Fashioning Protea Angels

Why not skip this year’s after Christmas clearance sales and make hand-crafted decorations for the next holiday season?

Dried flowers have made a big comeback over the last two years. Trendy dried blooms and pods are in high demand and many stores can't keep them in stock. So, while you might not be able to purchase them from your favorite store, you can dry your own flowers (protea preferred) at home and use them in all kinds of fun crafts.

Can you say angels? We’re turning the protea from our Christmas centerpieces into ornaments for the next holiday season. Did you know proteas are ever-flowers? Designing and fashioning your own ornaments can be a great way to utilize dried protea.

With proper post-harvest care, blooms can last weeks in a vase. Then, they don’t die… they dry beautifully! Many Proteas retain their structural design and to some extent their color. When used in crafts, like ornaments, they are as permanent as almost anything the botanical world provides.

So, if you're tired of the typical store-bought decorations, we suggest you take a look at these holiday angels.

Here’s what you’ll needed to make your own angels:

• Dried proteas
• Dried pods for hats 
• Dried leaves (for wings) 
• Dried wildflowers for accessories
• Round wooden doll heads 
• Ribbon, twine, and floral wire 
• Embellishments 
• Sharpe markers 
• Paint 
• Hot glue

When protea blooms find their ultimate place in a dried decor, they finish a story that began in Gondwanaland and triumphed over a thousand adversities. They represent a special kind of bond, a link to the past and a reminder of the present and how new life springs eternal.

Protea Wreath: Crafting & Care

Christmas trees aren’t the only game in town when it comes to adding natural botanical decor to a home. As holiday wreaths go up, we love the idea of replacing the faux with fresh protea and greens. A bountiful protea wreath enhances festive décor and adds a sense of luxury and organic authenticity to a home. Our wreaths are carefully created using daily harvested, fresh-cut flowers and foliage to ensure longevity. But what can you do to help ensure the longevity of your wreath once you’ve placed it in that special place? Follow these simple steps:

Water your Wreath...

Whether a wreath is hung in the heat of your house or the cold air outside, these winter environments are dry, and the flowers have no source of moisture. You will need to adjust the amount of water your wreath requires based on where you put it. A wreath displayed outside in a cool climate will require misting once a day. A wreath kept outside in a warm climate, or displayed indoors will need frequent watering or misting. You can also lay it in a couple inches of water to allow it to 'drink' from the back where the stems are.

Spritz your Wreath...

Another beauty tool also can be a secret weapon here. Grab a can of Aqua-Net, that beloved American hair spray brand, and give your wreath a spritz. If it could turn crazy-big '80s hair into a helmet, keeping protea and foliage in place should be no problem.

Avoid Direct Sunlight...

Your wreath should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

Enjoy – Happy Holidays...

After the flowers begin to fade, cease spraying and let the wreath dry naturally. Protea don’t die, they dry ‘Beautifully’.