Heart of the Belflower Tree

The Forgotten Language of Flowers “In the early 18th century the Turkish "Secret Language of Flowers" was introduced to Europe by Lady Mary Wortley Montague, wife of the British ambassador to Constantinople. Flowers had long been a sign of romance but now lovers were able to send secret messages to each other by means of sending a posy of flowers. Each flower had a specific meaning and the order of arrangement had much to do with the intended "message". The French seem to have taken this idea to heart. In 1819 a French woman writing under the pen name of Madame Charlotte de la Tour (Louise Cortambert), wrote and published "Le Language des Fleurs" which offered seasonal floral and anecdotal advice to those wishing to send "secret" messages to each other. The following list of flowers comes mainly from that original book but has been augmented to include some common flowers of today as some of those from yesteryear are unknown. Enjoy this glimpse into the past and keep this in mind the next time you send or receive flowers!”

Bell Flower: Constancy; Gratitude

                                   By joelessacredgrove.com

The process of creativity begins with a problem. That may sound silly, but, from that thought/problem comes the idea for a solution followed by the action of solving that problem. Let me take you through that process from mental seeds to physical tree with this fun and easy tutorial.

Watch my Wrapped Wire Beaded Tree YouTube video tutorial!
 

Materials:
14 gauge wire - 10" or more
22 gauge wire - a roll of it
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
Chain nose pliers
Hot glue
Frame - optional
Charms to hang on the tree - optional

1. Cut 2 pieces of 4' 14 gauge wire and fold in half.  Fold a bent wire 2" from the bend and bend in the opposite direction on both sides of the bend.

2. Pinch the two folded parts and twist. These will be roots. Repeat with the other 4" wire.

3. Cut a 2' piece of the 14 gauge wire and bend one end, twisting to make a 5th root.

4. Holding the roots together, begin twisting the tree truck wires together.  Add as many extra wires as desired to add bulk to your trunk.

5. Decide where the branches will open up and separate them.

6. Cut 20 or more 2" pieces of 22 gauge wire and fold them in half.  Twist each for added strength and thickness.

7. Begin wrapping the smaller wires around the trunk, working upward and around the branches until you have the look you want.

8. To add charms, curl the ends of the branches, slide the charm on and secure by completing the curl.  I made charms from purple flower shaped beads with gold bells and leaf beads.

9. To add into a frame make sure the roots and branches have a flattened back side

10. Make sure there are plenty of contact points between the frame, backing and tree for the glue to create a good bond.

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