I never thought I’d one day actually sell my works — let it be a painting, craft, or food. I’m just never the entrepreneur kind of person. I mean there’s literally 7 billion people out there who are better than I am; why would anybody buy my works?
All I wanted was to decorate our house for Christmas. On my own I wouldn’t have bothered; but having children means giving them a childhood to remember. I wanted them to grow up with not just culture but memories. Hence why I put extra effort to make rice dumpling on Dragon Boat Festival and bake mooncakes on mooncake festival. I’m not Christian (Mojujuju is), so Christmas was never a celebrated holiday for me. My parents would simply continue working while my sister and I binge on Anime at home.
Unfortunately the only Christmas wreath I ever own/bought is in a pretty bad shape. Not sure where the pinecones are or even the bell who decided hotglue gun just isn’t for her had went. I was scrolling through Amazon for a new wreath, and something just came to my mind.
Why am I buying fake wreath full of plastic and unnatural material when we are surrounded by an amazing garden that never stop giving?
I then researched on wreath making and found out that 90% of the materials are literally right in my backyard! “This will be a nice project for Mr. Monday and I!” (or so I thought).
Pinecones was one of the main material that I simply did not have. Where do I find a pinetree?!?! I asked around on ZeroWasteNW facebook group (yes, I’m bloody hippie I know lol) and was informed that we could find a massive pine wood right beside Formby beach! How convenient! Mr. Monday could have his fun at the beach and we could then go collect pinecones in the woods. (or so I thought).
Fast forward the day for us to hunt for pinecones is finally here!!! E-X-C-I-T-E-D. So was the weather. (ㆆ _ ㆆ) The howling wind was joining us on our day trip. Only Mr. Monday had enjoyed his time at the beach while Me, Mojujuju and Lil’ Tuesday are literally frozen to bits by the overexcited baby Zeus that is constantly blowing our way. We wrapped Tuesday like some mummy in over 3 layers in hopes that she wouldn’t be cold!!! She did have a good nap TOTALLY wasn’t complaining.
DO NOT go to the beach at 8C. Be Smart. Don’t be like me.
Can I also add that trying to push a pram to the beach is NOT advisable as the soft sand makes any form of pram-pushing almost impossible. We ended up carrying Mojujuju while dragging the pram at the back of us. I was already struggling to walk (thanks to my 80 year old hip) and my feet were sinking into the sand. Mr. Monday who was as light as a feather on the other hand had ZERO problems running around on the sand!!! Ugh. Also whoever that told me that the pine woods is RIGHT BESIDE THE BEACH is a massive liar (T⌓T)
The pine woods however was breathtakingly beautiful. It was just so serene and peaceful. Mr. Monday had lots of fun collecting pinecones and we ended up with a large bag of pinecones and some wild rose hip too.
Never knew pine trees were THAT tall.
With all our materials set, we’re FINALLY down to some artsy-craftsy!!! I called a friend of mine (let’s call her Mrs.HotMama) and asked if she and her 2 year old would like to join. So we ended up making wreaths together; while our toddler run around the house NOT contributing. To be fair they were just TOO happy to see each other. Mr. Monday were practically begging for her to play with his toys— which was… erm. everywhere. Mrs.HotMama and I each finish a wreath after about an hour of faffing about.
My very first wreath. We did it!!!
Mojujuju was initially very (when I say very, it’s very very) skeptical about the whole ‘LETS MAKE OUR OWN CHRISTMAS WREATH’ thing. He kept saying that we probably lack a lot more materials, since I didn’t really prepare much lol. At the end of the session he was seriously (when I say seriously, it’s seriously serious) impressed! He suggested me to sell them and I literally went “PFFFFTTTT, who would buy this shit?”.
What I love about Mojujuju is that he is always very encouraging — except when he’s skeptical. Because of his constant yapping for me to try and sell it, I posted in on our neighbourhood app. Surprisingly there are people who want my works!!! (still can’t believe it). Why would anyone pay for my garden clippings is beyond me, but I’m not complaining!
Hence THIS, is how I ended up selling Christmas wreath. It’s fun. I really enjoy making them. I’m not even doing it for the money. I just can’t believe a part of our garden (that is otherwise going to the compost bin), is going to be loved, appreciated and cheer up our neighbourhood. Also, since they are 100% natural AND responsibly sourced (lol I mean, it’s my bloody garden), I guess… I am somewhat helping the environment?! Now this is something I’d love to tell my grandchildren about. “Yo grandma was so kewl, she used to sell wreath to save the earth hohoho”. (☛´∀｀*)☛
If you want your own natural Christmas Wreath, let me know!