, some I gathered for the artful stone swap!:.

Early morning had come and the rain could still be heard falling rhythmically on the roof above my head. I laid in bed warmed by the many quilts and the two cats that lay curled up beside my husband and I.  Today I woke while the house lay still and quiet. 

My mother, daughter and I had planned a girl's day.  We were headed out to a small island that holds so much magic for the family.  We were prepared to brave the rain and board the ferry, for today we would gather up thirty of the most special stones we could find--tumbled by the shores of the most incredible beach  all in hopes of creating very meaningful stones for the artful stone swap!

.: Getting ready to board the ferry that will bring us to the enchanting island! :.

My daughter and I were dressed in a flash in our warm woolen sweaters. My mom brought along a lovely picnic lunch as there would be no stores or restaurants once we reached the island. On the drive to the ferry we took note of all of the homes that were still sound asleep. Drawing closer the houses one by one began to light up as the town slowly awoke.

.: I appreciate seeing the colors that line the docks :.

.: There is beauty to be found in unexpected places! :.

Once the car boarded the ferry, my mom sat inside with my daughter as she slept with blankets wrapped up tightly around her.  I decided to venture out on deck to take in the salt air that I love so much.
 

.: The fog created a lovely landscape around the lighthouse! :.

Soon we approached an island veiled in the most beautiful mist.  The foggy mist set the tone to our day of gathering up stones along the shore.

.: Beyond the beautiful golden grass is the shore! :.

Overhead the sky gently misted us. The golden fields of the island glowed in stark contrast to the gray that surrounded us!

.: The trees were even more brillant and stunning in person! :.

This island has a hold on me and inspires me so completely. Each time I visit this island, nature compels me to create. Today it was not only the stones but also the leaves that had fallen from the trees...
 

.: One of the cards I created to go along with my stones for the 'artful stone swap' :.

.: One of my cards surrounded by the stones I adorned for the swap! :.

We gathered some of the leaves that lay so colorfuly at our feet. Once we were home we set them into our handmade leaf press. after pressing, I adhered them to cardstock so that an extra bit of magic from the island would greet you!

  .: One of my favorite homes on the island that overlooks the ocean! :.

.: The colors that shared themselves in nature were absolutely stunning! :.

As we approached the rocky shore my daughter walked on up ahead--she knows this place and shares the deep connection to the island as I do.  It is a place of wonder and magical play for all three of my children. It is a rich gift for them to experience the energy of this place. 

This is why I knew that the stones for the swap would come from no other place but this one.

.: We found a whole section of beach lined with these open shells. In the water we spotted where thousands of them were still alive :.

.: A sweet surprise-- we found many shells still intact such as this one! :.

Nature  here is so plentiful--there is no lack of evidence of life.  It surrounds you in the most stunning ways. There are so few places where one can witness such unspoiled wildness and beauty. Here deer will pass you by without fear. Delicate Starfish cling to the rocks amidst beautiful shells and of course the most lovely slate-colored smooth flat stones! 

.: A few of the stones I created along with some of the brillant leaves from the island :.

.: This swap was held in honor of my friend Kelly's birthday. From the very first time I spoke with her until the very last time her spirit was always shining.  She was the inspiration behind the word I chose to write on each stone :.

I greatly enjoyed adorning these stones! I signed up for each swap group for a total of thirty stones.  I couldn't resist photographing each stone as they arrive to share with all of you.  (Nor could I resist experiencing the creative energy of this most beautiful community of friends!)

.: I truly enjoyed every moment of creating with these stones! :.

I have been so deeply moved by the letters you have included with your stones. Many of you have moved me to tears that I was not able to hold back.  You are a beautiful community that I feel so richly gifted with knowing.  Thank you for sharing your hearts and such inspirational creativity with me. I felt my heart swell as I read each story of your stone's origins and your intentions behind them.

.: The range of colors found in stones along this beach was quite impressive! :.

With the gathering basket now full with stones, my mom and daughter walked back to the car to enjoy a nap while we waited for the ferry to bring us back to the mainland.

I stayed on the beach collecting shells and taking in the great energy of the ocean.  Each visit to this Island fills me with incredible inspiration and moves me to create! I spent my time gathering up stones and creating this rainbow of color.  It started off at the tip of the water and when I finished the water had rolled away.

.: Someone else was inspired by island stones and lined this road with them! :.

I want to share little bits of the scenery that we experienced on our short drive back to the ferry.  I will mostly let each photo speak for itself, hoping you will take in the beauty in a quiet way just as we did on this day.

.: These roads remind me of a beautiful painting. It is a gift to visit them on this day!:.

.: Incredibly beautiful stone walls line the island :.
 
.: Charming buildings along the way! :.

  .: My mom spotted this sweet little bird. We pulled the car over for some time and noticed many of its friends! :.

.: A lone seagull saying good-bye as we boarded the ferry back to the mainland :.

I have visited and lived in some incredibly beautiful places, yet none such as this island.  It calls to me and stays with me in my heart when I leave its shores. I dream of this place and can't fully believe a place like this exists! It cannot fully be described or ever adequately photographed.  It just is.

.: I stamped this sentiment on the inside of the cards. It resonates with me so richly! :.

I hope that you enjoyed this little peek into the island and the inspiration it gave me to create these stones.  To those of you who are receiving my artful stones I hope you feel the magic!