Winter Wind
When thinking through the botanicals for my “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” table, I wanted to express the chill of winter and the movement of the wind in a Minnesota landscape. I had to ponder this idea for a while. It wasn’t until I took the time to peruse my humongous collection of natural materials that the perfect piece jumped out at me. It was a beautiful wispy branch from my friend, Martha, that had the most wonderful one-way movement and gestures.
Sometimes my installations or arrangements take a long time. A lot of trying this and that. In this case, I hung the branch above the table and was immediately thrilled with the effect. From that point forward it was finding materials that shared a sweet sweepiness. Dried ruscus garland and reaching Queen Anne’s Lace were a perfect compliment.
While I usually let the existing color of naturally dried botanicals and branches show up as they are, I had fun using a little low odor water based spray paint in icy pale grey and a lavender color very close to Pantone’s 2022 color of the year, Very Peri.
It was fun to paint an ombre effect on the installation and play with color in a way that the natural light in my studio would highlight. It was fun to see the western wind effect falling into place and to add gorgeous lavender silk ribbon winding through the branches. I think the photos are lovely, but to see it in person is a completely different experience. You can actually feel the gusts (or maybe that is just my very powerful air duct in the Inspirational Parlor).
A few brass birds join the fun and add a bit of sparkle to the finished piece. When in doubt, put a bird on it.
All in all, I continue to find fun and inspiration in making these natural creations. You never know exactly how it is going to turn out and that is the most fun part for me. (Anytime I am doing something like this, there is bound to be some flower that decides to become a jumper and makes a run for it!) Teaching my workshop on how to make these small installations really fills my cup. It is such fun to see what people create with elements of nature. Each piece is original, beautiful and a reflection of the creator. I feel so lucky to get to do this work and share the how-to with others. Here’s to a creative and bountiful 2022 full of trying new things and taking risks as makers. Happy New Year!
