Wild Crabapple Garland

This period of brown winter sometimes weighs on my mood. Although I would be more than content with another month of skiing, the warming weather prompts my yearning for the first signs of spring. It's this time of year that I like to create natural garlands. It's my way of bringing nature indoors when I'm longing for the fresh scents of spring.

I'm always surprised at how much material I can actually gather in the wintry woods and fields around our home. Even during the soupy in-between seasons, much can be foraged to include in natural art projects.

On a sunny day last week, I meandered along a dry dirt road, poking a stick into the snow, tossing pebbles into streams, knocking ice off branches. At one point, I noticed a wild crabapple tree, its fruit still clinging to the branches.

I was surprised to find that the crabapples were mostly bruise-free and still relatively firm after the cold winter months. I plucked one from its cluster and turned it over in my palm, analyzing its dull ruby complexion. I subsequently filled my pockets with crabapples.

Once home, I emptied my pockets onto a cotton towel and patted the fruit dry. I thread a needle and, one at a time, poked a hole through the core of each crabapple. I then draped my simple garland over a windowsill to dry.

 

When I surround myself with little bits of nature, or when my finger are busy with natural materials, my mood automatically lifts.

Deep red wild crabapples now frame one of our windows, adding a splash of light to the darkening snow outside.