Centerpieces Easily Assembled with Minimal Talent and Money
Since the Mission Hills Garden Club had a pot-luck work shop in lieu of the November meeting, the creations of the members are definitely worth a mention, especially since the way they were created is easy and fun.
Members were instructed to bring something to decorate as well as a dish to share. The food was offerings varied and delicious. However, the items members brought to be decorated showed true creativity. Items that made their way to the craft table varied from a single super high styled stiletto to an old handbag.
The Garden Club Board and Mission Hills Nursery provided succulents, glue, scissors and other tools. They also had containers and driftwood for sale. Most important was moss. Some members chose not to use moss at all, and they affixed their plant matter with glue. Others used dried moss to provide stability for the plants. Those who wanted a living creation used live moss which was kept moist as the item took shape.
Joann Dossett’s frog began as a metal armature she had purchased years ago. It was more-or-less frog shaped. First Joann filled the armature with green moss which she kept misting with water. Once she had had stuffed the armature, she was able to poke holes in the moss and insert the stems of her plants. Eventually the entire form would be covered. To keep it alive, it will need to be misted often.
Another favorite item of the night was Pat Harrington’s stiletto, complete with toes! I don’t know if she plans to keep her succulents alive, but it certainly is creative.
Behind Pat’s stiletto, was a leaded opaque glass lamp shade in its finished glory. The lamp shade had an interesting metamorphosis. I don’t remember who created it, but began as a lamp shade and turned into a container.
Both Maureen Tess and her daughter made really creative items. In a shallow baking dish, Maureen created a winter scene with Christmas carolers and tree and even a pond for skating. Her daughter chose a piece of driftwood. With an artist’s eye, her creation was very simple but very effective.
The handbag was another of my favorites. It was a dark green moss covered bag over-flowing with succulents. Someone else covered a basket in moss; and one member built a driftwood container to hold succulents vertically.
The evening ended all too soon, but the variety of creations was marvelous. Simple glass bowls abloom with succulents, gourds and pumpkins holding other plants, no two creations were alike.
This month’s meeting will be at Urban Seed in Old Town. We will learn about special seeds and have a chance to buy them as well. Parking may be difficult, so plan to arrive early and car pool if possible. The meeting is scheduled from 6 until 8 p.m.
Category: Local News
