Ticking and Toile Star Anise Wreath

Here’s an idea I’ve been wanting to try for a while…using star anise to create a little wreath! I love the look and smell of star anise and thought that the little star shapes might add some interest and texture to a mini wreath…plus make the house smell wonderful! I was afraid that finding enough of it at a reasonable price would be a problem…

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Ticking and Toile Star Anise Wreath tutorial

…but I was thrilled to discover packets of whole star anise on sale at World Market for only $1.39 per packet, so I bought four just to be sure to have enough. And then, my little wheels started turning.
Here is what you will need:

Raffia-covered wire, preferably in brown (I found mine at Michaels)
Approximately 30 whole star anise (Not familiar with star anise? Although not related, it has a scent similar to anise, fennel and licorice.)
Hot glue gun
Fabric hearts and ribbon (or other embellishments you choose)
Jute twine

And here’s what you will do:

Shape the raffia-covered wire into an 8 inch circle, twisting the ends together.
Hot glue the star anise to the wire, one at a time. I found that it worked best to place a drop of glue on the back of the star anise and then hold it in place gently until it had time to set. The front part of the star anise is easily recognized since it usually has seeds. Note: You cannot put a lot of pressure on it or it will break!
Continue until the entire wreath is covered.

I added handmade hearts by hot-gluing them to a length of jute twine and then tying them to the wreath and adding a bow to finish. However, you could use any element that you please, incorporating seasonal themes if you wish…eggs at Easter, stars at Christmas, etc.

I love the scent and the texture that these wonderful little stars will be adding to my kitchen...

...but since it was a pretty day, I took my new little wreath outside to photograph it. Believe it or not, we have a couple of days of possible snow coming our way here in the South so I wanted to take advantage of the nice weather while I could!

The staff, however, opted for a group nap in a sun puddle…always a good idea!

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Lavender Goats Milk Soap

And just in case you are looking for more ways to use dried flowers or plants in your home to chase away the winter blues, here’s my lavender goats milk soap. If I had known how super easy it is to make, I would have tried it long ago!

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Lemon and Lavender Simmering Potpourri

And to add some freshness to your home after living with the windows closed during the winter months, try my homemade lemon and lavender simmering potpourri. It will have your home smelling fresh and spring-y in no time!
What about you? Do you have tricks that you use in your home to chase away that winter-y feeling?

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Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party , Thrifty Decor Chick for Before and After Monday , Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday , The Stories of A2Z for Tutorials and Tips Tuesday , Coastal Charm for the Show and Share Party , A Stroll thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday , My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Inspire Me Monday, Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays , French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday , Common Ground for Be Inspired on Fridays , The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday , Craftberry Bush for the Inspiration Gallery on Friday, Tatertots & Jello for the Link Party Palooza on Fridays