Making an Autumn Wreath - Transformation

Taking children on a nature hunt as the seasons change is a wonderful way to honor the plants and the new season.  During Autumn, we enjoy collecting acorn caps, oak balls, dried flowers and rose hips, while marveling at the changing colors of leaves and wild grasses in the preserved pond area near our home.  The landscape has truly transformed!

Once we collected a variety of dried flowers, we decided to create a beautiful wreath for our front door, welcoming autumn into our home.  A bit of Feng Shui included -- wreaths are a way to bring positive energy to your family life.

Supplies:

1.  Two gauges of wire
2.  Wire cutters
3.  Variety of dried flowers, herbs, rose hips
4.  Optional: ribbons and other embellishments (we chose to keep this wreather all natural with no ribbons)

We started off making a circle out of a thicker wire, and then cut pieces of thinner wire for wrapping.

 















Long pieces of sage were placed around the circle and tied on with bits of wire. 

Then, we added dried flowers, berries and rose hips. 

Eventually, there was enough wire wrapped so that all we had to do was stick the plants into the wreath and they would stay. 

We'll add and change out some of the plant material as ithe wreath dries over time, and as we continue on our nature hunt adventures!  

It was exciting to see the rose bushes so transformed from flowers to hips...we wonder what we will find on our next trip! 

May Crowns

1.  Twist strands of wild vetch.

2.  Coil floral wire around the vetch.

3.  Measure the child's head and twist the wire together where the ends meet.

4.  Trim off dry pieces or roots hanging down the back.

5.  Add sprigs of rosemary, lavender, oak leaves, dandelion flowers, roses and more by gently pushing the stems under bits of wire or twisted vetch.

6.  Mist with water and keep in a cool place to enjoy for days!  Take off wilting flowers and add new ones to refresh the crowns.

Voici le Mois de Mai

This is the Month of May (French Folk Song -- thank you to Kristie Burns from Earthschooling for this one!)

Voici le mois de Mai
Ou les fleurs volent au vent.

Voici le mois de Mai

Ou les fleurs volent au vent.

Ou les fleurs volent au vent

Si jolie mignonne.

Ou les fleurs volent au vent

Si mignonnement!

Here is the month of May

When the flowers sway in the breeze.

Here is the month of May

When the flowers sway in the breeze.

When the flowers sway in the breeze.

They are so pretty and cute.

When the flowers sway in the breeze. 

They are very precious.