The appeal of embroidery has diminished with the unrelenting heat we have been experiencing in Brisbane. I far prefer hot weather to cold, but this has been extreme, even for me, and any thought of Christmas stitching has flown out the window.
Instead, to get into the spirit of the season, I attended a workshop with my daughter to make a Christmas wreath with fresh plant material.
Each person had a bunch of flowers ready prepared for them and we couldn't wait to begin.
We were first shown how to lay down a base of cypress and a little gum. This foliage formed the background.
Then came the flowers, pretty little sprays of pink or white Geraldton wax, a protea, and a few different leucadendrons. Geraldton wax is indigenous to parts of Western Australia. Since it has been introduced into gardens and moved to grow in new areas, it has become an invasive species - ironically, in Western Australia itself!
Big industrial-sized fans on each end of the warehouse kept us fairly cool while we worked.
I didn't quite finish my wreath during the workshop and I was able to take my bunch of flowers with me to finish it at home. Although it was originally going to be a hanging wreath, I think I will keep it it on the table where it lends a special festive, Christmassy air.
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| Merry Christmas! |
On another note, we are looking forward to the arrival of my daughter and family from Dubai this weekend. Then it's the buildup to Christmas with all the grandchildren. There's a lot to look forward to over the next few weeks and with all the excitement and festivities, it will be the new year before I post here again.
'Till then, have a very happy and peaceful Christmas! And happy stitching!
