Making flower garlands

Sometimes creating things is as much about the act itself as the end result. The slowing down, the therapeutic mindfulness that comes from concentrating on the task at hand. And when you're using elements from nature and the resulting work is both beautiful and simple, I believe the act becomes rather soul-filling too.

What could make it even better? If you are crafting something that is a total breeze to create.. Cue, the flower garland!

I first made one of these for my youngest babe's birthday (her 1st, 2nd? the details are hazy..) We had a whole lot of marigolds growing in the vegetable garden and I had loved the idea of trying to create this style of flower garland since seeing masses of them in the markets of India on a trip years ago. The simple little garland I made from those marigolds was the perfect backdrop for my little babe blowing out the candles on her cake. 

I actually think a flower garland works for all kinds of gathering. Admittedly, they last a few days at most, but it makes them all the more special while you have them. You could experiment with using natives that dry beautifully to give your garland some longevity.

It's a fun and relaxed thing to do with friends too, kind of reminds you of making flower chains as a kid.

This garland has been created with all the flowers close together but you can also spread the flowers out to give you more bang for your buck when it comes to garland length. Completely up to you!

I didn't have an abundance of of marigolds on hand this time, so we used carnations instead. Any flowerhead that is sturdy and has a dense structure would work.

Here's the simple how-to:

1. Cut flower heads off stems.

2. Thread a long, thick needle (like a mattress needle) with cotton.

3. Starting at the base of the head, push the needle up through to the top of the flower.

4. Gently push your flower head down the cotton.

5. Repeat until you have used up all your flower heads.

Done!

 


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