Wreaths of the Heartland

The Prairie State was the first to designate the cardinal as its official bird, in 1929. Ohio and Indiana followed (plus Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia). Our grapevine wreath could adorn a coat hook or doorknob. We tucked in sprigs of white tallowberries and a pair of male cardinals (ours aren't territorial!).

To make this wreath: A 7-1/2-inch premade grapevine wreath is the base. Add an upsweep of dried twigs 7 to 8 inches long on one side; attach with hot glue. Insert white tallowberries around the wreath, securing with hot glue. The cardinals come with wire on their feet, which you attach to the wreath form.