There is some sort of vine with huge green leaves growing in my mulberry bush (actually tree) and I promise, it's so strong I could swing like Tarzan from limb to limb if I wanted to.
After much tugging, pulling, straining and using a few select words, I managed to pull the thing out of the tree. The vine must be 25' to 30' long, no kidding, and to top it off, it's not a single strand vine but a three strand intertwined affair. It's great!
As you know from previous articles, I collect a variety of vines from my yard, my mom's yard, the park (if it's ok), open fields, etc. and make my own wreaths. This find is like hitting the super jackpot of all time.
Just when I thought I was going to be completely entwined in vine tendrils, I managed to disentangle myself (I looked like a cocoon with leaves), and spread the clingy vine out in the yard. It's easier to remove leaves and any twigs or moss and makes no mess to have to clean up by doing this in the yard.
Now if you've never made your own wreaths, it's really simple. Just determine the diameter you want the wreath to be, loop the vine to that size and then using the over and under method, just weave your wreath. You can use a piece of twine to secure the ends. You can make it as thick or as thin as you like. It's really that easy. After I "weave" a few, I loop them over a hanger and then hang them on a piece of clothesline to dry.
Snippet: work with the vines when they're green as they are much more pliable and easier to bend into the shape you want. If they've dried too much, soak them in water overnight to limber them up.
The natural grapevine wreaths you purchase at the craft store are usually in one of two conditions. They're either natural with no additives or they have been sprayed with a glossy preservative. I keep mine natural but the choice is up to you.
If you keep collecting vines you'll end up with a nice selection of homegrown and hand-made vine wreaths in your inventory. You can also collect long strands of vines and "braid" them, then roll them out and use as a swag base. Start now and by the holidays you should have quite a collection to use for your holiday crafts.
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