Mushroom Inspiration

Friday, June 7, 2013

Mushroom Inspiration

I was out walking in the pasture one day this week and noticed something under the beautiful Deodor Cedar tree that caught my eye. When I got up to the tree this is what I saw.

They stood so grand in the shadows. They took me to a place of make believe.....fairies and elves, woodland creatures and soft cool places. I don't know what it is about mushrooms that conjure up these images for me. Maybe it's because of where they grow, maybe because they are so interesting looking. Maybe it's because I just finished watching The Hobbit with my son...lol.

Not only did these beautiful little mushrooms (well, actually quite large mushrooms), cause me to daydream, they inspired a new arrangement idea. I love how nature inspires and connects me with interesting ideas.

So, this is what I did. I purchased a package of Sculpey clay from Hobby Lobby and made two mushrooms to use in my arrangement. I shaped the clay and baked per the directions on the package. I then washed them in watered-down acrylic paint.

This is where you can be creative. After letting the paint wash over the clay I added white polka dots with the end of my paintbrush.

Next, I dug up some beautiful moss from under a tree. You can keep this moss in your arrangement for about a week. Just mist daily with water...then put right back under the tree where it came from.

Here's the arrangement. I found a quiet, little spot on a small secretary beside a reading chair. I used a clear bowl so I could see and enjoy the moss.