The last wind storm blew down branches on our road. On my walk, I picked up a nice gnarly, lichen-encrusted branch with a few fresh, green catkins attached and another, bare but for a multitude of red berries.
The vase is a long-time favorite that gets pressed into service only rarely.
A stone slab tops a receptacle with a permanent frog embedded in the base. It lends itself to Ikebanaish arrangements using sparse material.
The sharp tines of the frog hold the branches in place. I added the silly red felt bird (not too sure about the artistic merit of the bird, but he makes me smile).
The grey bird candle echoes the color of the lichen, as does the small ceramic piece by Betsy Wolfeson. I like this best viewed from above, so I put it on the floor for photos. It will actually live on a low chest this week.
Cathy of Rambling in the Garden started this celebration of indoor arrangements, and this week, celebrating a full year (52 weeks…yes, she really did it), she gives us a bit of history. Let’s see if she can inspire you to join in the fun.
Oh I love it rickii – the simplicity and naturalness of the twig and berries, and the slate and pebble vase (is it slate?). The birds too – both of them. Meanwhile my mind is ticking along as we have various bits of slate and I also have several pebbles with holes for tea lights….hurrah, more receptacles! Thank you for sharing and for your continued support
I want to say slate, but not completely sure. Glad I could send you off in a new direction.
What a great find, your lichen-encrusted branch. Am fascinated by the interesting container. It seems it would be very versatile.
Susie~Welcome, and thanks for commenting.
The bird makes it. Is that a cardinal in a bishop’s hat? Love it! I never would have come up with something like this… and now I can copy it!
Amy~In fact, I think he is a bird straight from the fantasy-oriented imagination, but that’s a good guess about subliminal associations. Ink & Peat on N Williams usually has some interesting decorations. My guy was a gift, so I can’t tell you where he came from. He usually hangs above my computer, along with an equally wacky angel.
It’s exactly what I expect from you, rickii – the unexpected. And very attractive, too. After tomorrow’s predicted wind, I may be able to imitate your style down here in the lowlands.
Jane~The wind, she is ablowin’ right now. Who knows what treasures we will find lying about?
I love the gnarled branch with the red berries – what is it?
Jason~The knurled branch is (I think) a native hazel. The branch with the berries is separate and I don’t know its identity. It was along the roadside, so I suspect it is a native something-or-other.
I really like this Ricki! Anytime I use a small frog like that for an arrangement I find it needs water bat twice a day, something I don’t manage to stay on top of.
Loree~I find that too, which is why I don’t use this very often. This particular arrangement is waterless.
I have fallen in love with your container too, so unusual and perfect for this arrangement. When I first saw it I thought that the berries must be fake, there are so many of them. This would make the perfect Christmas decoration too, very, very tasteful, I love it.
Christina~I was thinking Christmas too, but I’m afraid the berries will be gone or shriveled by then.
Ricki: You pick the most interesting vases! This is a fabulous, creative arrangement. I imagine it would look wonderful on a trunk as you describe it. Great job!
Beth~Thanks. This meme is giving me an excuse to be on the lookout for interesting containers. It’s always good to have a mission, and the container will gain importance as the plant materials grow scarcer.
That red bird makes me smile too, Ricki! What a lovely vase and ditto arrangement. Feeling compelled to head outside and look for blown down treasures now…
Anna~A little blustery to go out there right now, but all the better for future scrounging.
Love that vase! If it were mine I would always wonder what to put in it but love it on the shelf! The branch with all that cool lichen on it is perfect. Of course a branch just calls out for a bird or two.
Janet~I love it in May, when I can steal an iris or three without depleting the outdoor show.
Cool arrangement, Rickii and I especially like the silly felt bird as it keeps it from being too serious and grown up!
Peter~Serious and grown up? Never!