Dried Flower Wall Hangings for a Natural Chinese New Year

 

Dried Flower Wall Hangings for a Natural Chinese New Year

Materials:

• Base: This could be a branch, a piece of driftwood, a metal hoop, a woven mat, or even a sturdy piece of cardboard. Choose something that complements your dried flowers.
• Dried flowers and foliage: Select a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. Consider textures too!
• Twine, string, yarn, or wire: For attaching the flowers and creating the hanging mechanism.¹
• Glue gun (optional but recommended for faster and stronger adhesion)
• Scissors or floral shears

Flowers & Their Meanings (Relevant to Chinese New Year):

• Chrysanthemums: Longevity, good fortune, and joy.²
• Peonies: Wealth, honour, and prosperity.³
• Orchids: Elegance, refinement, and fertility.⁴
• Lotus pods: Fertility and abundance.⁵
• Chinese Lantern Plant (Physalis): Good fortune and wishes for a bright future.

Green Names (and what they symbolise):

• Eucalyptus: Protection, cleansing, and healing.
• Ferns: Resilience, new beginnings, and harmony with nature.
• Grasses: Abundance and prosperity.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: If using a branch or driftwood, clean it and remove any loose bark. If using a hoop or mat, ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of the dried flowers.
2. Plan Your Design: Before attaching anything, lay out your dried flowers and foliage on your chosen base. This allows you to experiment with different arrangements and find a composition you like. Consider creating a focal point and balancing the colours and textures.
3. Attach the Foliage: Start by attaching larger pieces of foliage, such as eucalyptus or ferns, to the base. Use hot glue or twine to secure them.
4. Add the Flowers: Begin adding your dried flowers, focusing on your focal point first. Use hot glue for a quick and secure hold, or twine/wire for a more natural, rustic look. If using twine, wrap it around the stems and tie it securely to the base.
5. Create the Hanging Mechanism: Attach a length of twine, string, or wire to the top of your base, creating a loop for hanging. Ensure it’s strong enough to support the weight of the wall hanging.
6. Finishing Touches: Step back and assess your creation. Add any additional flowers or foliage as needed to fill gaps or create a more balanced look. Trim any excess stems or twine.

Tips for Success:

• Drying your own flowers: If you want to use flowers from your own garden, dry them properly by hanging them upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area for several weeks.⁶
• Using store-bought dried flowers: Purchase high-quality dried flowers from a craft store or florist. Look for flowers that are vibrant in colour and not brittle.
• Hot glue safety: Use caution when using a hot glue gun, as the glue can be very hot.
• Creating a cohesive look: Choose a colour palette and stick to it. This will help create a more harmonious and visually appealing wall hanging. Red and gold are traditional for Chinese New Year, but you can incorporate other colours like pinks, oranges, and yellows for a more modern feel.
• Consider the placement: Think about where you will be hanging your creation and choose flowers and foliage that complement the surrounding décor.
• Preservation: To prolong the life of your dried flower wall hanging, keep it out of direct sunlight and humid environments.⁷

By following these instructions and tips, you can create a beautiful and unique dried flower wall hanging to celebrate Chinese New Year and bring a touch of nature into your home.