Last year I took a class at the Department of Forestry and Wildlife. This class involved loading up into a van and driving to Saddle Road forestry land. We spent time picking and gathering flowers and plants that were suggested. Then we head back to HQ and learned how to construct our wreath.
This year I decided to use what I had learned and go out on my own
reliving the experience while gathering to make wreaths as Christmas
presents.
The first round my friend Jean joined me as
did some rain. I was afraid that it would pour but the permit was for
that day so we took the risk. Soon the blue sky broke through and we
left with bags full of wonderful plants. Some like the O'hia we could
only admire and leave behind.
I started with my ring and went through the steps I remembered from the class. Knowing Jean was constructing a wreath too gave me motivation to continue and not be overwhelmed.
No project is without its hiccups. My issue was supply. I was running out. When picking for a project you think you are walking away with so much as bags are overflowing. Well, I ran out. Fortunately, I had a back-up plan that added the perfect touch to the final product: a wonderful red bow.
After hitting a shortage of supply from my first wreath, I took a different approach to my placement as I made the second one. I learned some of the place where I could stretch things out if I needed to. So I started building from the middle.
To say I wasn't pleased with both wreaths wouldn't be true. They were
different from each other but exactly what I needed as those receiving
them were two different people.
A week later, I was out with my permit picking again. This time it was a beautiful, clear day and I was picking for my own wreath.
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| Mauna Kea in all of its glory |
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| Step one: get a ring |
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| Step two - cover with ti leaves |
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| Step three -gather and organize pick plants |
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| Step Four - Make bundles and pin them down. Repeat. |
Yes at this point I noticed that I didn't pick enough again. As the week prior, I used what I had to see how far I could get it to go. It wasn't far enough. Even with an added bow. Instead, Providence stepped in and a friend showed up at my door that wanted to go up the mountain for some star gazing. I asked if I could have 5 minutes to gather some plants on the way. It was possible.
So after two trips in one day. I finally had enough for the finished product. It was well worth the effort as it makes me smile every time I go to open my door.
Christmas weekend began with PQ holiday brunch at the Hilo
Hawaiian and the afternoon exploring a new beach (to me that is). Looks
like it might be a white Christmas this year! #iatesomuch #amazingview #snowinhawaii #mountainmajesty #bigislandbliss #iheartnature
After hitting a shortage of supply from my first wreath, I took a different approach to my placement as I made the second one. I learned some of the place where I could stretch things out if I needed to. So I started building from the middle.
