April made a typical entrance again this year: Friday, March 31st … one of the most beautiful days ever … warm, sunny, calm, and then … boom. Overnight the winds picked up and by morning they were absolutely howling. At 6:30 am the power went out and by 9:00 am snow was being driven sideways across the yard. Yep … spring in Alberta … aaarrrgh.
Lucky for me I had risen early and made my coffee, so I was sitting on the sofa, bundled up in fleece blankets, sipping a hot cuppa, and feeling grateful.
As the first slivers of morning lit up the sky, I watched the outside world come into my view. The barnwood tables and benches that I had set up on the deck in preparation for the new season sat sturdy and solid … waiting.
Earlier in the week I’d picked a ton of pussywillow. Some I’d set in a stoneware pot and was happy to see it hadn’t blown away. The new wreath I’d made was safely stowed against the house, under the overhang, and was no worse for the wear. Whew!
So even though our first day of April was atrocious (weather-wise) I spent it happily creating my spring willow wreath vignette, and came up with some home decor styling tips while I was at it!
I love an uncluttered look, but even so, there’s a lot going on here.
The wreath is hung in the centre of the wall with a small vintage chest and chair underneath. I placed the yellow birdhouse on several books to give it height and then used a yellow/green runner to draw the eye across and to the yellow pillow. Can you spot the repeating shape here?
So here’s my little still life mimicking life … or is life mimicking still life?
Do you not just love the little botanical print above the chair? Adore!
I was searching for books at Amazon and came across this little gem “Instant Wall Art – Botanical Prints: 45 Ready to Frame Vintage Illustrations for Your Home Decor.” So cute and fun! Botanical prints are hot by the way … .
Side note: I saw pussywillow branches for sale at Terrain for $48.00/bunch! Gah … choke … eek …
Try to incorporate meaningful items in your vignettes. A few of my favourite books include “In Detail”, “A Life Less Ordinary”, and “Vivian Maier Street Photographer”. I have so many amazing books, I could have stacked a dozen more, but it would have ruined the effect—less is more.
Mix old and new, organic and inorganic elements, but keep colour tones similar.
Making a pussywillow wreath is super simple! Buy a ready-made willow wreath at any craft store and proceed to stuff it with pussywillow branches! If you need a little more detail, check out my instructions here.
And last but not least, I’ll be sending the link to a full resolution copy of my little botanical print “Hyacinth, Willow and Tulip Play” in my next newsletter!! If you haven’t signed up, check the sidebar for details!
Thank you ever so much for stopping by!
All images edited in Lightroom
Presets by Kim Klassen
kk_breeze
kk_within
very pretty!
Thank you Theresa!
Well it is no secret that I love your style. I love the earthy colors and textures. Just beautiful.
Thank you Sarah!
This is beautiful, love how you’ve captured all the elements. Such elegant simplicity, perfect in the home x
Thank you, Jessica!
simple, clean, classic – it looks great Barb! I don’t have any pussywillows – and I rarely see them around here…wonder why that is…because I love them…will have to see about planting some..
Hoping its a warmer day for you…and that the days of snow in April are over!
Thank you Amy!
Just so beautiful. Gorgeous. Your home must be a show place. I cant wait to see more. So Lovely Barb.
Happy Easter my friend.
Thank you so much, Lisa! Happy Easter to you!
Just love what you created . .. and being from rural Saskatchewan, pussy willows are just a part of my spring . .. love, love them. You creates gorgeous vignettes.
Thanky you, Carolyn! I’m astonished! I’m from Saskatchewan – born and raised!! It’s in my heart and soul …
Lovely, Barb, just lovely!
Thank you sweet Marilyn!
Barb, You are reading my mind! I’m doing the same here – sprucing up for spring. Like you, I prefer a simple uncluttered look, where less is more. But it’s getting hard as I keep collecting props and things I love. So, yesterday I did another big clean out and hauled stuff to the Goodwill, vowing once again, to keep my buying and collecting to a minimum! We’ll see! Thanks for sharing the tips – good books, wreath making, and more great ideas of succulent plantings! I just love your style!
Lovely, I love these neutral colors!
yes, p-willows are crazy expensive in stores! Do you have them growing wild by you? So lucky! My little daughter is in love with p-willows!
Absolutely lovely.
I love your wreath , it goes so well with the other elements you have chosen. The tones in your photos are so soothing and peaceful, lovely !
Beautiful and peaceful!
Just beautiful, Barb! I love your neutral palette and simple (well, LOOKS simple. . .) styling- not to mention the pussy willows! Elegant!
Gorgeous! I love it.