This weekend, let’s have some fun by bringing nature inside. With a picture frame and some creativity, suddenly nature can become art. Lovely, stylish and simple.

Essence of Winter

First of all, think about what things in nature are typical of winter. Focus on solid objects for now, like twigs, leaves, mosses, anything that comes to mind. If you really think about it, there is more wintery nature than you might have thought. Perfect, that way there is more than enough choice for our decorations.

Make a List

Now, make a list of what you want to frame. Of course it can (and has to) still be open to some free interpretation. But it is good to set a general line. When collecting things outside, you are actually “stealing” from nature, so by making a list you can make sure you don’t take more than you need. If you clearly write that you want to find one twig and two patches of moss, make yourself stick to that plan.

A plastic bag is perfect to collect your small treasures.

Go Outside

When you have written down a list, it’s time to go outside. Take a small bag with you and go for a nice walk. Along the way, look for small pieces of nature that fit to your wishes. If you find something, take it with you and cross it of on your list. After a lovely refreshing walk, you will most probably have filled your bag with the treasures you were looking for, perfect!

Preparing your Nature

Upon arriving home, assess your findings. Are there some things that need washing, cutting or flattening? Now is the time for that. A lump of moss for example, can be made flat by vertically cutting a slice out if it. It’s best to do that when the materials are still moist and soft. The same goes for twigs, now they might still be a bit flexible, so if they have to become more flat, put them under a heavy object as soon as you get home. After that, it’s time to let your findings dry naturally. Now you can also decide what to put in your frame, and what not. The few pieces of nature that didn’t make the cut for framing might be a perfect decoration when showcased in a jar. That way you can enjoy any leftovers, leaving no nature to be wasted.

It’s so simple, some moss, pine-cones and a twig, yet a nice decoration for your desk or windowsill.

Time to Frame

If your beautiful pieces of nature have completely dried, it’s time to put them in their frames. Since they might have become fragile from drying, do this with some care. Also consider what frames you want to use and if you would like to use special backgrounds. Maybe it will give a nice effect to use a black or patterned background instead of a normal white one. And of course the material of the frame has a lot of influence on the overall feeling of the piece. Take your time to mesmerize about it to find the perfect combination.

Perfect Art

And then it is time to put up your new “art”. Let them complement your room, feel the peace such bits of nature emit, just enjoy them. Amazing how simple nature can suddenly be art.

It makes you wonder, since a painting is art, with or without a frame, maybe nature is too?

Enjoy your beautiful new pieces of framed nature!

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