It was a much nicer day than our last somewhat icy visit! Jan captured many of the wonderful vignettes that make Southern Exposure more of an experience than simply a destination. It all begins with rose petals and blossoms strewn along the paths.
Then, of course, we can't miss the wonderful displays. Some of the flowers are real, even this early in the spring. I love how the toile fabric dressed up an ordinary container into something quite memorable.
Of course, you might also find some high quality silks. (Why yes, I did happen to purchase a few flowers in the gift shop, thank you!)
I always get overloaded with ideas when I visit this spot. I know that I upgraded my floral urns after I started seeing how much nicer they made the flowers look!
The wreath we were to make is based on a format they discovered quite popular in Australia during one of the group's international tours, though we've been seeing more square styles here, too. This hydrangea wreath is not the one we made (you'll see that below) but it is incredibly striking!
Chef Elsie's dinner was also Australian-based. Put a few shrimp on the barbie, please! And the table setting was, as always, elegant and made all the guests feel very special.
After dinner we moved to the craft tent. Our stations included a moss-covered square wreath, four bright yellow gerbera daisies and waterpicks, some faux forsythia, scissors and some curly willow. We could get additional supplies if needed, but what they provided as plentiful.
With more than 50 people making wreaths, there was a lot of energy! Our instuctor Micah gave an overview of the balance and design of the elements, then turned us loose.
Everyone's was different!
And here is mine, taken at home.
So, today I leave you with a little bit of joy and a lot of spring. We're seeing warmer weather here in Michigan and I hope those of you who have been dealing with winter for the past few months are finding some joy in the sun and early blooms.
I know I am!
This post is linked to Talk of the Town and Thoughts of Home on Thursday later this week! Stop by -- both sites have terrific links and great ideas!
31 comments:
I like the idea of a square wreath. I love the photo of you framed in your wreath. It looks like a fun project. I know the dismay of finding you left your camera at home and have shared that frustration. Your friend took nice photos.
What a stunning, yet unique project. I was totally impressed with the photos you friend took. I loved how she shared the table with the wreaths all lined up. This must be one incredible place, because there aren't 50 crafters in Wichita. Even the best high end place gets no more than 12-14 people when they sign up for a class. You are very, very lucky to live in an area where crafters abound.
I adore the vignettes and the atmosphere you created with words and photos today. And I love your photo "squarely" inside the wreath, too. Pun sort of intended.
You look so pretty and happy in the "framed" picture! I like the look of those square wreaths. I've never seen one, but it's different and gives you different ways to think of decorating it. You did a great job!
You look like you are really having fun!
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Wonderful blog as usual. I, too, love the picture of you framed in the wreath.
Your wreath is definitely springy and just beautiful! Another fun event.
all the photos are great...:)
So pretty! I have always wanted a square wreath just because it's different. You are giving me the itch to make one. :)
Wonderful inspiration Jeanie and I'm impressed with the 'downunder' touches too!
Shane
Beautiful! I love flowers. I don't think I've ever seen a square wreath before. It turned out lovely. xx
Love your smile in the last photo, Jeanie - I can see you have spring fever. I always enjoy my trips to Southern Exposure with you. (How could you forget the new camera??) Leaving tomorrow for a few days at lower altitude - perhaps we'll see some spring.
You did a wonderful job with your wreath! This is my first intro to square wreaths.
I can only imagine all the creative energy in that room. I love square wreaths and yours is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us at Talk of the Town.
Hi Jeanie,
Such a beautiful post! Love the roses your purchased.. You know, I have yet to see a square wreath... It is lovely...
Thank you for sharing the beauty.
blessings,
Penny
Very nice Jeanie . . .
I love how you created your moss covered square!
Jeanie,
Another fabulous and inspiring post into your creativity and Southern Exposure!
Jemma
I love the way you are framed with the flowers - so pretty
Now, this is interesting. I've had a square Christmas wreath for years -- I can't even remember where I got it. (You know it was purchased, not made.) I'm pretty sure it might have been White Flower Farm. I used to get their catalog, and ordered gifts for Mom there. I like square wreaths -- always have. You can see them in cemeteries here now and then, too. Yours surely is lovely!
Thank you for sharing this pretty wreath and your smile with us at TOHOT!
We love having your inspiration, Jeanie:)
Jemma
Your wreath turned out beautiful! I've never seen a square wreath either, but I love the look of it! It's definitely very springy with those pretty flowers! I love that Southern Exposure always does such a great job of tying in the theme of the project with the meal!
Jeanie, your wreath is stunning! It looks "professional"! And yellow flowers are my favorite, so I'm just wowed.
Jeanie, your wreath looks like it came from the florist! Great job, I know that was a fun project and one you will enjoy at home. I like the square, I've never make one or bought one but I love it. Glad you are finally getting some sneak peaks for spring and summer. Here, well we have had a beauty of a spring. Already in the seventies and probably eighties the weekend. I can't believe you forgot your camera! Thanks to your friend Jan for sharing……….
all so very lovely
as are you ~
Sounds like you had a great time there... As usual. I'm glad to hear it, and glad you're seeing real signs of Spring now.
We're starting to see more sunny days too.
The last photo is my favorite. What an absolute delight this post is!!! Thank you so very much for joining the gathering at Thoughts of Home on Thursday.
That place is just FABULOUS!! I've said it before, but it's true--I could LIVE there! LOL... What a nice, refreshing shape for a wreath--square... That seems genial, somehow. That one with the hydrangeas is gorgeous! I really love your own wreath, Jeanie! I love the simplicity of the moss-covered form, and then sprays of select flowers...*swoon*... Those orchids!! And the whole things just frames you beautifully!! Happy Weekend ((HUGS)) P.S. I was wonderful to see that Harry Heron is visiting again--fab photos!!
What a gorgeous wreath. Southern exposure looks like a fantastic place. I think my muse would love it there too. :)
Hello there, pretty lady! I LOVE this wreath! And the yellow is on my mind these days with the forsythia being our first bloom! WOw, Southern Exposure looks like fun and so well-supplied with ideas and materials!
It's Friday Jeanie....we are HERE!
Hello dear Jeanie! What a fun time. I wish I lived near you - we could have so much fun. Love the idea of a square wreath. Love the last pic - you are adorable!!
Coming over from sweet Jemma's blog. I told her I had to check your blog out since I'm a gypsy at heart myself. :) Aahh, the roses are so lovely, and I especially love the picture of the red petals on the floor. The statue holding the pink flowers is gorgeous. I see you like to make wreaths as Jemma does. So glad to meet you, and have a sweet day.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
You know after the Australian Tourism used 'put another shrimp on the barbie' they used 'where the bloody hell are you?' (subsequently dropped as too controversial) and I hope you and your readers will forgive me for this language but I have clearly missed a treat here in my week. So massive apologies for my tardy entrance what a gorgeous, gorgeous wreath... I'm going to be looking for all those square wreaths here in Australia, not spotted before, but as you know I don't get out much - wink, wink!
Have a lovely weekend
Wren x
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