DIY Floral Hanging — How to Repurpose an Old Bouquet

10 years (+ 1 month) still feels like yesterday and forever ago all at once. A lot has happened in the 10 years since my mom passed, and a lot has happened just this month. To say it’s been a difficult process would be an understatement, but I’m still hanging on to hope and these Eucalyptus petals. After all, that’s what she would have wanted — The hope (and the damn Eucalyptus). “Don’t throw it away, we can use it for a project”, she would insist. God bless her. No, really… That woman has given me some remarkable teachings about repurposing things, specifically related to nature, and I love her dearly for it.

Anyway, while I was away this month, the August flowers that were given to me in memory of my mother started to die. However, like the memories I carry of her, I decided to repurpose what I could. This is what I came up with (pictured above) and it will forever remain a symbol of something worth hanging on to — my most cherished memories of her. And of course, I figured I would walk you through the process. After all, that’s what she would have wanted.

Things you will need:

.an old bouquet of flowers

.a branch from a tree

.a roll of twine

.scissors

.sand paper (or if you’re unprepared like me, an unused nail file works) (optional)

.coconut oil (optional)

Directions:

Gather an old bouquet and set aside any florals and/or vines you want use for drying / hanging.

Next, take yourself on a nature walk (yes, the backyard counts), and find a good sized fallen branch that will work for the amount of vines, etc, you wish to hang.

If you would like to “sand” the branch, you can then take your sand paper (or nail file), and do so until the desired effect is created. Yes, I used an (unused) nail file as a replacement, because I didn’t have sand paper… I have no shame. As Mother would say, “Make do with what you have and hang the f*ck on to that.”

For added smoothness, rub a small layer of oil on the branch after sanding. I used BE FRESH Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from Organic Acres in Vancouver. You may use any kind of oil you desire though. You can also use tea, coffee, etc, for further staining or in replacement of oil if you want to. The options are nearly endless.

Note, like the sanding, this part is optional. However, I would recommend some kind of coating if you already sanded, as it makes for a nice overall finish.

Once you’re satisfied with your branch, begin placing the florals / vines in whichever pattern you would like to have them. As you can see, I used Eucalyptus with some long dark red leaves in between. You will also want to get out your twine at this point and begin cutting however many strips you will need to hang the florals / vines.

Once you’ve cut your strips of twine, you can start to tie a knot (or two) around each floral piece or vine to connect it to the branch. I did two knots in front and two in the back on each for extra security.

After you’ve secured all your florals / vines, cut one last piece of twine and tie to the ends of each branch to bring the hanging together.

And there you have it — a beautiful repurposed floral piece that can be used as a wall hanging (or an empty wine glass cupboard hanging) — whatever floats your boat, or (in this case) hangs your branch.

For more visual details, be sure to check out my IGTV @haveyour.c.a.k.e and let me know what you think!

Xoxo