Create Your Own Meadow Hoop

Imagine a meadow in nature — a mix of grasses, grains, little flowers and big blooms that all together create a beautiful landscape. With this Meadow Hoop, you will be creating your own miniature version of a summer meadow using my homegrown and handpicked everlasting flowers.

Throughout this process, you will be weaving stems in and out of the twine 2–4 times to hold them in place. Don't worry about where the bottom of the stems end up yet — you will trim them all at once at the end.

Some stems will break — don't worry. I gave you plenty of extra!

Arrange mini bouquets in cute vases using the extra flowers.

Read through all the instructions briefly before you begin so you know where you're going.

Step 1: Start with Grasses & Grains

Begin with the grasses and grains to create your background. This will create movement and that "portrait mode" feel that will make your flowers stand out. The tops of the grasses should be at varied heights for a natural look. Weaving 5-7 stems is a good starting point.

Tip: Thinner stems of grasses can be too flimsy to weave through one at a time. Try bundling 2–3 stems together and then weave them through the twine.

Step 2: Add Spikes

Take the bundle of larkspur, lavender, and astilbe and weave them through at intervals. Experiment with spacing them evenly or having them in a group of 3 in the center or off to one side. You probably won't use all the stems and that is okay.

Step 3: Add White & Yellow Accents

Add the stems of little white flowers (winged everlasting) and yellow buttercups across your meadow. These pops of white and yellow will add the sparkle it needs.

Step 4: Add the Strawflowers

These are your focal flowers that will draw your eye into the meadow. Group 3 strawflowers close together or space them how you like.

Tip: Strawflower stems can be a bit fiddly since they are thick and curvy. Take your time and hold the stem at a stronger point about 2 inches below the bloom as you weave so it doesn't snap off.

Step 5: Add the Fun Bits & Pieces

Add nigella pods and green bupleurum for interest and yarrow and other flowers in your bundle for texture if desired.

Step 6: Step Back & Assess

Hang it up and stand back to check it out. Ask yourself:

Does it have a natural flow to it?
Are there varied heights?
Does your eye land where you want it to?

Step 7: Trim the Stems

After you make adjustments and are happy with your meadow, trim the stems to all the same length or to match the curve of the hoop (stems longer in the center and shorter on the sides).

Now hang it up inside in a not too sunny and humid spot (see care tips below) and enjoy!

You just created something beautiful and sustainable with your own hands!

Tips for a Beautiful Meadow

Use odd numbers. Odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye than even numbers — use 3 or 5 stems of one type of flower rather than 2 or 4 if something seems "off."
When in doubt, add white. If it seems like something is missing, try adding more white flowers. White is like adding salt to your food — you didn't know it was missing until you put it on!
It's okay to remove stems. Empty spaces can enhance the flowers, and too many stems can make your flowers get lost in the crowd.
Troubleshoot stems that stick out. Sometimes the way you wove a stem causes the hoop to stick out from the wall too much. Remove that stem and re-weave it until it works, or replace it with something else. Sometimes a stem just will not cooperate!

Other Variations to Try

Single bouquet bundle: Make one larger bouquet bundle using all the floral elements. Weave the entire bouquet through the twine in the middle of your hoop. Tie the bottom of the stems together with a pretty ribbon.
Three mini bundles: Make 3 small bouquet bundles using all the floral elements and weave them evenly across the hoop.

Care for your Meadow Hoop

Hang your hoop indoors, out of direct sunlight.
High humidity can make thinner stems droop - so don't hang this in the bathroom!
Slight shedding of petals is normal and will not affect the overall look of your artwork.
Your meadow hoop will last for years indoors. Colors will fade gently over time, but there is beauty in the aging.

Questions?

Email me at caroline@dewfallflowers.com