Grapevine roots are a versatile crafting supply.
Grapevines are traditionally used in making primitive country crafts such as woven baskets, door swags and wreaths. Small grapevine roots are a thinner, more delicate part of the grapevine itself. Decorating ideas that utilize these slender, woody tendrils are typically rustic in nature and include many miniature and small scale projects.
Instructions
1. Clean grapevine roots of dirt and debris by brushing with an old toothbrush. Dry the roots in a warm area until they're no longer damp to the touch, but are still flexible.
2. Cut away bent, broken or fragile portions of the root using small pinking shears or craft scissors.
3. Weave small wreaths from thicker portions of grapevine roots. Used these as decorative ornaments, as miniature picture frames, as decorative surrounds for small glass votives, or attach several small wreaths together with florist wire and create garland for decorating doorways, stair rails, mantels and Christmas trees.
4. Add delicate grapevine roots to floral arrangements. This rustic decorating technique works well with fall-themed arrangements that feature dried flowers, leaves, willow reeds and bamboo stalks.
5. Decorate ribbon-laced jar tops of homemade preserves or dried spices with sprigs and clusters of small grapevine roots. Add a square of gingham or calico fabric to create a country look.
6. Gather several strands of grapevine roots together and secure the center with craft wire covered with decorative ribbon. Add silk or dried flowers to the center and use as wall decor. This abstract decoration can be used as a window or door swag.
7. Use a hot glue gun to secure grapevine root clusters to miniature straw wreaths or straw hats, wooden picture frames or decorative wooden boxes. Add dried berries, flowers and raffia to create primitive decor.
8. Use several strands of grapevine roots to wrap around a wine bottle. Secure with hot glue at the top and bottom of the bottle. Cover the starting and stopping points with small bunches of rubber grapes. This technique can turn an empty bottle into a decorative vase. It can also be used as a creative way to present a bottle of wine as a hostess gift.
9. Wrap thin strands of grapevine root around a small cone-shaped foam form and secure with hot glue. Spray paint the entire form with gold, silver or glitter paint to create a rustic yet elegant Christmas tree decoration.
10. Weave thin grapevine wreaths through a wrought iron birdcage. Add garlands of silk ivy and a rustic wooden dove.
Tags: grapevine roots, strands grapevine, dried flowers, frames decorative, grapevine root, grapevine roots, picture frames
