post by: Mary Beth Johnson is a photographer, blogger, and journalist with a passion for finding beauty in unexpected places and celebrating the everyday. Originally from the east coast, she now lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three children (dubbed “schooners”). From an office full of fingerprints and walls scattered with imperfect artwork, she’s writing her first book, a memoir of her parents’ journey in raising 14 children, and her own lifestyle blog, Annapolis & Company. 

With the holidays in full swing, I’m getting the nesting urge. Bad. As a busy mum of three, I’ve learned that sometimes it is ok to say “no” to emails and dishes and laundry, and just doing something purely for fun. I’ll pour myself a cup of coffee in my Anthropologie mug, turn on some James Taylor, put a movie on for the kids (or maybe get them all to take a nap….simultaneously), and create something. Just for me. It feels so rebellious, but in a good way. 🙂

This wreath was made with magnolia leaves from my front yard, one of my favorite things about this teeny little rental home we live in. If you don’t have a magnolia tree, or know someone who does, I suggest going to the park or walking through your neighborhood and looking for one. The leaves for this project were all on the ground and had turned their various shades of brown, and I think bringing a bag to a park and collecting them, would be perfectly acceptable. Maybe ask your neighbors before rummaging through their yards, though?!

I loved how this turned out so much, that I ended up making two of them, and they hang from torn linen in my kitchen windows. I think they look so perfect for autumn, and will transition into winter with us (maybe with a spray of muted gold spray paint). Every time I look at them, I think, “I’m so glad I said no to housework that afternoon, and took the time to make these.”

May you find therapy in creating, today and everyday.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

wire wreath form| floral wire |scissors | glue gun | glue sticks | magnolia leaves