Description:
In times past, folks imbued the natural materials in their homes with symbolic meaning, such as a sheaf of wheat to represent a bountiful harvest. Some of these traditions still survive--kissing under the mistletoe, for instance--but nowadays people can enjoy a tremendous variety of natural materials in their decor for the sheer beauty of it. Stocked with gardening and crafting information, this little volume explains in detail how to grow and harvest your own flowers, herbs, and other naturals, along with methods for drying and storing your crop. The general techniques section lists the necessary supplies and lays the groundwork on working with floral picks; forming bases for wreaths, centerpieces, and swags; and wiring garlands. The design section offers 40 step-by-step projects that celebrate the seasons (living herb centerpiece, summer flower basket, fall harvest wreath, Victorian Christmas wreath) or grace the wall and table any time (artemesia or birch bark swag, rosebud heart, seashell wreath). The photos, unfortunately, are rather uninspired; the designs are pretty, if a bit on the traditional side. Overall, the book's strengths lie more in its gardening than its crafting sections. --Amy Handy
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