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November 28, 2009

Center-program participants get hang of wreath-making

By Emily Younker

eyounker@joplinglobe.com

Kerstin Landwer paused in her wreath-making Saturday to admire a twisted, dark-colored seed pod, about 6 inches long.

“I love these pods,” she said, holding one against her wreath. “They add some whimsy, some dimension.”

At a table nearby, Janice Stewart stared down at her half-finished wreath, weighing Landwer’s words.

“Maybe that’s what I need — some dimension,” she said.

The two women were part of a small group that met Saturday afternoon to make holiday wreaths from twigs, leaves and other flora picked from the overgrowth at Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, located in Wildcat Park in Joplin.

Led by Landwer, who used to do visual displays for Silver Dollar City and Famous-Barr, the group first fanned out across the park, drifting along the walking trail as they snipped twigs from branches and gathered stray pine cones.

Miriam Hoagland, of Redings Mill, said she comes to Wildcat Park — and the center’s programs — often, having grown up nearby.

“I love the outdoors,” she said as she gathered briars along the trail. “I love fishing; I love hunting.”

With their sacks full of small branches and plants — and even a few berries, a couple swatches of moss and part of a wasp’s nest — the group then returned to a workroom inside the center, where their creations took shape.

Landwer gave them a few pointers, including how to tie a bow from ribbon and what trends designers are currently using on wreaths. But she also encouraged them to tap into their inner creativity.

“It’s just kind of limited by your imagination,” she said.

Stewart and a friend, Carolyn Slavens, both of Springfield, attended the class as part of a day trip to Joplin.

They both said they had a good time being outdoors on a day when the temperature reached into the 60s. They said they were pleased with the result of their work and planned to hang their wreaths on their front doors or mantels.

Hoagland said she had a spot picked out for her wreath next to her front door.

“It might give it some personality,” she said.

In addition to creating a nature-friendly wreath, Landwer said the goal of the class was to help participants appreciate the park during a season when most plants are brown and dry.

“Even in the fall and deep winter, this is a beautiful place,” Landwer said. “I really like the stark beauty of the place in winter.”

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