Wreath Factory

If you aren't lucky enough to live with a River Birch tree, check out your local woods. "Can I peel your tree, please? She said to me, "I don't know what this is, but I don't want anymore bushes in my yard!" Now, many growing years later, this little...

When cut, those canes can easily be shaped into bridal headdresses, explaining their name. Non-nuptial types of spirea, on the other hand, fashion their clusters at the ends of their stems, bloom in summer and fall, and come in colors other than white.

It was always a shock when the puny sapling that Dad insisted would be big enough, miracuously grew to touch the ceiling when brought inside. It was an annual tradition and I took it for granted that everyone did the same thing.These days, the number...

I pick up red pine cones down along the cedar break and while I'm there, pick some of the tiny white cedar cones. I wander down to the fence line at the bottom of the little orchard and pick the Japanese larch cones that swing on the lower branches.

Mom tried it on Uzzi but it wouldn't go over his horns, so he pouted while I posed. He will be a tiny kid. Uzzi and I are smart! My human mom says I'm getting an apprentice next month, but I don't think I like the sound of that.

Tips for Use: This wreath goes really well in a kitchen, where bits of the herbs can be plucked from it and used for cooking. Step 4 Repeat the process until the entire frame is filled.

Wash your hands and sterilize your pruners after cutting each diseased branch.Stand back and look at the general shape of the shrub. The dark green oval leaves turn purple to red in the fall.

Our family has a box full of old plastic Frisbees that we've collected over the years. Take your time so you don't break off the ends of any of the evergreens. The final bunch may be a bit challenging as you have to get the bottom of the branches down...

Please use the form below or D-mail me directly. The awl is another problem solver. Glue leaves to base, with base of leaf tucked in under flower, using 2-3 leaves per blossom. Wrap small blocks of styrofoam with wrapping paper and bows.

Instead, just spread the ribbon around the wreath and then use your finger to poke it down in between the evergreen sprigs four or five times so it looks like it's rippling through the evergreens.

A small hammer comes in handy if you have trouble pushing a pin all the way into the base of a straw or Styrofoam wreath. The first thing I come across is a stack of grapevine wreaths of various sizes.

If you are having trouble pushing the suet mixture into the wreath, simply work with it like clay, pushing the mixture in with your hands, and adding the seeds as you go.Be sure you leave space for little bird feet.

Allowing the vines and leaves to dry slightly will make for a tighter weave. This article originally appeared in the July/August 2012 issue of Hobby Farm Home. This ribbed basket lends itself to delicate weaving with reed and cane in diminutive sizes...

Gradually introduce these costumes to your animal so you don't scare him, and be sure to have him on a lead at first, just in case. Dog clothes are especially tailored for animals, and you can buy cute Halloween costumes that really fit.

The wreath was destined for the dumpster, as were the candle stubs. We hang fresh wreaths on our doors, or have a cut Christmas tree. The fresh items will not burn as quickly, so you need to incorporate them with drier materials.Once the wax is melted,...

If you want them to open faster, try laying the cones on a foil lined cookie sheet and bake them in a 250 degree oven for an hour. Even if you live in a cold, snow laden climate, there are many things out there you can still gather to use for holiday...

The farm also offers family events (such as opportunities with Santa and horse-drawn wagon rides), wreaths, a gift shop and a bagpipe concert—plenty of things to make getting your Christmas tree a fun experience.

Doing so will remove the flower buds for the coming year. Clean the clippers with a 10-percent bleach solution when moving to a new plant to stave of the spread of disease. Arborvitae, holly, junipers , boxwood, yews and most other non-flowering evergreen...

(These are all Northwest natives except for the latter, which has sprung up here and there on our property from seeds spread by birds.) Back on our front porch, I separated this natural booty into two piles.

This will open up closed cones and remove insects and sap. Add a few pine cones into your Christmas decor as well.Pine cones aren't just for bird feeders anymore. Be sure to line your cookie sheet with foil as the sap can be difficult to remove.For fire...

I use the plate to draw a line and then I cut up the round form and arrange the pine cones.The first row of pine cones is on the edge of the cardboard and I glue their bottom on the cardboard, with clear sylicone, tops pointing to the outside.The petals...

Choose holly twigs with unblemished leaves and bright berries, and then lightly spritz the sprigs with cold water to remove dust. Birds also nest in holly's dense foliage because it provides good shelter, and its spiky leaves fend off predators, like...

, also known as mugwort and wormwood plant. Light pruning can be performed to help keep these plants from becoming unruly, especially the spreading varieties.Wormwood plants are not typically affected by many disease problems, other thanfrom overly wet...

Plant a few seeds straight from a lemon from the grocery store into some loamy soil and, within a few weeks, you should see some leaves poking through. Because they are not toxic, they can be used widely, including in cooking.

Get the Look: Find starter plants at the farmers market, or dig up a small plant from your own garden. When steeped with savory herbs, like thyme or rosemary, you can add the honey to vinaigrettes or sauces.

For citrus fruit it is advisable to use a layer of silica gel under the fruit to help absorb the abundant liquid. In both cases it is wise to leave the oven door slightly ajar to let the moisture out.To rehydrate, simply cover the dried fruit with boiling...

Collect twice as many branches as you need for your project.Bunch the branches together in groups of two or three. This will decrease the amount of drying time needed to preserve the branches.