Woodland Art: Find Materials to Create Unique, Nature-Inspired Decor

By Marlene Hurley Marshall
Published on November 29, 2010
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Unlike other arts, such as painting, in which gathering your materials may involve the fairly mundane task of going to an art supply store, gathering supplies for woodland art is an integral part of the creative process.
Unlike other arts, such as painting, in which gathering your materials may involve the fairly mundane task of going to an art supply store, gathering supplies for woodland art is an integral part of the creative process.
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Full of decorating ideas to admire and create, “Woodland Style” offers more than 150 pages of elegant, unexpected adornments made from pine cones, acorns, moss, bark, leaves, twigs, tree branches, river rocks, and more treasures of the natural world.
Full of decorating ideas to admire and create, “Woodland Style” offers more than 150 pages of elegant, unexpected adornments made from pine cones, acorns, moss, bark, leaves, twigs, tree branches, river rocks, and more treasures of the natural world.
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Hair cap moss (Polytrichum sp.)
Hair cap moss (Polytrichum sp.)
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Hypnum moss (Hypnum pallescens)
Hypnum moss (Hypnum pallescens)
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Broom moss (Dicranum sp.)
Broom moss (Dicranum sp.)
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Orthotrichum moss (Orthotrichum anomalum)
Orthotrichum moss (Orthotrichum anomalum)
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Callicladium moss (Callicladium haldanianum)
Callicladium moss (Callicladium haldanianum)
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Dicranum moss (Dicranum fulvum)
Dicranum moss (Dicranum fulvum)
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Atrichum moss (Atrichum angustatum)
Atrichum moss (Atrichum angustatum)
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Red maple (Acer rubrum)
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
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Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
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Fire moss, aka purple horned moss (Ceratodon purpureus)
Fire moss, aka purple horned moss (Ceratodon purpureus)
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River birch (Betula nigra)
River birch (Betula nigra)
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White birch (Betula papyrifera)
White birch (Betula papyrifera)
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Lichen-covered sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
Lichen-covered sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
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Cottonwood (Populus freemonti)
Cottonwood (Populus freemonti)
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White pine (Pinus strobus)
White pine (Pinus strobus)
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Black birch (Betula lenta)
Black birch (Betula lenta)

The following is an excerpt from Woodland Style: Ideas and Projects for Bringing Foraged and Found Elements Into Your Home by Marlene Hurley Marshall (Storey Publishing, 2010). With dozens of step-by-step projects, Marshall gives readers inspiration on using nature’s offerings in creative ways, including as table centerpieces, wreaths, baskets, sculptures, and much more . This excerpt is from Chapter 1, “Foraging for Materials.”

Making woodland art — such as a rustic wreath of acorns and pine cones, a coat rack fashioned from twigs, or a display of rocks and moss — offers rewards that are much greater than the end product. Unlike other arts, such as painting, in which gathering your materials may involve the fairly mundane task of going to an art supply store, gathering supplies for woodland art is an integral part of the creative process. Experiencing nature immerses you in the most pleasurable aspects of a day: the warmth of the sun; a gentle breeze; light seeping through trees; the scent of pine or honeysuckle; the sound of bird song, crunched leaves or a running stream; the softness of a gentle snowfall; the feel of earth beneath your shoes. Just being out in nature will brighten your day while also influencing your artistry. So take a walk on the wild side. Collect natural items from the woods or in your own backyard, and let them guide and inspire you.

Collecting Woodland Finds

The secret to being a successful woodland artist is to always be prepared for collecting treasured raw materials. Your basic tool kit should include utility bags and a knapsack, a trowel, a small camping knife, pruning shears, a good pair of work gloves suited for handling thorns, and insect repellent. If practical, keep a packed backpack in your car. You never know when you may see pine cones or pods on the side of the road, discover wild ramps or knotweed in your travels, or encounter a path that invites a stroll.

When collecting in any area, be aware of protected species of plants. Educate yourself on the rules of any park or preserve you enter, and always get permission from the owner before exploring private property. When foraging for wild edibles, be sure you know exactly what you are collecting and take only what you need, leaving some for others to enjoy and enough to generate next year’s crop.

Dress for Discovery

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