Design work and winter in the mountains

 Winter is here. 

I love winter. The reality is, though, I embrace the season I’m in because to wish for something else, seems to take away the enjoyment of living in the present.  

I had the opportunity to make winter wreaths for a friend in Eastern Tennessee. What a gorgeous farm she has, and it could not have been a more magical day when my dad and I drove up to install the wreaths.

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Blustery, snowing and just about my favorite kind of day to visit this beautiful working farm.

Black Angus cattle were happy to pose in the blowing snow.

The English manor-style house is as beautiful on the inside as it is outside and is off-grid powered by solar and an outside wood fire. And yes, we were ready to move in:-)

She wanted wreaths that could stay out through the winter and not be specifically Christmas. I made four and all were asymmetrical. Based on the colors she likes, I used burlap ribbon with green and added pinecones, wintry branches and greenery. 

Considering the high winds the day of installation, I’m convinced a hurricane would not hurt these wreaths as everything is attached securely to withstand weather.

She was pleased with them, and I had a fun day out with my dad enjoying the wintry weather.

Back in our area, the temps have been colder than cold. Near zero most every night for a week, and our usually rushing creek was totally frozen over in many places.

I have never seen it this frozen in my lifetime.

And onto another project — I designed New Year’s Eve floral arrangements for Balsam Mountain Preserve based on their “gold and glittery” theme. 

I bought clear vases, taped off the edges, then brushed on glue and sprinkled on gold glitter for a sparkly, fun look.

These were going on the buffet serving tables. 

I made some larger and smaller arrangements for different sized tables, including these small ones that were made from glasses. 

However, we left before getting the decorating done, and they ended up having to cancel everything because an ice storm blanketed the area with solid ice, and traffic came to a standstill with many people stranded for hours on icy roads. 

Our kids only went back to school for two partial days last week, and are off again today as we wait for more snow and ice, but we are warm, dry, safe and thankful. 

Enjoying the present:-)

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5 Comments

  1. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
    January 8, 2018 / 6:27 pm

    Love the wreaths and the floral arrangements, so pretty. I really, really love the outdoor Christmas tree too. So glad you are all safe and sound. I sent you an email about The spring tour. Let me know if you are going to join in again – 19th thru 23rd of March.

  2. Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things
    January 8, 2018 / 7:51 pm

    Those wreaths are beautiful! It has been very cold here, hasn't it? We are warming up starting tomorrow though! Happy New Year!

  3. Katie Mansfield
    January 8, 2018 / 8:57 pm

    Those wreaths are gorgeous. They are perfect for all winter long. Stay warm.

  4. Pinky at Designs by Pinky
    January 9, 2018 / 12:46 am

    Beautiful wreaths and arrangements!!! That's a shame that the event had to be cancelled and people got stranded. Glad you are safe and warm. I, too, am thankful:)

  5. Laura
    January 10, 2018 / 12:07 pm

    What beautiful wreathes.
    You are exactly right. We shouldn't hurry the seasons!
    Your photography is beautiful as always.