Here are a few quick and easy ideas to help you along the way:
Go on a pine cone and acorn hunt. This is great for kids too! Make it a fun adventure. Take a bag, or two, with you and collect all different cones and acorns, in all shapes and sizes. Once you get home you can separate them and use them in so many ways
-large ones, in a bowl, add some ribbon and you've got a lovely display
-spray paint any to match your "theme"
-tie ribbon around large ones to hang in windows or over large pictures, or even take a few with different ribbon lengths, and make a door swag
-smaller cones can even be sewn together as garlands and even painted as desired
-using inexpensive wire all sizes can be wired to hang as ornaments
-wire together small cones, add some ribbon and make some beautiful natural
gift or gift bag toppers
-even out the bottoms of large cones and use as place setting markers for your seasonal table
-get a wreath form and make your own natural wreaths and how elaborate you make it totally depends on your creativity
-glue some around an inexpensive tray (smaller, pliable ones work best for this) and you can make a lovely centrepiece or even a handmade gift
-add some to your mantle or freestanding on side tables for some extra natural warmth
-pick up some scented oils (concentrated) and soak cones in your favourite seasonal scent beforehand to add some lovely fragrance to a front hall, living room or washroom
(much like scented candles, try to keep away from dining areas as the scent may conflict or overpower your food aromas)
Grab some evergreen boughs or even bits and pieces. These can be placed throughout your home, giving not only a lovely smell, but a trek back in time.
-if you're not into the natural look you can even spray paint the evergreen to match your colour theme.
-tie a few boughs together to create hanging swags.
-assemble as a garland using wire and ribbon.
-make a "bed" as a table centrepiece onto which you can place a clear plate with pillared candles
-and don't forget the outside-your entry way or porch could always use some natural decor
You can do so much with birch bark, from wrapping candles and plant pots to making small trays and you can even make one of a kind ornaments and tags. You are only limited by your imagination.....
Don't forget about twigs and small tree limbs...standing on their own in a large vase, either natural or painted, can be very effective and if you add light, ribbons or other other natural items it can be beautiful.
Smaller pieces can also be used to make interesting ornaments, as the base of a natural display, or even mixed in among the natural garland draping your mantel.
So, before we see our annual Winter Wonderland ,
grab some of Mother Nature's Fall bounty and be creative.
Your choices are endless!