How to Make a Botanical Garland, via Måurice in Portland, OR
Photography by Michael Paulus, courtesy of Måurice
When we spotted Måurice, a tiny Norwegian- and French-inspired “modern pastry luncheonette” in downtown Portland, OR, we admired an artful garland of dried flowers and leaves strung across the ceiling and wanted to know more.
The ever-changing garlands are a collaboration between Måurice owner/pastry chef Kristen D. Murray and local floral designer Hilary Horvath. We asked for their tips for creating a thoughtful botanical garland, suitable for the holidays and beyond. Here’s how.
– Small cuttings and botanical finds – Herb or flower scissors – Rayon string – A long, sharp needle
Materials
– Select small botanical finds, like flower heads, leaves, seed pods, bunches of cotton, and berries – Using a sharp needle and rayon string, thread the cuttings one at a time through their stems, leaves, or centers - Hang and enjoy!
Steps
“Foraged items are great—I like tiny pinecones," says Horvath. "It’s best for them to be as fresh as possible, as it’s easier to sew through stems that are supple and have bend to them.”
And some tips:
Murray's favorite elements to include: cotton; "bay leaf, as it’s a reminder of home to me, growing up in California; rose hips for my Scandinavian roots.”
For Thanksgiving, Murray recommends choosing “leaves, persimmons, tiny apples”; and for Christmas, “magnolia, orange slices, holly berries.”
Make sure to use a sturdy string and a sharp needle to keep the garland looking neat.
“The pattern is impromptu—thoughtful but not symmetrical,” Horvath says. “I don’t knot the items so that the spacing can be adjusted once in place.”
Once dried and in a safe place where they are not getting banged, they will last forever,” adds Horvath.
Murray suggests hanging in a space with a high ceiling or a “favorite window, naked wall, over your bed, kitchen table....really anywhere your heart desires.”