Blossoming Red Beauty Natural Wreath

Description

This creation measures 19 1/2" from top to bottom, is 18" wide, with a depth of 5". I cut and gathered the dogwood twigs in the wild, and the zinnias were taken from my gardens last Summer and dried in silica gel to retain a higher level of color.

I wrapped the woven twigs with burgundy satin edged fabric ribbon, added the zinnias, and topped it off with a raffia bow complete with a young zinnia flower in its center. The entire creation was also sprayed with several coats of a clear glaze sealer for protection. Display indoors only.

A detailed description of my natural materials follows:

RED TWIG DOGWOOD
Description: A deciduous, many-stemmed shrub 3'-19' tall.
Stems and twigs dark red when young, gradually fading to grey-green, becoming red again in the Fall and Winter.

History: Long slim stems were used by Indians for basket weaving and are still used by present-day crafters.
Indians and early settlers smoked the inner bark, stem scrapings, and leaves, which have a slightly narcotic effect.
Indians also used an extract as an emetic for treating fevers and coughs and obtained dyes from the bark and roots.

Uses: A popular landscaping shrub, with many cultivars introduced.

ZINNIAS
Origin and History: Zinnias are native to Mexico. They have been grown since 1520 by the Aztecs. Zinnias were brought to Europe in 1753. They were named after Johann Gottfried Zinn, a professor of botany.

Added on Aug 02, 2009