In our part of the country, spring seemed to make an early arrival this year. The tulips trees opened up in early February (see below), and for the first time in long time, they didn’t get “bit” by a cold snap. Now that those early bloomers are done, the azaleas are starting to show their colors along with the dogwoods. But they may not fare as well as the others. This week, the temps will be below freezing almost every night. This doesn’t bode well for delicate flowers, but we’ll see how they hold up! 
I love to bring the outdoors in when it comes to decorating. This is one of the reasons I plant cutting flowers, like zinnias, in my garden each year. I told my husband when we were first married that flowers weren’t really my thing. Clearly, I was lying and didn’t know it. Now there are cut flowers in our house at all times, if possible. Right now, I have camellias on the kitchen table. Blossoms always brighten up a room!
Blossoming branches are just as lovely as cutting flowers, but not quite as easy to successfully display inside. So several years ago I decided to make my own cherry blossom branches to use in spring decorating. They’re super simple and are able to be used year after year. I simply store them on the top shelf of a closet so they are less likely to be broken (or turned into swords). Using a petals from artificial flowers (I know, but it’s necessary…), hot glue, and branches from your backyard, you can easily create this DIY decor stunner too.
The Supplies
4-5 long, thin branches (I used birch, but any thin type will do)
Small bunch of artificial flowers (The Dollar Tree or any you have laying around)
Glue gun and stick
The How-To
- Gather 4 or 5 long (20-25 inches), thin branches from your yard. If you don’t have trees, head to a friend’s yard. I’m sure they won’t mind sharing their sticks. I used Birch limbs because they’re thin, and they are usually always around. It’s also nice if the branches have little “stems” or nodes, as this gives your blossoms something to stick to. But if your branch is smooth, just roll with it.
- Warm up your glue gun on a heat-safe surface. While your glue is warming, use scissors to cut the individual petals off of the artificial flowers. I tried to find the smallest petals in my store’s limited selection. An artificial hydrangea would be a great choice, but use what you have!
- Once your petals are ready and the glue is warm. Take one petal at a time, dab glue on the bottom center of the petal, and quickly place it on your branch. Press the bottom edges of the petal around the branch or node to give it a slight curve.
- Repeat the petal gluing process on various places on your branches. Don’t space them so evenly that it looks uniform. Place two petals close together, then another further away. Think natural! When you’re finished, you’ll have branches that look like they’re just opening up for spring.
- Place the limbs in a vase or large jar and allow them to rest against the side, or arrange them. To arrange, take a block of floral foam and place it in a decorative container. Then take your cherry blossom branches and one at a time push them into the foam. Adjust them slightly if needed, but you don’t want to over work them or the foam won’t hold as firmly.
- Cover the foam block with Spanish moss or any decorative covering and enjoy!
This simple DIY craft will bring a touch of spring into your home that can be used year after year. These branches make a lovely Easter tree ready for small ornaments to welcome in the joyous season, or budget-friendly wedding decor. For those excited gardeners, it will help you fill the time before planting can begin. I’d love to know if you give this craft a try. Until then, Happy Gardening!
Coming Soon! 
