In the Studio: European Natural Crafts

Help Wanted!

Every time I peel a clementine, I hold it up near my face so as the skin is

broken it sprinkles me with the oil in the rind,

and I always say, "hmmmm, it smells like Spain."

Before I left for Europe I bought a big box of clementines.

Unfortunately, we did not finish them.

By the time we got home they were starting to harden.

I strung them with jute twine, leaving spaces between each to aid in drying.

I cut slits in the rind all the way around and hung them to dry near the furnace.

I did this because I want to make the crafts shown above.

All through our tour of Christmas Markets in 4 countries we saw these

items made with natural materials.   Amazing things were made with dried fruits, cones, acorns, sweet gum pods and berries.

I love decorating with natural elements.  As I hike I fill my pockets with

acorns and pine cones and pretty rocks.

I don't know if I have done this correctly.

So, I'm putting a call out to anyone who may live in a country

 that makes these crafts or if this is part of your family tradition,

please send advise so I don't end up with a moldy mess. 

Thank you!