~~~~I Waited As Long As I Could~~~~

Months ago I posted about my old canopy awning finally biting the dust..literally.

The hail storm came and it was ripped to shreads all over the ground.

I really hated to lose that quaint part of my old building, but I also really loved the light it let shine in through my six big windows.

So my vision was to grow beautiful wisteria vines up onto the corners of the building where it would wind around the old metal frame and simply cascade down throughout the open frame, eventually covering the entire area across the front of the building.......

Very European, I must say:)....especially for lil ol' Texas

I've waited and waited through the longest winter ever, and have now planted my vines......

Because I bought the biggest I could find, I think they will start to cover the ends very nicely, very quickly....

They are absolutely delicious!

Not far to go before it is up on the old framework and starting to create a wisteria canopy!

Thank you for stopping by today.....

I always love it when you come!

Quick Project Thursday #9~ Dried Hydrangeas

Drying the Perfect Hydrangea....

I'm including this as a project because I have had so many questions about how I accomplish this......and it's really quite simple.

The most important factor in getting the best dried bloom is picking it at the perfect time.

Make sure the bloom is what I called "aged".

It cannot be new and beautiful, which how most think it should be.

Wait until at least a week into the bloom when the majority of the moisture has left the flower.

If it feels just a little stiff to the touch, but is still full and colorful....it's ready.

Cut the flowers with enough stem to place into a vase so you can finish the drying process.

Fill your vase with enough water to cover approximately 1" of all stems.

Not only can you enjoy a beautiful vase of fresh flowers while they are drying, but you will also end up with perfect dried hydrangeas.

There is no need to turn these upside down as you do roses.....

they will dry perfectly upright in the vase.

When all of the water is gone in about 5-7 days....your flowers are done.

You can leave them in the vase for a beautiful dried flower arrangements

or in wreaths and other projects.

I hope this helps all those accomplish the perfect dried hydrangea.

Spring is almost here and there will be beautiful flowers soon!

And they look beautiful attached to wreaths.....If you would ever like to join the fun and share a quick project, just grab my sidebar button and let me know......we would love to have you. Barbara Jean always plays along and has wonderful ideas, so check her out at Treasures from the Heart

As always....thank you for stopping by today.

This is such a busy time of the year and I appreciate your visits!