Christmas decorations - woodland swag
Swagging is an old European custom, possibly dating back to the time when people worshipped ancient natural gods who were said to inhabit trees, rocks, fire and water. Bringing boughs of greenery, stored harvest goods and Yule logs into the dwelling may have been a way of propriating these gods and reminding them that they were expected to help the people survive during the winter months. A swag is pretty, and if you've thought ahead to glycerine some leaves, it will be long lasting too.
To make glycerine leaves
Cut the stems at an angle, and split woody stems about an inch up the stem. It is important to condition your plant material before glycerining to be sure they are drinking, as the glycerine solution is thicker than water, and will often clog stems, resulting in wilting. Place the stems in warm water, and let them drink for a couple of hours, or preferably overnight. Mix two parts very hot water with one part glycerine and stir thoroughly. Allow the mixture to cool to just warm before use. The solution can be re-used time and again. Just sieve it through a fine sieve. Although it turns brown after use, this is perfectly normal, and won't affect the finished results. Once conditioned, place the stems in the glycerine solution. The time it takes to preserve the plant material depends on what type of plant you are using, some will be ready in about 30 hours, whilst others take two or three months! Check the material daily, you will be able to see the brown glycerine solution being taken up the veins of the leaves, and when it reaches the top, it's done!
Now make a draped shape with chicken wire filled with damp foam or moss, push green foliage from your garden into the shape to cover it completely, remembering that one side must hang flat to the wall, and then wire the glycerined leaves into small bunches and slot them in between the greenery. You can add a ribbon if you like but the subtle colours of this really don't need enhancement.
Christmas Articles
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